‘Uber of the Channel’ promises new way to float down Penticton’s river channel

PENTICTON – There will be a new service available for those wishing to take a care free cruise down Penticton’s river channel this year.

Penticton businessman Nicholas Kruger is creating a shuttle service called Float Penticton, structured for people to set up their day to float the river channel ahead of time. The service is expected to begin operations June 29.

“We have time slots available. Say you wanted to book a shuttle for tomorrow, you could book a 9:30 a.m. slot, once you book it’s gone, the next person would get the next available time slot,” he says, adding the service will pick up their customers wherever they are, be that at home, a bed and breakfast, motel, hotel or campground.

Float Penticton will likely utilize a drop off point near LocoLanding Adventure Park. Users will be able to access free air to inflate their tubes or other inflatables, and then they can float the whole channel length or get off at Green Mountain Road. The service is using a 14-passenger Ford Transit, with room for deflated tubes.

“Because we’re only shuttling 90 people per day, we’ll be able to track every one of our clients on the river. We’ll pretty much know everyone by name, so it’s a very personalized service,” Kruger says.

Calling it the 'Uber of the channel' Kruger says it’s an idea whose time has come.

"I think it’s great thing for Penticton. I think some people indulge in beverages on the river then they’re parked at the north end of the channel and have to drive home. I think this is going to help some people out before hand, who don’t want to do that, they can get a ride all the way home,” he says.

Customers can access the service through the Float Penticton Facebook page, or alternatively through Krugers’ website pentictonriverchannel.ca.

People who don’t have an inflatable can purchase one through the Float Penticton’s online store. Kruger says prices match those sold by Penticton retailers.

Cost of the shuttle service is $15 per person with kids under five free.

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