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Plan Your Colorado Adventure:
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Advanced Rafting
| Clear
Creek |
full
day advanced |
3/5 |
Advanced |
16 |
Idaho Springs |
9am |
| Arkansas |
Royal
Gorge full day |
3/5 |
Advanced |
16 |
Royal
Gorge |
9:30am |
Advanced
adventures are just what the doctor ordered for those suffering from adrenaline
deficiently. These adventures are just the thing for aggressive paddlers
looking to take their whitewater experience to the next level. Advanced adventures
are for people who are comfortable around water and are looking for a challenge.
In order to truly feel comfortable in advanced whitewater, you need to have
some physical conditioning, aggressiveness, mental awareness, and the size
and strength to perform a self- rescue if needed. The choice is yours
and if you're up to the challenge, aggressive whitewater can be exhilarating
and very rewarding. For the most aggressive white water (high water)
consider booking adventures for mid May through Late June.
The best thing about running rivers in Colorado is the wide variety of difficulty
levels you have to choose from. White water rafting in Colorado has something
for everyone from 4 year old children to the experienced whitewater enthusiast.
When choosing a raft trip you should always keep in mind the ability of every
member of your group. It is a good idea to choose an adventure that is geared
to the person with the lowest ability level. Remember, every river adventure
is fun, even the mellowest experience. Rafting rivers is more then just crazy
whitewater and extreme excitement. It is the total experience that creates
the memories of a life time. A positive Colorado white water rafting experience
is not only excitement but can also include wildlife, beautiful views, rich
history from knowledgeable guides, and most of all enjoying a comfortable experience
with friends and family. Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not take into consideration
the "perfect whitewater rafting adventure" millions of years ago when she formed
the rivers of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Keeping this in mind it might be
necessary to adjust your expectations to accommodate everyone's comfort levels.
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Because
difficulty levels for Colorado whitewater rafting adventures can vary depending
on water levels and weather conditions, you will sometimes have two different
ratings for an adventure. The rating will often increase (get more difficult)
early season during peak water flows due to high water levels and cooler
weather conditions. High water season can be the best time to raft if you
are looking for high adventure. Remember to consider the groups
comfort levels when deciding on a difficulty level for your adventure. High
water season in Colorado is typically early to mid June, peaking around the
summer solstice (mid June). This can differ depending on weather and
snowpack. For more detailed information about water levels and weather conditions
you can contact our knowledgeable reservations staff at 800-997-3448.
 Minimum ages are also available to help you find your comfort level. Our minimum
ages are not mandatory, they are a guide for you to use when making a decision
about the adventure you are choosing. Factors that go into minimum ages include,
but are not limited to a person's height, weight, physical ability, and mental
ability and maturity levels. These factors along with years of experience
taking thousand of guest rafting over the years are all factors that have gone
into setting minimum ages. We do reserve the right to refuse service if necessary
depending on a person's age or ability levels in an effort to maintain a reasonable
level of safety.
Beginner
=
first timers, young children |
Intermediate
=
aggressive first timers, teens |
Advanced
=
experienced paddlers looking for an adventure |
Expert
=
very experienced paddlers only |
RIVER/RAPIDS CLASS RATING SYSTEM
This is strictly a subjective scale. You can characterize a rapid by
class or give a general class to a whole river even though it has several
different classes of rapids within it. The class of a rapid or river
can change at different water levels. The temperature of the water, the
air temperature, the remoteness of the river, and the difficulty of a
rescue can all influence the rapid's class.
Class I - Easy. Small riffles. No significant waves or obstacles.
Class II - Novice. Moderate rapids with regular waves, small drops, clear
passages and wide channels. Occasional maneuvering may be required.
Class III - Intermediate. Moderately difficult rapids with larger irregular
waves, often narrow channels. Complex maneuvering to avoid obstacles
required.
Class IV - Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids requiring precise maneuvering
in fast, turbulent water. Complex channels with many significant obstacles
to be avoided.
Class V - Expert. Extremely long violent or obstructed rapids, often
following each other almost without interruption. Drops may have large,
unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with difficult
routes. Steep gradient.
Class VI - unrunnable
Classifications of river sections may change due to water levels
For help in choosing a trip or any questions you might have please, call
1-800-997-3448 and our office personnel will be happy to assist you in
putting together a successful river experience. Or e-mail us at: info@raftingcolorado.com |
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