66th Annual Training Camp May 19-21, 2023
The First BIG Whitewater Event of 2023
What
Training Camp is Colorado Whitewater’s greatest annual event, in terms of both size and scope.
Improve their paddling skills on moving water with ACA certified instructors (Saturday and Sunday).- Share family-friendly off water fun and laughs with paddling friends, old and new.
- Support Colorado Whitewater in this largest fund raising event of the year.
- Get your paddling season rolling!
Note: We are going to be at Rafters Roost in Buena Vista.
When
Friday night, Saturday and Sunday, May 19-21, 2023
Where
Rafter’s Roost, 26832 County Road 310, Buena Vista, Colorado 81211, United States
Camping is available, booked through this site.
MORE DETAILS TBA
- You must be a Colorado Whitewater member to participate in on-water activities with the club at this event (for insurance purposes). Your membership must be current through May 21, 2023. To join or renew, click here.
- Families, friends and children are welcome, whether they are boating or not. Children must be under adult supervision at all times.
- Kayaking kids who have some paddling experience, but are not already enrolled in the CW Kids Paddling Team must be 12 years or older by May 2023, weigh at least 50 lbs and must be accompanied in classes by a parent.
- Dogs must be leashed and supervised at all times.
- Please see participation fees listed in the next section.
Speaking of Dogs…
- Rafters Roost is pet friendly but they do have specific, strictly enforced policies including these 5 that dog owners MUST abide by:
- We do not permit unattended, aggressive, or noisy animals.
- You must pick up after your dog.
- Dogs cannot be left unattended in Rafter's Roost cabins or trailers.
- A six foot leash is required at all times, everywhere in the park, including down by the river.
- Dogs cannot be tethered to trees or other vegetation
Fees – How Much Does This Thing Cost?| Training Camp Participant Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Training Camp Participant | |
| • Early Bird - Register by |
$TBA |
| • Register by |
$TBA |
| • You’re Late! - Register After |
$TBA |
| CW Kids' Paddling Team Member | TBA |
| Instructors and On-Water Volunteers | TBA |
Refunds: Due to the difficulty of re-scheduling this large event, refunds are not available at this time.
What You Get for Your Money:
- 2 Full-day on-river training sessions with ACA certified instructors
- ...a ton of fun all weekend long!
Register for Training Camp 2023!
Kayaker’s Skill Categories
Boaters who have overestimated their abilities may be asked move to a different class or even to leave the river. This is at the discretion of the Instructors and is intended to ensure the safety of the entire group. Besides, it’s much more fun to be at the top of your class rather than the bottom, losing your confidence and swimming every 30 yards or so, right?
Please Note: there is NO FLAT WATER INSTRUCTION at this event, everything we do will be discussion on dry land or practice in moving water. If you are not ready for moving water, this is not the event for you.
You can BECOME qualified to participate in this event by:
- Participating in a beginner kayaking class with CW.
- Participating in a beginner kayaking class with an ACA certified company or instructor other than CW.
Gear Note: Participants are required to provide their own modern kayaking equipment, including a full sized kayak. Play-boats are not appropriate for learning river skills in most of the classes offered (with the obvious exception of the play-boating classes!), and your instructor reserves the right to refuse service if your gear is not appropriate or safe. Our intent is not to exclude participation but to provide a safe environment that promotes learning for all. There are many options around Denver for gear rentals if needed.
Course Offering 2023TBA
- Please register for the course you would like to take when booking. If you change your mind later, we can try to accommodate that, please reach out as soon as possible.
- Be prepared for any kind of weather. It could be 80 degrees, it could pour rain, it could snow. Seriously. Be prepared.
- If you're a newer boater, make sure your boat FITS YOU and you have the 5 essentials (kayak, paddle, spray skirt, helmet and PFD) and appropriate clothing.
On Water Volunteers
- Must be competent in Class III whitewater at a minimum.
- Instructors are being asked to recruit their own support teams. If an instructor has asked you to assist with their class, please indicate who that instructor is when registering.
- If you have not been asked to assist, we are still in need of volunteers with Class III or better boating skills and rescue experience.
- The number of volunteers may be capped without notice!
- Full sized kayak (unless playboating)
- Rescue vest
- Throw rope
- Knife
- Whistle
- First aid kit
- Boat based rescue techniques for people and equipment
- Boat recovery techniques
- Self rescue techniques
- Swimmer rescues and assists
- Current CPR and First Aid certifications
- Recent swift water rescue training
Please keep in mind that this is a fund raising event, and the proceeds allow Colorado Whitewater to sponsor conservation activities such as river cleanups, special events, and helping protect and fix neglected or abused sections of rivers we've grown to love. Even though we are an all-volunteer organization, we are able to promote the sport of whitewater kayaking for all abilities - from newbies to the more experienced. Your support helps provide our members with ACA certified instructors, allows for discounted swiftwater safety classes, free CPR/First Aid training, and so much more!
Other Stuff You'll Need to Know If You Haven't Been to Training Camp BeforeCash registrations will NOT BE ACCEPTED at Training Camp - Not from Volunteers or anyone.
But there will be other opportunities to spend cash, so don't leave your wallet at home!
- Please register early so you don't miss out on the class you want! Plus, you'll save money.
- Be prepared for any kind of weather. It could be 80 degrees, it could pour rain, it could snow. Seriously. Be prepared.
- If you're a newer boater, make sure your boat FITS YOU and you have the 5 essentials (kayak, paddle, spray skirt, helmet and PFD).
- State Parks Passes cannot be bought at camp this year. They need to be purchased beforehand at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife site.
- All volunteers and participants will receive a schedule and details by email the week of the event.
- No matter what else you do, be prepared to have an AWESOME weekend!
There is a ton of information here! Please read carefully and if your question is not answered in this posting you can email Training Camp Director Brian Sweeney. Please include your phone number and best time to reach you.
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors:
You could win great, new gear! Thanks to these awesome companies:
Contact us if you want to sponsor as well!