Bert, Peewee, and Alec, three high school-aged friends, rent a canoe from a boathouse for a river trip. After finding the boathouse locked and empty, they argue over Bert's conversation with the man who agreed to rent them the canoe. Bert angrily walks away from them and soon finds the canoe on the landing of the boathouse. The boys begrudgingly load the canoe with their items and drag it onto the quiet and misty river. As daylight breaks, Alec admits he would much rather be at home doing homework than in the cold river. Peewee attempts to placate him as Bert launches the canoe into the river. They paddle out of the countryside, and the three chat about their shared academic failures. They begin to lighten up as the day becomes brighter and more serene.   The boys hear the distant noises of a dam and soon arrive at their destination, the town of Coralville. Now excited, the boys drag the canoe out at the river's inlet and portage it back to its other side. As they continue the canoeing trip, they eat some breakfast they packed. The boys argue over the food items and about paddling responsibilities. The bright sun makes them feel tired and sleepy as they continue paddling. They embark at a mud bank to eat another meal in the afternoon. Alec complains about the plethora of mosquitos, and Bert chides him for constantly complaining. The boys lazily find wood to build a fire. Alec becomes exasperated after getting covered everywhere with mud and laments how badly his day has gone. The boys assure him the fire will help him dry off. They cook and eat their meal, soon feeling calmer and more comfortable. Alec realizes they did not bring water, and the boys discuss how they cannot drink the unsafe river water.   Soon, a rough-looking man rows past the boys at the bank while eying them. The boys feel creeped out and suspicious of him. Alec becomes nervous that the man took their canoe since it is out of view from the fire. The boys assure him that no one would steal a boat. They feel a storm coming and see thunderhead clouds begin to form. They hurriedly pack their items and head back to the boat as it starts sprinkling. The boys paddle for hours in the cold and rainy river until they arrive back at what they recognize as the shack in Coralville. They finally arrive at the boathouse to return the canoe at night.