USAFA OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PROGRAM

WHITE WATER RAFTING 2008

 

All Trips meet at the Backside of the Outdoor Recreation Center (where the camping trailers are parked) at 7:00am and return at approximately 5:30-6:00pm depending on traffic and river conditions.

 

USAFA rafting trips are not limited to the scheduled dates listed, we pride ourselves in offering trips on any open dates and for any Special Group Arrangement needs. All rafting trips include transportation from the Academy, wet suit, helmet, personal flotation device, splash jacket, and lunch.  All rafts are state of the art self-bailing and all equipment the finest available.  Our guides are all state certified whitewater-rafting guides with river rescue training and First Aid and CPR certificates.  Our guide staff includes members with certifications in Wilderness First Aid, Emergency Medical Technician, River Rescue Technician, and Whitewater Guide Instructors.  Our primary concern is for your safety, you will be given a comprehensive safety briefing before launching please listen carefully. Minimum weight for all participants is 50 pounds. The Arkansas River is reported to be one of the most rafted rivers in the United States and unique among the rivers of North America. 

 

THE ROYAL GORGE-FULL DAY – Pinnacle Rock to Pink House – Class III-V. Combine the fun of the Bighorn Sheep Canyon trip with the exhilaration of the Royal Gorge’s seven miles of thunder.  Travel under the world’s highest suspension bridge, but don't look too long, rapids such as Sunshine Falls, Sledge Hammer, Clarks Hole, Wall Slammer and Boat Eater will require all of your attention.  Good physical condition and swimming ability are required.  Minimum age is 16 years.  This trip is not for the timid! $80.00

 

BROWNS CANYON-FULL DAY – Fisherman’s Bridge to Hecla Junction - Class III-IV. Gorgeous scenery and exciting whitewater combine to make this trip a memorable experience, rapids such as Pinball, Big Drop, Zoom Flume, Staircase, Raft Ripper, Widow Maker and more! $65.00

 

BIGHORN SHEEP CANYON-FULL DAY – Lone Pine to Parkdale* – Class II-III. Keep your eyes peeled for Bighorn Sheep that this stretch is named for.  This trip provides fun for all age groups with Maytag, Texas Creek, Three Rocks, Spike Buck, Five Points, Sharks Tooth and Double Dip! $55.00

 

Combine two of these all day trips for an overnighter and we’ll provide two lunches, a dinner and a breakfast as well as tents, sleeping pads and sleeping bags (bring your own pillow). Minimum group size is 10, maximum group size is 20, reservations required.  These trips need to be scheduled well in advance, as there is a tremendous amount of pre-planning required.

A Browns Canyon all day trip combined with a Bighorn Sheep Canyon all day trip costs $165.00 per person.

A Browns Canyon all day trip combined with a Royal Gorge all day trip costs $175.00 per person.

A Bighorn Sheep Canyon all day trip combined with a Royal Gorge all day trip costs $155.00 per person

We pride ourselves on our ability to tailor any trip to your specific needs. Please make reservations early, Show time for all trips is 7:00 AM All trips depart (rain or shine) from the north east side of Building 5136 (Outdoor Recreation Center). All participants will be required to read and sign a release of liability before departure. Drugs and alcohol are not permitted on any of our trips. Intoxicated persons will be refused without refund. A changing room is provided at the Outdoor Recreation Center.

 

Cancellations made within 72 hours of activities’ date will not be refunded. Payments are refundable when military commitments or medical emergencies are involved. Customer may be held responsible for irretrievable deposits. The participant must provide proper documentation upon refund request. Any trip is subject to cancellation due to unsafe weather conditions or a lack of participation. In this event, rescheduling or full refunds will be given. For cancellations call: 333-2940

 

The items on the checklist are to make your outing comfortable.  Since the weather in Colorado can change rapidly, be prepared for cold and rainy conditions as well as sunny, warm days.  Items with a * after them are available from the OAP at no extra cost.

WHAT TO WEAR:                                                         COMFORT ITEMS:

BATHING SUIT OR SHORTS                                                                            SUNSCREEN

RIVER SHOES OR OLD SNEAKERS (NO FLIPFLOPS)                                  SUNGLASSES WITH RETAINING STRAP

SOCKS (WOOL OR POLYPROPYLENE)                                                                              LIP BALM WITH SUNSCREEN

TOP (WOOL OR POLYPROPYLENE)                                                                   WATER BOTTLE

SUN HAT OR BASEBALL HAT                                                                           RAIN GEAR TOP *

HELMET *                                                                                                              MISCELLANEOUS:

WET SUIT *                                                                                                         DAY PACK (STAYS IN VEHICLE)

PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD) *                                                       PLASTIC BAG (FOR WET CLOTHING)

CHANGE OF CLOTHES FOR RIDE HOME                                                        CAMERA (DISPOSABLE, WATERPROOF)

 

NOTE:  Wool or synthetic blends are recommended for clothing.  Try to avoid cotton fabrics; they lose their insulation value when wet.  Outdoor clothing should be non-binding (polypropylene or a synthetic blend is preferred for inner clothing needed on the cooler trips, or if you are easily susceptible to cold).

 

 

 

 

 

International Scale of River Rating Difficulty

 
The International Scale of River Rating Difficulty is a guide for assessing the difficulty of a stretch of water. Some rivers will not clearly fall into a neat system. Temperatures below 50 °F should change a rating to be one class more difficult than normal.

  • Class I - Moving water with few riffles and small waves. Few or no obstructions.
  • Class II - Easy rapids with waves up to three feet and wide clear channels that are obvious.
  • Class III - Rapids with high, irregular waves often capable of swamping an open canoe. Narrow passages that often require complex maneuvering. May require some scouting from shore.
  • Class IV - Long, difficult rapids and constricted passages that often require precise maneuvering in very turbulent waters. Scout from shore often necessary and conditions make rescue difficult. Canoeists and kayakers should have the ability to roll.
  • Class V - Extremely difficult. Long very violent rapids with highly congested routes that nearly always must be scouted. Rescue conditions are difficult and there is a significant hazard to life in the event of a mishap. Ability to execute a roll is essential for all boaters in kayaks and closed canoes.
  • Class VI - Difficulties in Class V carried to the extreme of navigability. Nearly impossible and very dangerous. For experts only.

Source: American Whitewater