Colorado Whitewater upcoming events

2026 Colorado Whitewater Kids Paddling Team (04/12/2026)

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Registration is open! Signups are first come, first serve

The Colorado Whitewater Association (CWA) Kids Team is a series of classes designed for youth aged 8–17 to develop safe, strong, and confident whitewater paddling skills. Whether your child is brand new to kayaking or has intermediate or advanced experience, this program offers a progression of skills tailored to all levels.

Participants will learn about:

Kayaks and essential gear
Paddle strokes, rolling, and bracing
River safety
Play boating and more

The focus is always on SAFE and FUN boating! CWA has a limited amount of equipment available for students to borrow.

Prerequisites: None

Where: Carmody Recreation Center

When: 2:30-6:00 pm Levels 1-4 ( There will be 2, 1 ½ hour sessions back to back 2:30-4:00 pm and 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm. We will notify you about which session your kayaker is in once we have the class groupings finalized.

Schedule:

Pool Sessions: February 1, February 8, March 1, March 15, April 12, April 19
Moving Water Weekend: May 2-3

Cost:

$225 per student (w own gear)
$250 per student if borrowing equipment for pool sessions

Youth must also be members of Colorado White Water

Join CW: Link to CW membership page

Any questions? Contact Sam at: kidsteam@coloradowhitewater.org.

NOTE: This event registration is non-refundable.

2026 Colorado Whitewater Kids Paddling Team (04/19/2026)

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Registration is open! Signups are first come, first serve

Participants will learn about:

Kayaks and essential gear
Paddle strokes, rolling, and bracing
River safety
Play boating and more

The focus is always on SAFE and FUN boating! CWA has a limited amount of equipment available for students to borrow.

Prerequisites: None

Where: Carmody Recreation Center

Schedule:

Pool Sessions: February 1, February 8, March 1, March 15, April 12, April 19
Moving Water Weekend: May 2-3

Cost:

$225 per student (w own gear)
$250 per student if borrowing equipment for pool sessions

Youth must also be members of Colorado White Water

Join CW: Link to CW membership page

Any questions? Contact Sam at: kidsteam@coloradowhitewater.org.

NOTE: This event registration is non-refundable.

See Jane Paddle - Boat Based Rescue Skills Clinic (04/21/2026)

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Ladies!

Do you want to be a safe and responsible boating partner on the river but there was never really an opportunity to learn how to rescue your friends when they swim? Have you taken a swiftwater rescue class but were disappointed when you never really talked about how to rescue equipment? Are you a little nervous on the river because when swims happen, you just eddy out and hope someone else more experienced takes care of it?

If you said yes to any of these and are pretty confident in Class II, this boat based rescue skills clinic is for you!

During this class, we will cover and practice:

Rescuing a swimmer with your boat (inflatables included)
Emptying water out of a submerged kayak and flipping over an inflatable kayak/packraft
Pushing/plowing boats (core sweep skills)
Towing an empty boat to shore and/or across the river
Hand of God kayak rescues
Rescue planning

This class will be on Tuesday evening from 5:30 pm until sundown or we all agree its getting too cold to continue.

You must have cold water gear to participate. Local retailers rent dry suits if needed. You will spend most of your time in your boat but there will be partner practice that will require you to be in the water and it's April.

After you've taken this class, there will be a practice session available the week after specifically to practice the skills you've learned in a more realistic setting higher up in the Golden play park with quicker current. If you can't make both sessions, no problem. If you can make both sessions, great! Please also sign up for the 4/28 Practice session separately, also located on the Event Sign Up page.

If you have already taken a boat based rescue class and do not want to take it again, you are welcome to only sign up for the practice session instead of taking both. We have plenty of room. If you've taken this class and want to take it again, that's fine too!

All participants must be CW members and sign a waiver.

Sandi Bednarz is teaching this class with Christina Hendren and Jessica Bednarz as assistants.

Email Sandi with any questions.

Beginner Whitewater Kayaking (Group C) (04/26/2026)

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:30:00 GMT

This introductory course is based on well-established ACA (American Canoe Association) standards and is designed for people who have little or no whitewater or kayaking experience. You will learn about kayaks, essential gear, basic paddle strokes & techniques, and river safety.

It begins in the safe environment of an indoor pool during two, two-hour sessions where a kayak, paddle and spray skirt will be provided. You’ll be taught the basic elements & skills of whitewater kayaking before you get on moving water.

CW Course Syllabi

*Note: This course will introduce you to the precursors to rolling but it’s not the focus of this course. Colorado Whitewater offers other classes that focus specifically on rolling. Those classes would be appropriate for students who have completed the Beginner Course or have previous kayaking and whitewater experience.

Students who attend both pool lessons are invited to attend two additional free events specifically for beginner students from these classes:

Moving Water Day: Your first day on moving water! Scheduled for Saturday May 9th at River Run Park in Englewood, CO. Weather and water level dependent.
Beginner Specific Cruises: Come experience a natural class II river. CW will have free beginner specific cruised designed for those with 5 or less days on the river.

For those future events, you will need to register separately online and have your own equipment including Helmet, PFD, Paddle, Skirt, Boat, warm layers.

You are also invited to attend free Thursday night meetups with the club starting in April and you'll receive a discount on Training Camp, our biggest event of the year! (ACA membership required for both). You will need to register separately for those events.

What to bring:

Swimsuit/shorts, non-cotton shirt, towel, dry clothes for after class. Cold natured people may want a neoprene shirt/jacket for warmth.

Medications you need to keep with you. Snacks.

Prerequisites: None

Cost: $250 course fee. Includes two 2-hour pool sessions, the flat-water/moving water weekend and rental equipment (boat, spray skirt, and paddle) for the pool sessions.

Class Times & Dates: This is a series of two indoor pool classes.

April 26th, 2026 2:30pm-4:15pm
May 3rd, 2026 2:30pm-4:15pm

Please aim to arrive 15 minutes early to change clothes and be ready to go on the pool deck at the start time.

Please direct any questions to our Instruction Coordinator

Waiver: Please sign the waiver before your class at Release Of Liability Waiver

Refunds: We will not be offering refunds for our pool instruction classes. We may be able to accommodate transferring your registration to another class. Please contact the Instruction Coordinator with questions.

Beginner Whitewater Kayaking (Group D) (04/26/2026)

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 22:30:00 GMT

CW Course Syllabi

Students who attend both pool lessons are invited to attend two additional free events specifically for beginner students from these classes:

Moving Water Day: Your first day on moving water! Tentatively scheduled for Saturday May 9th at River Run Park in Englewood, CO. Weather and water level dependent.
Beginner Specific Cruises: Come experience a natural class II river. CW will have several free beginner specific cruises designed for those who have 5 or less days on the river.

For those future events, you will need to register separately online and have your own equipment including Helmet, PFD, Paddle, Skirt, Boat, warm layers.

What to bring:

Swimsuit/shorts, non-cotton shirt, towel, dry clothes for after class. Cold natured people may want a neoprene shirt/jacket for warmth.

Medications you need to keep with you. Snacks.

Prerequisites: None

Cost: $250 course fee. Includes two 2-hour pool sessions, the flat-water/moving water weekend and rental equipment (boat, spray skirt, and paddle) for the pool sessions.

Class Times & Dates: This is a series of two indoor pool classes.

April 26th, 2026 4:30-6:15pm
May 3rd, 2026 4:30-6:15pm

Please aim to arrive 15 minutes early to change clothes and be ready to go on the pool deck at the start time.

Please direct any questions to our Instruction Coordinator

Waiver: Please sign the waiver before your class at Release Of Liability Waiver

See Jane Paddle - Boat Based Rescue Practice (04/28/2026)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Ladies!

Do you want to be a safe and responsible boating parter on the river but there was never really an opportunity to learn how to rescue your friends when they swim? Have you taken a swiftwater rescue class but were disappointed when you never really talked about how to rescue equipment? Are you a little nervous on the river because when swims happen, you just eddy out and hope someone else more experienced takes care of it?

If you said yes to any of these and are pretty confident in Class II, this boat based rescue practice is for you!

During this session, we will practice

Rescuing a swimmer with your boat (inflatables included)
Emptying water out of a submerged kayak and flipping over an inflatable kayak/packraft
Pushing/plowing boats (core sweep skills)
Towing an empty boat to shore and/or across the river
Rescue planning

This practice session will be on a Tuesday evening from 5:30 pm until sundown or we all agree its getting too cold to continue.

This is a PRACTICE session. Ideally, it's for practicing skills you've already learned. Have no idea what you're doing? That's OK! We are hosting a skills class the week before to learn all of these things. Please use the Event Sign Up page to sign up for Boat Based Rescue Skills Clinic (4/21) separately so you're prepared to work with the group. If you have already taken a boat based rescue class, you are not required to take it again to come to this practice session.

All participants must be CW members and sign a waiver.

Jen Kling is leading this session with Dede de Percin and Sandi Bednarz as assistants.

Email Sandi with any questions.

Intermediate Course: Class III (05/02/2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

This intermediate course will help you to develop the skills necessary to safely run advanced whitewater. This is not an all encompassing course--someone cannot go from being comfortable on class III to comfortable on class IV from a one day course. We will focus on teaching drills and techniques that will help you take your paddling to the next level. Please come ready to work and have fun. Participants should have their own gear as it will not be provided for this course. Class III paddling skills and a river roll expected.

Moving Water

Saturday May 2nd: The intermediate course will be on moving water. Exact location TBD based upon river levels, but River Run Park, the Golden Whitewater Park & Clear Creek have been a great venues in the past. Instructors will decide the location 1 week out.

Our goal is to practice advanced moves in class II/III whitewater. We are going to make easier sections of whitewater more challenging and more fun by applying what we've learned previously in our paddling careers. We’ll augment basics like eddy turns and peelouts with body position and momentum and ratchet things up from there. What we’ll do depends upon the current river level and conditions (options include ferrying onto a wave, microboofs, rolling in various conditions).

We’ll take a break and discuss as a group was has worked for us and where we’ve had some difficulties. Then we’ll put together some of the moves we’ve practiced into a course. We’ll take turns running the course and giving each other advice. Our goal is to give you the skills to make up your own training routines in the future. You’ll also develop your skills in effectively critiquing yourself and others. You will never look at class II/III the same way again.

Prerequisites

Before taking this class you’ll want to be comfortable practicing your roll repeatedly and paddling class II/III whitewater. It will be a bit chilly in the early season water, so a drysuit is highly recommended.

Details

Cost: $129 course fee

Class Time & Date:

May 2nd, 2026 12pm- 4pm (River TBD)

Please direct questions to our Instruction Coordinator

Refunds: We will not be offering refunds for our instruction classes.

Beginner Whitewater Kayaking (Group C) (05/03/2026)

Sun, 03 May 2026 20:30:00 GMT

CW Course Syllabi

Students who attend both pool lessons are invited to attend two additional free events specifically for beginner students from these classes:

Moving Water Day: Your first day on moving water! Scheduled for Saturday May 9th at River Run Park in Englewood, CO. Weather and water level dependent.
Beginner Specific Cruises: Come experience a natural class II river. CW will have free beginner specific cruised designed for those with 5 or less days on the river.

For those future events, you will need to register separately online and have your own equipment including Helmet, PFD, Paddle, Skirt, Boat, warm layers.

What to bring:

Swimsuit/shorts, non-cotton shirt, towel, dry clothes for after class. Cold natured people may want a neoprene shirt/jacket for warmth.

Medications you need to keep with you. Snacks.

Prerequisites: None

Cost: $250 course fee. Includes two 2-hour pool sessions, the flat-water/moving water weekend and rental equipment (boat, spray skirt, and paddle) for the pool sessions.

Class Times & Dates: This is a series of two indoor pool classes.

April 26th, 2026 2:30pm-4:15pm
May 3rd, 2026 2:30pm-4:15pm

Please aim to arrive 15 minutes early to change clothes and be ready to go on the pool deck at the start time.

Please direct any questions to our Instruction Coordinator

Waiver: Please sign the waiver before your class at Release Of Liability Waiver

Beginner Whitewater Kayaking (Group D) (05/03/2026)

Sun, 03 May 2026 22:30:00 GMT

CW Course Syllabi

Students who attend both pool lessons are invited to attend two additional free events specifically for beginner students from these classes:

Moving Water Day: Your first day on moving water! Tentatively scheduled for Saturday May 9th at River Run Park in Englewood, CO. Weather and water level dependent.
Beginner Specific Cruises: Come experience a natural class II river. CW will have several free beginner specific cruises designed for those who have 5 or less days on the river.

For those future events, you will need to register separately online and have your own equipment including Helmet, PFD, Paddle, Skirt, Boat, warm layers.

What to bring:

Swimsuit/shorts, non-cotton shirt, towel, dry clothes for after class. Cold natured people may want a neoprene shirt/jacket for warmth.

Medications you need to keep with you. Snacks.

Prerequisites: None

Cost: $250 course fee. Includes two 2-hour pool sessions, the flat-water/moving water weekend and rental equipment (boat, spray skirt, and paddle) for the pool sessions.

Class Times & Dates: This is a series of two indoor pool classes.

April 26th, 2026 4:30-6:15pm
May 3rd, 2026 4:30-6:15pm

Please aim to arrive 15 minutes early to change clothes and be ready to go on the pool deck at the start time.

Please direct any questions to our Instruction Coordinator

Waiver: Please sign the waiver before your class at Release Of Liability Waiver

Flat Water/Moving Water Day 2026 (05/09/2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Congratulations on completing your Intro pool class with Colorado Whitewater! Now that you've finished the course, we’d love to invite you to join us on the river for your first outing. No cost. Registration code required from Beginner Pool Session.

Trip Details:
When: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Where: River Run Park
Location Link
Parking: Enter through the Broken Tee Golf Course and park at the far west end of the lot near the pavilion and restrooms.

Gear Requirements

You must bring the following:

Helmet
Lifejacket (PFD)
Paddle
Spray Skirt
Boat (preferably a river runner or creek boat—do not use a playboat for your first few trips)
Water shoes or secure footwear

Cold Water Gear:
The river is around 45°F, so dressing appropriately is crucial. Here are your options:

If you run warm: A wetsuit and splash jacket should be enough.
If you run cold: Rent a dry suit and wear warm, non-cotton layers underneath. Golden River Sports rents dry suits—try them on in-store for sizing.

No cotton clothing—use synthetic fabrics that insulate even when wet.

Optional but Recommended:

Nose plugs (especially if you felt discomfort underwater during the pool session)

Additional Items to Bring

Water
Snacks & lunch
Sunscreen
Towel
Sunglasses (with retainer)
Warm, dry clothes for afterward

Gear Rental Options

If you don’t have all your gear by the week before the trip, contact the Instruction Coordinator—we may be able to help.

Rental sources include:

Team River Runner “A river to recovery” for wounded & disabled vets: Delivers gear for a $50 donation. Contact Lorraine at lorraine@bruteig.net
Confluence Kayaks
Golden River Sports

We’re excited to see you on the water! Let us know if you have any questions.

Group Roll Clinic 2:30pm (05/10/2026)

Sun, 10 May 2026 20:30:00 GMT

This group roll class is 2-on-1 with an instructor for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Beginner, intermediate, expert, whatever, this roll class is one on one. We think this allows us to tailor the lesson to exactly what you need and helps avoid having too many cooks in the kitchen.

If you have never rolled a kayak before, are looking to brush up on your roll after a long winter or are looking for feedback to get a more consistent roll this 1-hour & 45minute two-on-one clinic will provide you with direct feedback that should help you on your path to improving your roll. Nose plugs are recommended as a good majority of this class time will be spent upside-down.

Prerequisites: None. You'll be working two-on-one with an instructor so that they can meet you where you are. Our instructors can work with people who have never tried rolling before or people who are just trying to fine tune their existing roll.

Cost: $60 course fee. Rental equipment (boat, spray skirt, and paddle) available for $5 by request.

Waiver: Release Of Liability Waiver

Please direct any questions to our Instruction Coordinator

Group Roll Clinic 4:30pm (05/10/2026)

Sun, 10 May 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Cost: $60 course fee. Rental equipment (boat, spray skirt, and paddle) available for $5 by request.

Waiver: Release Of Liability Waiver

Please direct any questions to our Instruction Coordinator

Training Camp 2026 (05/15/2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The First BIG Whitewater Event of 2026

Please visit the Training Camp page to review all class descriptions, camping information, entertainment, etc.

To emphasize camping situation. Event registration includes a shared tent site. Planning for at least two tents per site. If you want to upgrade be sure to do a second registration for lodging upgrade.

You must be a current CW member to participate or volunteer on the water. You will need to login to open up registration for those types (they are grayed out if you are not logged in). If you not already a member you will need to join CW to become a member before you can register.

You must also sign the new waiver. We have updated our insurance provider to Paddlesport risk management.

Click here to sign the wavier.

Unfortunately due to the difficulty of rescheduling this large event, refunds will only be considered in extreme circumstances.

Please see HERE for Royal Gorge RV Resort venue policies.

Roaring Fork River Weekend 2026 (05/29/2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Join us for our first River Weekend of the 2026 season Friday, May 29 - Sunday, May 31 in the beautiful Roaring Fork Valley!

Note: Dates/ details below will be confirmed by Jan/ Feb for 2026

Volunteer lead cruises will be offered on Saturday and Sunday, but come Friday evening for the river camaraderie!

Camping is tbd in Glenwood Springs. There will be limited parking/van-camping space, but tent spots are plentiful! (Carpooling is encouraged!!) Please indicate what you'll be camping in when you register. No vehicles over 22'. If you want to bring your camper or raft trailer, please make a reservation directly by calling Ami's Acres at 970-945-5340. There are absolutely no trailers in CW group space per management.

There are also tons of other great activities in the Glenwood Springs area, including the famous hot springs. Please note that some access points on the Roaring Fork are Colorado State Wildlife Areas (SWA) and anyone 16 or older now need either a fishing license or the new "SWA Pass" (available for purchase at www.cpwshop.com) to access the river from those points.

As a reminder, river weekends are not instructional events. Although we're all there to support one another, plan on boating within your skill set.

Important: Please register each individual separately, including all family (+ minors) or group members. This helps us accurately track attendance and coordinate our volunteers effectively.

UPON ARRIVAL: We are going to be cozy at camp so plan on making new friends when you're there. This is especially true with regards to parking. If you can carpool, please do so. There are three camping areas and upon arrival you will be directed to one of the three depending on your camping style. There is a chance that you may move vehicles to come and go, communication is key!

Purple (sites 53 – 56): This area can accommodate pickup/van camping as well some tent spots so we're going to try to put mixed groups there. Although there are officially only 6 sites, we're going to be putting more than that there.
Yellow (sites 71 – 77 and upper camping): This is the walk-in tent camping area. There are a variety of sites, some of which will hold 3 or 4 tents. If you want privacy, you'll want to arrive early, walk farther and select a site with room for only one tent. If you select a large site, you'll need to share.

SOME GUIDELINES:

Waiver: Everyone will need to have a waiver on file for land and water activities.
Fires: We all remember the fire in Glenwood Canyon and want to do everything we can to avoid a similar tragedy. Assuming there is not a fire restriction, the only open fires allowed will be one group campfire. At your individual campsites, provided they are allowed by any fire restrictions, you can have propane fires and stoves so long as they can be switched off if needed.
Dogs: Our hosts welcome dogs as long as they're under your control and don't leave our camping area. If this means a leash for your dog, please keep them on a leash. We absolutely can't have dogs roaming into other camping areas. You also cannot leave your dog tied up or in your tent while you go boating. Obviously, you have to pick up after your dog, too.
Sunday Departure: We need to vacate the campground on Sunday morning. This means we can't leave vehicles in the campground when we go to boat because our hosts have new guests coming in.

DIRECTIONS: From Denver take I-70 to Glenwood springs, take exit 114 Hwy 6, take the 3rd exit for the traffic circle to follow Hwy 6, campground is down 1.1 miles on the right.

Map Link

VOLUNTEERS: Seeking volunteers to lead/sweep a day (or two). Also seeking a coordinator at the campground to assist in directing participants on Friday afternoon/evening. Please email to offer your services and ask any questions.

CRUISES: We're meeting at 9:30am on Saturday and Sunday at Two Rivers Park (740 Devereux Rd, Glenwood Springs, CO). Have your gear, food/drinks, dog, etc. with you so we can organize the cruise groups and depart for the river. There will be signup sheets for cruises at camp on Friday evening so you can see who is running what and if you can workout a carpool, go for it! The following are proposed cruise options but actual cruises may vary depending on interest:

Grizzly Creek to Two Rivers Park: A beginner (II), big-water run on the Colorado downstream of Shoshone.
Cemetery: An intermediate (II/III) run on the Roaring Fork. Note: you will need a fishing license or SWA Pass for access to the Roaring Fork put-in at the Sam Caudill SWA. New for 2025, the ramp and parking improvements are completed and look great!
Woody Creek / Toothache: An intermediate/advanced class III run along a continuous, beautiful stretch of the Roaring Fork River through Aspen, Snowmass Canyon, and Basalt.
Shoshone: A class III/IV big-water run on the Colorado River - either lap it twice or run it through Grizzly (II) to Glenwood Wave (III) and South Canyon (II/III).
Crystal Avalanche Ranch to KOA or Woody Creek / Toothache: Interest and conditions dependent.

NO GROUP POTLUCK DINNER: Sorry, there will be no group potluck this year.

The weather is unpredictable and the water is always a bit chilly in Colorado so dress appropriately.

Questions? Email Laurie at president@coloradowhitewater.org with "Roaring Fork Weekend" in the subject line.

Note: This event registration is non-refundable.

Poudre River Weekend 2026 (06/12/2026)

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT

We're Going Back to the Poudre River June 12 - 14, 2026!

It's been several years but for 2026 CW is returning to the Poudre River for a great weekend of boating and camaraderie. We will plan cruises for a variety of skill levels. River weekends are not instructional events and are not suitable for those who have not had instruction or experience in whitewater kayaking or rafting. That said, our friends at Rocky Mountain Adventures are offering 2 days of instruction that weekend and rafting trips for friends or family that don't already boat. http://www.shoprma.com

CAMPING / REGISTRATION TYPES: $30 for those camping, 40 people maximum. Free for day participants. All must register and sign our annual waiver.

SOME GUIDELINES:

Members Only / Registration: You must register in advance and be a Colorado Whitewater member to attend, regardless if you boating or are just camping. This includes significant others and children.
Release Forms: Be sure you sign your annual waiver using this webpage. Colorado Whitewater - CW Release Waiver. Only need to sign once per year.
Skills / Gear: As a reminder, river weekends/ cruises are not instructional events and are not suitable for those who have not had instruction or experience in whitewater kayaking or rafting. Although we're all there to support one another, plan on boating within your skill level. Minimum necessary equipment for all boaters includes helmet, river shoes, type 3 or type 5 personal flotation device, and appropriate dry top or other layers. Kayakers should also have their float bags and skirt. Inflatable kayaks and rafts must be intended for whitewater use - not the vulnerable ones from department or sporting goods stores.
River Class: New this year in an effort to get new paddlers more comfortable on the water is our 2-day river class taught by our friends at RMA. This Beginner +/ Intermediate - class has been custom designed and discounted for CW members who have 2-10 days of river experience will help set you up for an amazing summer of paddling for 2026. Sign up now, space is limited!
Fires: No open wood burning fires at camp but welcome self-contained ones as long as there is no County burn ban at the time of the event
Dogs: Camp is on private property and no dogs are allowed by the property owner including service animals.
Sunday Departure: Sunset

CRUISES: TBD but will include a spectrum of difficulty. There will be signup sheets for cruises at camp on Friday evening so you can see who is running what and if you can work out a carpool, go for it! We'll meet at 9:00am on Saturday and Sunday mornings to finalize cruises.

Questions? Email TBD. Include "Poudre River Weekend" in the subject line.

CW Poudre River Weekend Class (06/13/2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT

CW Poudre River Weekend Class

What? An exclusive River Running class for CW members
When? Saturday. June 13^th – Sunday June 14^thWhere? Poudre River
Cost: $400, includes all necessary equipment (+ taxes/ fees)
Difficulty?: Beginner to Intermediate, on Class II/III whitewater

Join us for a weekend of professional Beginner/Intermediate instruction custom tailored for CW members who have 2-10 days of kayaking on the river and are looking for a skills-based course taught by the professional Instructors at Rocky Mountain Adventures.

This 2 Day intensive course will cover the basics of boat handling and river safety, the kayak roll, essential river reading skills, and mastery of river running maneuvers like eddy turns, peel outs, and ferrying.

Bring a packed lunch each day so we can optimize learning time.

Prerequisites for Registering for this Class:

Must be able to demonstrate a wet-exit from kayak
Comfortable Paddling in Class II whitewater

*Inflatable kayaks/ pack rafts are welcome to register for this class.

Suitable for ages 13 and up.

Due to limited space, cancellations will be allowed up to 14 days prior to the event.

CW is facilitating registration for this class. The class will be taught by RMA and all participants will fill out their liability waiver. Contact info@shoprma.com or 970-493-4005 with any questions about the class

This class will meet at 9am at our camp spot

Arkansas River Weekend 2026 (07/10/2026)

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Arkansas River Weekend - July 10 - 12, 2026!

Note: Dates/ details below will be confirmed by April for 2026

Get ready for Arkansas River Weekend 2026! We're planning to have cruises on Saturday and Sunday for most skill levels, ranging from easy runs like Big Bend to Salida to the more challenging runs like the Numbers. (Let us know if you're willing to lead or sweep a cruise!) Camping will be at Paul's Lot in downtown Buena Vista at the River Park. If you're willing to help with leading or sweeping a cruise, registration or other needs during the event email Dan Beyers at dbeyers59@gmail.com.

We will be meeting at 9:00 Saturday and Sunday mornings to divide into cruise groups. Each group will then sort out their shuttles. Day attendees should arrive at the site by 8:30 to check in and sign up for cruises. Don't be the hold up! You don't have to be in your pfd yet but be prepared to leave to go boating shortly after the meeting.

Important: Please register each individual separately, including all family (including minors) or group members. This helps us accurately track attendance and coordinate our volunteers effectively.

As a reminder, river weekends are not instructional events and are not suitable for those who have not had instruction or experience in whitewater kayaking or rafting. For those of you who are interested in instruction, our friends at Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center (RMOC) offer classes. Sign up directly with RMOC.

CAMPING / REGISTRATIONS: We'll have group camping in Paul's Lot (Google maps- Paul's Lot) at the River Park in Buena Vista this year. We'll be in a great location near the river & town, which is similar to where we were in 2019. Participants should register as either planning on the group camping area or staying elsewhere as a day participant so that we can monitor how many people will be camping. We are limited to 100 people in total including campers and day participants. The Town of Buena Vista is charging us for the site under a Special Event & Camping Permit and we will bring in toilet and trash facilities. Although the club is still subsidizing, the event camping will cost $30/person for the weekend. Note this is per person, not per site, and applies to everyone present including children and significant others.

Upon arrival you'll need to check in as usual so your registration, membership and release can be confirmed. You'll receive a wristband, which will be different colors depending on whether or not you're camping. There will be opportunities to sign up for cruises in the evening as well as in the morning before the meeting. CW will be providing porta pots, hand wash stations, and a dumpster for trash but beyond these you must plan on being self supported and bring whatever water you need. Do not arrive at the camping area before 3:00 Friday afternoon. We have the site Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

The entrance to Paul's Lot is at the end of Main Street in the River Park. Look for a CW banner on the right once the road turns to dirt.

REALLY SERIOUS SUBJECTS:

Membership: Every person on the land must be a current member of Colorado Whitewater and must have registered prior to the event. We are able to have this event in part because we didn't have to get a special event permit from Chaffee County. The only way we could avoid getting a special event permit is by representing that this is a private event for members only and is not open to the public. This membership requirement applies to everyone on site regardless of whether they are boating, not boating, camping, not camping, etc. and includes significant others and children. Memberships will not be sold at the event.
Noise/ Open Container Law: We are subject to Town of Buena Vista laws and regulations.

SOME MORE GUIDELINES:

Release Forms: Upon check-in you will be asked to sign the a release form for the entire weekend. This will be required for camping as well as participating on any cruises. You will receive a wristband so that cruise leaders know you have registered and signed all paperwork. You can also save time and sign your waiver online ahead of time at this link: https://coloradowhitewater.org/waiver
Skills / Gear: As a reminder, river weekends are not instructional events and are not suitable for those who have not had instruction or experience in whitewater kayaking or rafting. Although we're all there to support one another, plan on boating within your skill level. Minimum necessary equipment for all boaters includes helmet, river shoes, type 3 or type 5 personal flotation device, and appropriate dry top or other layers. Kayakers should also have their float bags and skirt. Inflatable kayaks and rafts must be intended for whitewater use - not the vulnerable ones from department or sporting goods stores. Cruise leaders have ultimate discretion as to whether you can be on a cruise.
Dogs: Dogs must be on leash and under your control at all times. You cannot leave your dog tied up or in your tent while you go boating. Obviously, you have to pick up after your dog, too.
Fires: Subject to any fire restrictions at the time, you can have propane fires and stoves at your individual campsites so long as they can be switched off if needed. You can find current fire restrictions here: Chaffee County Fire Restriction

Questions? Email Dan at dbeyers59@gmail.com and include "CW Arkansas River Weekend" in the subject line.

Note: Registration for Arkansas River Weekend is non-refundable.

Bailey Fest 2026 (09/04/2026)

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Note: Dates/ details below will be confirmed by Jan/ Feb for 2026

It's time for BaileyFest 2026! Since it's Labor Day weekend, we got the land for the festival and camping for THREE nights! Friday/Saturday/Sunday nights, 8/29-8/31. Please register asap. We are under a strict participant number cap and fully expect the event to sell out this year. $40 gets you 3 nights of camping including toilets, shuttle on Sat and live music + DJ on Saturday night.

This is a land-based event. All paddling will be outside of the event & at your own risk.

There will be a food truck on site Saturday for the purchase of tasty treats. Breakfast burritos in the morning and a full menu for lunch and dinner throughout the day. We do have a vendor minimum of 65 orders, so please plan to enjoy this treat of convenience!

Venue coordinates: Coordinates: 39.385509, -105.438501

NO dogs. We love them, but not the place. Strictly enforced.

Leave no trace - Pack out your trash.

RESPECT THE NEIGHBORS - DO NOT TRESPASS - QUIET HOURS after 11PM

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Friday afternoon:

Event check-in: 4pm - 9pm

Show up without dogs. The festival area will be on river left again this year. Look for the Colorado Whitewater banner at the entrance. Check-in is required at the tent for everyone. The registration time is strict. If you need to arrive outside of this window, please contact (Nate).

Saturday:

Event check-in: 7am - 10am

Shuttle: ALL DAY! Schedule TBD. Contracted by CPR from Pine Valley Ranch to BaileyFest Festival area.

Food Truck: ALL DAY! Nani's Bowls will be offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Get your day started right with a breakfast burrito, a meal between laps or dinner during the festivities!

Duck Racing: 5:15pm 4Corners Riversports has chipped in for prizes for this event! The ducks will race downriver to entertain and win swag! Can your inanimate object beat another inanimate object?!?! Who knows! But surely if you yell more, it will float FASTER! Winners will get sweet, sweet 4CRS swag while the losers will grumble at their stupid slow ducks.

BaileyFest Volunteer of the Year Award - 5:45 Sponsored by (TBD).

Chrispy: 6pm (or whenever he feels like it) - LIVE MUSIC.

KF Kyle: 7:30pm Mobile DJ will play until 11pm.

Sunday: Coffee and demos provided by Colorado Kayak Supply.

Monday: Boat and clean up after yourselves and get packed out by 1pm. Hope you enjoyed yourself and come back next year!

Prices: $40 in advance. Space is limited, so please register asap. This event will sell out in advance. Kids under 12 are free, but MUST be registered as a "child guest" for the event. If you bring a dog, you will be asked to leave with no refunds. Bringing a dog or other pet could result in this event never happening again. Your conscience cannot handle that. If you have a service animal, we comply with ADA rules. Please share in advance so there are no misunderstandings. No refunds, unless the event is canceled.

Specials:

TBD

Sponsors

Thanks again to Colorado Whitewater, 4Corners Riversports, Golden River Sports, Colorado Kayak Supply, Collegiate Peaks Rafting, Chef Amy @ Nani’s Bowls, Chrispy and Kyle for making this happen!

Notes:

1) BaileyFest participation is capped to ensure that there will be fewer than 150 people (participant + volunteers) as required by Park County.

2) BaileyFest is an event that only occurs on the Berger residence. DO NOT trespass on anyone else's property. Being respectful of the neighbors is imperative to our ability to continue hosting this event.

3: If you are one of Bart's neighbors and have concerns or complaints during the event, please contact Nate Halpin (719-581-0861) and let's work though addressing and resolving your concerns to the best of our ability.

Requests for volunteers:

1 or 2 folks to bring/set up: CW Tent, banners, "Paddle at your own risk" signage, wristbands, other supplies from storage locker in Golden and to arrive by 3:30 on Friday

2 folks for Event Registration Friday from 4-6:30

2 folks for Event Registration Friday from 6:30-9

2 folks for Event Registration Saturday from 8-10

2-4 folks to help cleanup late Monday morning

Contact Nate to volunteer and you might even find yourself with free registration.