| The snow is melting. The rivers are swollen with the | | | | from $30 to $599 per person depending on trip options |
| fresh spring run-off. The current is swift. The waves | | | | and duration. The outfitter provides all river gear and |
| have grown in size and frequency. This marks the | | | | some trips include riverside lunches, or multiple meals if |
| beginning of the 2007 whitewater rafting season on | | | | you’re on an overnight trip. It is important to have |
| the Arkansas River in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. | | | | properly fitted PFD’s (personal flotation device), and |
| The Upper Arkansas River basin received abundant | | | | helmets. During the peak run-off wetsuits are |
| snowfall this winter offering whitewater | | | | mandatory as the water temperatures can be as low |
| enthusiasts’ ample water for the upcoming | | | | as 40°. Splash Jackets, heavy-duty windbreakers |
| whitewater season. 2007 promises to be one of the | | | | are also provided to help eliminate the wind chill. During |
| best rafting seasons in years as the Rocky Mountain | | | | the warmer summer month’s swimsuits are the |
| west recovers from drought conditions. Colorado’s | | | | attire of choice. Sport sandals, water socks, or an old |
| rivers primarily depend on the snow pack for their | | | | pair of tennis shoes are the suggested footwear. |
| water supply. Peak native run-off usually occurs | | | | Contact lenses are not recommended. If you choose |
| sometime in late May and June providing the most | | | | to wear eyeglasses or sunglasses bring retaining |
| exciting whitewater opportunities. The Arkansas River | | | | cords such as chums or croakies to prevent loosing |
| is unique among Colorado’s Rivers in that its’ | | | | them to the river. Plan on bringing waterproof |
| water resources are managed by the “Voluntary | | | | sunscreen as Colorado’s high altitude lends itself to |
| Flow Program”. Water is stored in three different | | | | the potential for sunburn. With all of the appropriate |
| reservoirs at the headwaters near Leadville. The | | | | equipment and skilled guides, whitewater rafting is one |
| entities that own and manage the waters that feed | | | | of the most fun and exciting means of getting into |
| the Arkansas River have coordinated with Colorado | | | | Colorado’s scenic backcountry. |
| State Parks and the Arkansas River’s outfitters to | | | | Commercial river guides operating in Colorado are |
| supplement the native flow when the snowmelt | | | | required to meet minimum state standards. Certain |
| subsides. This provides the Arkansas River with | | | | sections of river have more stringent requirements |
| enough water late in the season to allow whitewater | | | | that guides must meet before navigating commercial |
| operations well into September. | | | | passenger rafts. All guides are required to hold current |
| The Arkansas River in southern Colorado saw 282,381 | | | | CPR/First Aid certifications, and many exceed these |
| commercial rafting visitors in 2006 up 3.97% from | | | | requirements with Wilderness First Responder |
| 2005. The numbers continue to grow as more and | | | | certifications. River guides in Colorado undergo |
| more travelers are realizing this is a sport that anyone | | | | extensive training in river safety techniques and river |
| can participate in under the direction of a qualified guide | | | | rescue scenarios enabling them to provide their guests |
| and licensed outfitter. The Arkansas River in southern | | | | with a safe and exciting trip. River guides are some of |
| Colorado is one of the most user-friendly rivers | | | | the most entertaining and colorful folks you’ll ever |
| anywhere in the world. It offers whitewater rafting trips | | | | meet. They guide as a result of their passion for the |
| suitable for everyone. Whitewater adventure trips are | | | | sport, and the thrill of passing this passion on to their |
| a great family or group activity and also appeal to the | | | | guests. Most guides are not only expert boatmen, they |
| avid outdoors adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can | | | | also boast a working knowledge of the areas history |
| choose from half-day excursions to multi-day | | | | and ecology. A guide’s salary is modest at best for |
| overnight river adventures. The Arkansas provides | | | | the amount of responsibility bestowed upon them. |
| over 110 miles of whitewater with varying levels of | | | | Twelve to fourteen hour days are common during the |
| difficulty. Trips range from class II scenic floats to class | | | | peak season. Gratuities are graciously accepted as a |
| V extreme trips through the world-renowned Royal | | | | show of appreciation for their hard work in providing |
| Gorge. Many class III trips are suitable for children as | | | | their guests with an exciting and memorable |
| young as 6 years old or at least 50 lbs. Size | | | | experience. |
| requirements must be met in order to provide them | | | | Get out there this summer and experience it for |
| with proper fitting safety gear. The ability to swim well | | | | yourself. Whitewater rafting can provide you and your |
| is not required for easier runs. However, it is | | | | family and friends with fun and exciting memories that |
| mandatory for all class IV and above rapids. | | | | will last a lifetime! See you on the river! |
| Rafting trips are very affordable with prices ranging | | | | |