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• Cruise - Royal Gorge, Arkansas River, Class III/ IV

  • When
    11/01/2025
  • Location
    Parkdale, Canon City
  • Spaces left
    0

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  Cruise with Colorado Whitewater (CW)

  Please register for the cruise if you would like to attend. For all cruises, please have some experience running the class of whitewater that is listed with each cruise. If you have any questions about the skill level required for the cruise you wish to attend, please contact the cruise leader (Lorraine Bruteig), or send an email to cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.

  See full list of cruises and wavier information here.

  As events get closer Lorraine will reach out to those who have shown interest and confirm details of the activity.

  A CW cruise is a fun river meet up for members to meet other paddlers and have a good time on the river.

  There is no instruction available during the cruise.  Be confident your skills are appropriate for this section of river. 

  You must have appropriate gear for cold water.

  Please plan to help with boat shuttle. This is almost always a challenge.

  As the event gets closer and the leader has confirmed your skill level and confirmed appropriate water flows, the cruise leader will share specific details of meeting location.

  All participants must be CW members and sign a waiver. 

  
  

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• 2025 CW Fall Dinner

  • When
    11/11/2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Buffalo Rose (1119 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401)
  • Spaces left
    13

  Register

  Colorado Whitewater 2025 Fall Dinner 

  Join us at the Buffalo Rose in Golden on 11/11 for this year's Fall Dinner and Guest Speaker Elisha McArthur! 

  
  

  Elisha McArthur started Canyon River Instruction (CRI) with her husband Alan Cammack in 2017. CRI specializes in teaching rafting, Swiftwater rescue, and women’s specific courses. Having grown up in a family of whitewater enthusiasts, Elisha knew at 15 years old she wanted to be a raft guide. She guided on rivers all over before settling down on the Arkansas River near Salida, CO. Elisha also travels to teach professional development for raft guides, and specialty guide schools, offering American Canoe Association (ACA) certifications and working with rafting companies all over the world. Elisha is currently certified by the ACA as a Level 5 Rafting Instructor Trainer Educator, Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Trainer, and Level 5 Swiftwater Rescue Instructor. 

  
  

  Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
  

  
  

  Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm

  
  

  Location: 

  Buffalo Rose

  1119 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401

  
  

  Cost
  

  CW Members: $0 

  Non-CW Members: $25 

  
  

  A cash bar will be available for those who want to purchase alcohol.
  

  
  

  Evening Agenda

  5:30 - 6:00 Check-in and Reception

  6:00 - 7:00 Dinner

  7:00 - 7:30 Club Business & Elections

  7:30 - 8:30 Guest Speaker

  8:30 - 9:00 Closing

  
  

  Please note

  • Tickets must be purchased in advance.
  • Smoking or vaping of any kind is not allowed at The Rose. The City of Golden also has a Smoke-Free Ordinance which does not allow for smoking on downtown sidewalks.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • A virtual option will be made available for members who register in advance and are not able to attend in person.

  
  

  This event is free for our members but venue space is limited. Please only register if you will attend in person.

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• 2026 Colorado Whitewater Kids Paddling Team

  • Start
    02/01/2026
  •  
  • End
    04/19/2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Carmody Recreation Center
  • Spaces left
    35

  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 15, March 1, March 15, April 5, April 19

  • Moving Water Weekend: May ?-?

  Cost:

  • $200 per student

  • An additional $30 per student if borrowing equipment for pool sessions

  Youth must also be members of Colorado White Water

  Join CW: Link to CW membership page

  In order to register for this series, parents must obtain a registration code from kidsteam@coloradowhitewater.org.

  
  

  NOTE: This event registration is non-refundable.

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• Training Camp 2026

  • Start
    05/15/2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • End
    05/17/2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Royal Gorge RV Resort, Canyon City, Colorado

  
  

  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. 

  
  

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• Roaring Fork River Weekend 2026

  • Start
    05/29/2026
  • End
    05/31/2026
  • Location
    tbd

  mailto:president@coloradowhitewater.org

  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.

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• Poudre River Weekend 2026

  • Start
    06/12/2026
  • End
    06/14/2026
  • Location
    49 Hewlett Road, Bellevue CO 80512

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

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

  It's been several years but for 2024 CW is returning to the Poudre River for a great weekend of boating and comraderie. We will plan cruises for a variety of skill levels. As always, 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 can offer instruction that weekend and rafting trips for friends or family that don't already boat. http://www.shoprma.com

  CAMPING / REGISTRATION TYPES: Paul Radman is graciously letting us camp at his home right on the river. This is a private residence so be considerate. The address is 49 Hewlett Road, Bellevue CO 80512. This is just past Poudre Park. There is no cell service in the canyon so if your car doesn't have GPS be sure to look at a map before you come. There is room for some pickup/van campers and we're giving priority for these spots to approved cruise leaders and sweeps. We may open this up to others later. Most people will be walk-in tent camping with their cars parked on immediately adjacent forest service land. We are limiting the number of vehicles that will be allowed on site but have plenty of additional registration slots for those who either carpool or are day participants. To reiterate, If you want a pickup/van camping space you need to register for one and be approved to lead or sweep a cruise. Email Ryan Ness at ness.ryan@gmail.com to volunteer. Once those spaces are gone only walk-in tent camping is available. No sleeping is allowed on the forest service land, just parking vehicles.  We encourage car pooling. If you are doing so, one person should register for the vehicle spot and others should register as carpoolers. No camper trailers are allowed. Raft trailers are okay but will need to be parked on the forest service land.  

  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. There is no cell service at the camp so if you are not on the list you will have to go back to Fort Collins, join and/or register, and bring back evidence of that.
  • 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 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. 
  • Fires: No wood burning fires are allowed. You can have propane fires and stoves at your individual campsites provided they do not damage our hosts' lawn, there are no fire restrictions in place prohibiting them, and 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 can't have dogs roaming onto neighbors' properties. 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 Paul's on Sunday afternoon after boating. 

  CRUISES: TBD but will include a spectrum of difficulty. I will have 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! We'll meet at 9:00am on Saturday and Sunday mornings to finalize cruises.  

  Questions? Email Ryan Ness at ness.ryan@gmail.com. Include "Poudre River Weekend" in the subject line.

  
  

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• Arkansas River Weekend 2026

  • Start
    07/10/2026
  • End
    07/12/2026
  • Location
    Paul's Lot, Buena Vista River Park, CO

  Arkansas River Weekend - July 10 - 12, 2026!

  Note: Dates/ details below will be confirmed by Jan/ Feb 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 Noelle Wilhite at noellewilhite@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.  Swiftwater Rescue Class also available this weekend!

  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 Noelle at noellewilhite@gmail.com and include "CW Arkansas River Weekend" in the subject line. 

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

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• Bailey Fest 2026

  • Start
    09/04/2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • End
    09/07/2026
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • Location
    39.385509, -105.438501
  • Spaces left
    137

  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.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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