Party Coves, Poker Runs and Raft-Ups

Episode 10:  Today, Molley and Chad are going to discuss a fun topic for adult boaters.  Let’s join them to learn about party coves, poker runs and raft-ups!  Each of these are great adult-focused activities.

Not Really for the Kids

Chad explains that because these events are big party opportunities for adults, it’s not something to do with the kids.  People are letting loose and trying to have fun.  So, keep that in mind when planning your trip to the lake for these events.

The 5 Best Party Lakes in the USA

Chad reviews a list for anyone who doesn’t mind a little travelling.  Here we go:

#1:  Lake Havasu (AZ) - https://www.golakehavasu.com/

#2:  Lake Washington (WA) - https://www.seattleandsound.com/lake-washington/

#3:  Lake Travis (TX) - https://laketravis.com/

#4:  Lake St. Claire (MI) - https://www.lakestclairguide.com/

#5:  Cumberland Lake (KY) - https://lakecumberlandvacation.com/tourism/

Honorable Mentions for the List

#6:  Lake Tahoe (CA/NV) - https://visitinglaketahoe.com/

#7:  Lake Minnetonka (MN) - https://lakeminnetonka.com/

#8:  Lake Norman (NC) - https://www.visitlakenorman.org/

#9:  Lake Martin (AL) - https://alabama.travel/places-to-go/lake-martin-2

#10: Lake of the Ozarks (MO) - https://www.margaritavilleresortlakeoftheozarks.com/

Pro-Tip:  Party coves are a lot of fun and you might find yourself anchored there for quite a while.  If your boat has a bathroom, please don’t discharge the waste into the cove.  You should find a pumping station. 

Raft-Ups

Raft-ups tend to be located in the open water.  There’s often a floating stage and a band.  Remember, the point is to hang out with other boaters.  It’s going to be a long day.  It may not be easy to disconnect from the raft-up.  If you’re worried about another boat tying up to yours, this might not be for you.  By the way, Lake Cumberland has the world-record for the largest raft-up!

There’s usually a party lane between groups of boats.  If you can find the lane, it’ll be a party.  Check out this actual Lake Cumberland raft-up footage captured in a music video by Dustin Collins.

Poker Runs

There are different types of poker runs.  For boats, this is typically an organized event.  On Lake Cumberland, it’s usually held the weekend after Labor Day.  You have 5-7 check points.  When you arrive, you’ll get a playing card.  The object is to collect the best poker hand, at the end of the run.  It’s a matter of chance, not speed.  It a ton of fun and there’s usually a party at the end of the day.  Some poker runs take place over 2 days.  There are typically strictly enforced rules.

Pro-Tip:  If you’re just heading out for a day or weekend on the lake, make sure you know if they are having a poker run in your area of the lake.  You can find yourself surrounded, before you know it.  It can make the outing a little dicey, if you’re not ready for it.

Here’s a resource for poker runs across the country:  https://pokerrunsamerica.com/

Chad mentions that the number of boats and the speed can really make the water choppy.  It might not be the best weekend for young kids.  It’s loud and the waves are big.  However, you can see some boats going really fast!  If you do take them, again, stay away from the party covers.

Thunder Runs are speed based and, at Lake Cumberland, it occurs at the beginning of summer.  Poker runs at Lake Cumberland are typically at the end of the summer.  The lake or docks may have a schedule posted online.  This could enable you to plan a day to hear and see the boats.

For Your Consideration:

Remember, it’s going to be a long day on the water.  Make sure you take beverages, including water.  Bringing along food and snacks is always a good idea.  You can click to listen to our episode on food ideas for your boat outing.  As always, remember to bring plenty of sunscreen!

The guy who fuels up the boats at the dock is a solid source of information about where to go, and where to avoid (if you have the kiddos with you).  Consider tipping the guy for his help.

Party coves and Poker runs are a great time.  If you’re a new boater, this might not be a time for you to take out your boat.  It’s going to be a crowed time on the lake and people are going to be extremely distracted.  It might be a good time to take along a more experienced boater or have him/her take you out for the day.

That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining. 

Thanks for Listening!

If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters!

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