This year's Arkansas River Weekend will be held July 20-22 and all ability levels are welcome!
The river has peaked, the water is getting warmer... it is the perfect time to visit, or revisit, the Arkansas River this summer. Milk Run, Brown's Canyon, Fractions, Numbers - they are all waiting for you! This will be one of the most fun events CW holds all year! Camping will take place at a new location with some fun new events, so please make sure to double check the details.
Camping and kayaking are free, so come out out and join your CW friends for a weekend on the Arkansas River!
Details
Who: You (You must be a current CW member - please renew or join on line if you're not)
What: Camping and Paddling, all abilities welcome
When: Friday, July 20th – Sunday, July 22nd (Meeting at 9:30am Sat & Sun).
Where: 15284 CO Road 350 (Crossman Ave), Buena Vista 81211. Please camp around the swimming pond or in the area indicated for camping and parking (see PDF). Do NOT camp on the large irrigated meadows. Camping area available from noon Friday through noon Monday. Quiet hours start at 9:50 PM. Please adhere to this as we are putting up a large security deposit!
Contact: Brooke Smith
River Time
Trips will be organized each morning at 9:30 am. See additional River informatnoi below. We still need committed leaders and sweeps! If you are willing to lead or sweep, please let Brooke know.
Events
This year we will also try to have some fun events for everyone to partake in. Details are still being ironed out, but as of right now we're planning a tug of war on Friday and kayak polo will be on the docket for Saturday Evening. We'll also have access to the pond so we will also have a location to work on rolls in flat water.
Facilities
There will portable toilet facilities available but you'll need to bring water and everything else. Pack out your trash. Be prepare for any kind of weather.
Fire Restrictions
There will most likely be a stage 2 fire ban. This means no charcoal or wood fires. Propane appliances with a switch are OK. Extra battery powered lighting might also be a good idea for social hours in the evenings.
River Conditions and Responsibilities:
Flows could potentially be low this year. Conditions change drastically with water level. Please research the run you are interested in doing. River levels and run information can be found at American Whitewater. Published resources include Colorado Rivers & Creeks 2 and Whitewater of the Southern Rockies. If you are unsure if your ability matches the run at the predicted flow, discuss your boating resume with the leader.
Please remember you are responsible for yourself on the river. You are also responsible to the group. Boat within your ability. Don't take unnecessary risks. Don't participate in a rescue if you are likely to become another victim. Cruise Coordinators have the right to deny inclusion on a trip for any reason and they also have the right to request a participant to leave the river for any reason.
Cruises and River Weekends are not instructional events. You should have the skills necessary to safely navigate the section of river to be run.
Only current CW members are allowed to participate in CW events. Please bring your completed liability waiver to give to the leader for each event (there will also be some available at Arkansas Weekend).
Please ensure you have all equipment necessary to run the river. You may be asked not to participate if your gear (or lack thereof) causes an unsafe environment. Remember the five essentials: kayak, paddle, helmet, skirt, pfd. AND, these other essential things: sturdy footwear, drytop (water temp is 56 degrees in Salida), float bags, water, food, sunscreen, knife, throw rope.
Equipment/Gear Checklist
Be sure that:
- Your boat has foot pegs or a bulkhead (which have been adjusted to fit you)
- Your boat has adequate flotation (inflatable bags that fit inside your boat)
- Your float bags are secured, so that they will not come out of the boat and float down the river if your boat fills with water
- Your spray skirt fits your boat and your body: you can put it on your boat on your own, you can release it with one hand, and it does not release on its own. We recommend a neoprene or similar spray skirt, instead of nylon
- Your boat has a drain plug, (if it is equipped for one)
- Your helmet and PFD fit properly
- Your boat is padded so that you are comfortable, but snug inside
- All your personal gear is labeled with your name and phone number. If you are renting equipment, please check each point listed above before you leave the shop; you may not be able to do anything about padding other than rent a different boat. Ask the staff to help you!
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Dinner
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We still need committed leaders and sweeps! If you are willing to lead or sweep, please let me know. Trips will be organized each morning at 9:30 am. Thanks in advance!
Group potluck dinner Saturday evening (7-ish). You are encouraged to bring something fantastic! Remember to include a serving utensil. For the convenience of cooking we ask that all pets be leashed beginning around 5:30pm while people are preparing food through the conclusion of dinner. Our four-legged friends can be very curious about what is for dinner and might be interfering with the preparation. Thanks for understanding. Everyone should bring their own mess kit (plate/utensils). At the conclusion of dinner, please remove your dish from the group table.
Hope you can join us for a wonderful weekend on the Ark!
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