Training Camp Newbie? Your Questions Answered

04/13/2016 6:10 PM | Anonymous

Q: What is the daily schedule for the weekend?
Friday
6-9 p.m. (ish): Check in
Dark: Kayak porn! Movies on the lawn

Saturday
8:30 a.m.: Mandatory meeting for instructors and on-water volunteers
9:00 a.m.: Mandatory meeting for all kayaks (on the lawn): announcements, safety talk, introductions
10:00 a.m.: Team discussion: Goals, plans, clinic format for the day, set up shuttle, head to river
4:00 p.m.: Everyone safe back at camp.
6:00 p.m.: Dinner by Classic Country Catering
8:00 ish: Live music from Nathan and Jessie (tip them if you love them!)
11:00 am: Quiet time, please

Sunday
7:30 a.m.: Breakfast by Classic Country Catering
8:30 a.m.: Mandatory meeting for instructors and on-water volunteers
9:00 a.m.: Mandatory meeting for all kayaks (on the lawn): announcements, awards, prize drawings
9:30 a.m.: Team discussion: Goals, plans, clinic format for the day, set up shuttle, head to river
You decide: Head home tired and happy.

Q: How will the shuttles be done? 
A: Each group will arrange its own shuttles. If you have the capacity to carry boats and/or people, please volunteer to do so when you meet with your team each morning.

Q: Can I change classes during the weekend?
A. Yes, as long as you get approval from the instruction leader of the group you’re joining and let the Instruction leader of the group you’re leaving know. 

Q: What is provided for dinner and breakfast?
A: Our terrific friend Jodi Johring of Classic Country Catering will provide two meals as listed below. You should plan to feed yourself on Friday night and Saturday morning, and bring all other snacks, river lunches, and beverages that you may want. There is a small liquor store in Cotopaxi, but don’t drink and drive!

Saturday night dinner menu:
Spinach Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette 
Santa Maria Style Tri Tip
Teriyaki Chicken
Veggie Paella
Jasmine Green Rice
Fresh Rolls and Butter 
Iced tea, Lemonade 

Sunday morning breakfast menu:
Breakfast Stratas
Veggie, Country, Applewood Smoked Ham and Gouda
Yogurt Parfaits 
Coffee, Tea, OJ

Q: Can I get the other food/meals nearby?
A: There is a small store at the campground with coffee, ice cream, and some snacks, but it’s not a grocery store. There’s also a restaurant in Cotopaxi, but they are often NOT open! You’ll want to plan ahead and bring what you want with you to be sure.

Q: Is the band going to be really loud (will I be able to go to bed early)? 
A: The band will play on the lawn near the cabins from about 8 to 10 p.m. or so, but we will enforce quiet hours when they finish playing. If you prefer not to hear the music, you should plan to camp at the far end of the campground.

Q: What should I bring?
A: This is crazy Colorado and you’ll want to be prepared for sun, rain, wind, or snow. Seriously. Not kidding. It’s usually sunny with a passing rain shower on Sunday afternoon. But sometimes it rains like crazy or snows.

Things get misplaced—put your name and number on ALL gear.

If you’re boating:
·         The five essentials (boat, skirt, helmet, pfd and paddle!). Make sure the boat is fitted to you and has FLOAT BAGS! Your instruction team has the right to remove you from the trip if you do not have float bags.  (It’s really hard work to recover a boat that is full of water instead of air.)
·         More warm river clothing than you think you will need. If you don’t use it, someone else might need to borrow it. 

Other things to consider bringing:
·         Extra straps for shuttling
·         Firewood, if you like, or you can buy it at the KOA
·         Cash for an annual Parks Pass

Q: What if I don't have [X] piece of gear? Can I borrow it?
A: Front Range local shops Confluence Kayaks and Golden River Sports rent gear and can provide what you need. If you have forgotten something important, talk with your team leader asap. Most of the instructors bring some extra gear, and someone can probably provide what you need in an emergency.

Q: What is there to do in the area for my kids/husband/wife who are/is not boating?
A:
·     Mini golf ($2), horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, mini basketball court, sand volleyball court, dog park (at the KOA).
·       Ceramic painting from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays (at the KOA).
·       Hayrides at 6 p.m. (at the KOA).
·       Ice cream social 6:30 p.m. Saturdays ($0.75 per scoop) (at the KOA).
·       The campground has a swimming pool (it may not be open this early) and a small rec center with a pool table.
·       Visit the KOA website and Facebook page for more info.
·       There are trails along the river if you like to play in the water or fish.
·       National Forest hiking and biking trails. The Rainbow Trail is popular.
·       There are companies offering rafting trips nearby.
·       If you want to explore Salida or Canon City, they are each about 30 to 40 minutes’ drive time from Cotopaxi.
·       The skyline drive in Canon city is a “scary good drive.”
·       ATV tours
·       Royal Gorge bridge and park

Register for Training Camp!

If you have questions about what to bring, please don’t hesitate to ask any of our awesome instruction team or contact Training Camp organizer Elizabeth Austen directly.


Colorado Whitewater is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  455 Sherman Street, Suite 300 Denver, CO 80203

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