BE PREPARED AND UNDERSTAND THE RISKS.
Whitewater rafting, zip line and aerial challenge courses are adventure sports and involve risks on the part of the participant. Although we take precautions to ensure an enjoyable trip, we cannot be responsible for personal injury and/or lost/damaged articles. We require that you acknowledge these risks by listening to a safety briefing prior to your activity as well as reading and signing a liability release prior to departure. You can obtain a copy of our liability release waiver by contacting us. There are many options and activities to choose from that offer varying degrees of difficulty so make sure you choose a trip within your group’s personal limits and keep all participants in mind.
Remember to consider the group’s 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. Water levels and weather can affect difficulty levels. For information about water levels and weather conditions you can contact us at 720-806-4754.
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, mental capability, and maturity levels. These factors, along with our years of experience serving thousand of guests, have gone into setting minimum ages. These ages are a guide; it is up to the participants and their guardians to choose an adventure within their limits. Minimum ages can change due to weather conditions and/or water levels.
CLASSIFICATIONS
River and rapid classifications is another great way to determine a suitable river trip for your group. Remember that classification can change with weather and water conditions.
- Beginner = first timers, young children
- Intermediate = aggressive first timers, older teens and adults
- Advanced = experienced adult paddlers looking for an adventure
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 information to help you choose a trip, or for any questions you might have please, call 1-720-806-4754 and our office personnel will be happy to assist you in putting together a river experience. Or, contact us.
Cold weather gear is recommended and may be mandatory for some river adventures. Cold weather gear is not only for your comfort but also for your safety. Because of cold water and rocky river bottoms, wetsuits, footwear, and splash tops make a big difference. If you don’t have your own equipment, don’t worry; cold weather gear is available for a small rental fee.
