Posted in Whitewater Rafting Blog
Got some love stories for us? We’ve got a place for your voice to be heard! You absolutely must check out our fun, new interactive Colorado rafting blog where you can post your own stories and then post ‘em right onto Facebook. It’s at whyilove.coloradorafting.net . You can also “Like” others’ stories and read about their experiences to help you decide on your next trip!
The best part? If you submit a story, we’ll send you an AVA t-shirt!
To share your own story, click the “Share Your Story” button on the right side or CLICK HERE.
Check out whyilove.coloradorafting.net today!
Posted in Colorado Activities & Events • Whitewater Rafting Blog
So many fun things coming up, we can hardly stand it!
News about the progress of our zip line course, our new guest story blog where you can post your own whitewater rafting and adventure stories and then post them on your Facebook page, chances to get free tshirts and hats sent to you, fun new whitewater rafting trips, discounts, and more!
All coming soon! Stay tuned.
Posted in Whitewater Rafting Blog
Wondering how to choose the right Colorado whitewater rafting trip?
We know the choices can be overwhelming, which is why we’re doing a series of blog posts to help you figure it out! We want to start with explaining how our whitewater rafting trips are rated. If you do much research on rafting trips, you’ll find that almost all rafting trips in Colorado are rated from Class I to Class V.
What does that mean?
The International Scale of River Difficulty was created a few decades ago by American Whitewater. That’s the scale we use at AVA too. Here’s an abridged version of that scale:
- Class I: This is generally what we call “flat water,” moving water with riffles, small waves and few obstructions. We recommend: The Colorado River Scenic Float.
- Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Many of our Class III trips also have some Class II water in between the rapids. We recommend: –Our Colorado River Scenic Float. The Brown’s Canyon rafting trips or the Clear Creek Beginner trip also have some Class II water in between the rapids.
- Class III: Beginner-Intermediate. These are what we often call our family whitewater trips. They’re fun for both beginner and experienced rafters and generally have a minimum age of 6-7 years and minimum 50 lbs. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. We recommend: Classic intermediate trips like Brown’s Canyon full day trip, the 24 Hours in Brown’s Canyon Overnight Trip, the Clear Creek Beginner, or the Blue River.
- Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. The rapids on these trips tend to be both more continuous and larger than on Class III trips. These trips are appropriate for first-time rafters that are in very good physical shape and are strong swimmers. We recommend: The Numbers rafting full day or half day, the Clear Creek Intermediate Rafting Trip or the Royal Gorge.
- Class V: Advanced Plus. The most advanced level of commercial rafting. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. While we prefer that you have rafting experience when you go on a Class V trip, our trips that include Class V rapids can be appropriate for first-time rafters in excellent physical condition with very strong swimming skills and an understanding that you are entering into a first-class serious adventure! We recommend: The Gauntlet trip, which includes the Pine Creek rafting trip and The Numbers rafting in one trip, the Clear Creek Advanced, or the ultimate Class V: our Gore Canyon rafting trip.
- Class VI: Although attempted by private boaters, these rapids are not run on commercial raft trips! TOO EXTREME!
Give us a call at 800-370-0581 and we’ll narrow down all of the choices to find the perfect trip for you!
Posted in Whitewater Rafting Blog
Thank you, thank you to everyone who voted to help us win Best of Summit 2010! For the third year in a row, we were voted best rafting company in Summit County, CO. We are so proud! We couldn’t do it without all of you who voted for us. We love you!
Posted in Whitewater Rafting Blog
HB 1188 was amended in Committee Monday evening… It’s not everything everyone wanted But it is a good first step, please consider the difficulty and scale of this issue we’re working.
An amendment went on the bill yesterday that did five major things:
1. Rewrote the legislative declaration to declare that the right to float was based in existing law broadly rather than narrowly on English common law.
2. Removed all references to “navigation” and replaced them with the term “right to float”
3. Included private boaters in the definition of people who can exercise their right to float on runs historically floated by commercial rafting companies
4. Struck the ability to portage
5. Included language protecting landowners from liability for water diversions, agricultural practices, etc. and allowed the use of “incidental contact” to avoid them
Read the amended legislation online
————-ACTION ALERT ————–
The Future of River Running Heads to Senate Floor on Friday, March 19th!
Take Action BEFORE Friday 9am
YES ON HB 1188 – the 2010 River Outfitters Viability Act
Let’s keep Colorado rivers open for business and fun
Look up your own state senator at: http://www.comaps.org or
Project Votesmart: www.votesmart.org
Key State Senators to contact:
* Senator Rollie Heath 303-866-4872 E-mail: rollie.heath.senate@state.co.us Boulder County
* Senator Paula Sandoval, 303-866-4862, E-mail: nwden34@yahoo.com ( Denver)
* Senator Mark Scheffel 303-866-4869 E-mail: mark.scheffel.senate@state.co.us (Douglas, El Paso, Lake, Park, Teller counties
* Senator Abel Tapia 303-866-2581 E-mail: abel.tapia.senate@state.co.us (Pueblo)
* Senator Michael Johnston 303-866-486 E-mail: mike.johnston.senate@state.co.us (Denver)
* Senator Ted Harvey 303-866-4881 E-mail: ted.harvey.senate@state.co.us (Douglas)
Sample script for phone/email/letter:
Dear Senator _______:
(Identify yourself: river enthusiast, Coloradan, business owner, outfitter whom employs many ppl. etc. Tell them if you live in their district. )
Please Vote Yes on HB 1188, the Colorado River Outfitters Viability Act.
We need Senator _______’s help to keep Colorado rivers open for business and fun! River running is a vital part of recreation, tourism, and business in the state.
Landowners, boaters, and fishers have been sharing the rivers for a long time in Colorado with few problems. Don’t let a few resort landowners close down the rivers for everyone in our state.
I hope I can count on your vote for the future of river recreation in Colorado.
(Add a personal note: why do you and your family enjoy boating?)
Sincerely,
Name
Posted in Colorado Activities & Events • Whitewater Rafting Blog
In a very exciting and dramatic committee hearing, 1188 passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing by a 4-3 party line vote on Monday, March 15. This was a very hard-won victory.
Now it goes to the Senate floor TOMORROW March 19.
Please please please call and email your Senator and urge them to support 1188.
Find your Senator.
