Arkansas River Weekend - July 11 - 13, 2025!

Get ready for Arkansas River Weekend 2025! 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 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.