Intro to Whitewater Kayaking

The whitewater season in Colorado runs from mid-April to late September. Colorado is known as one of the best areas in the world for whitewater kayaking. The reason Colorado is so well-known for its whitewater is it is a very diverse river dynamic with micro creeks that max out at 300cfs and major river systems that top out at 50,000cfs. It truly is one of the best whitewater areas in the world from beginner to advanced paddlers.

Whitewater kayaking is an inherently dangerous sport that does have many risks, but you can greatly reduce this risk by learning the proper forms and techniques used to safely get you down river. This is the reason that your first couple of experiences on the water are the most important as the steps you learn during this time may play a role in getting yourself out of sticky situation later. I do recommend taking a guided tour for your first time on moving whitewater so a guide can help explain what feature do what to your kayak and the proper reactions to have in those situations. Before you suit up in your dry suits, helmets and pogies to hit some whitewater you will want to make sure you proficient in rolling your kayak, assuring you have the hairy side up while headed down your favorite stretch of whitewater.

Remember to take it slow. No one should be able to hit their first roll in March and be running Gore Canyon by the following August. For info on kayak rentals feel free to give us a call at 800-370-0581. For those more advanced looking for boof coaching or other freestyle lessons, feel free to call Matti at Ten Mile Creek Kayaks to learn more about Summit County paddling.