Well, I successfully made it through my first rafting trip of the season. And honestly, I couldn’t have started with a better trip. Last year, I rafted the Numbers section in mid-July. It was flowing at about 1200 cfs. This year, it was a little bigger. The river is really starting to rise fast. I was able to hit it at a very good level of 1700 cfs. Today it’s flowing at about 2400 cfs, which is when they close it to commercial rafting. So I got lucky. The Numbers section is a great section for adrenaline junkies, like me. Normally, you don’t have to have prior experience to hit this section. I do recommend being in shape though, because there is a lot of paddling involved. That’s what makes this section of whitewater one of the best in Colorado. It’s non-stop. And regardless the level it’s at, it’s a guaranteed good time. There are times when it involves a bit of technicality, and you have to be precise and move around large boulders. Then there are times when you’re paddling full forward, and punching through wave trains.

At the top of the numbers section, it’s pretty mellow. There’s about a mile of Class II-III whitewater. This is a great time to really work as a team and practice on your paddling. At 1700 cfs, it’s not long before you’re in #1 rapid, you’re first Class IV rapid. Last year, the first three rapids were pretty mellow. Nothing too big. This year, it was a bit different. We had four boats. One of the boats dump-trucked and all 6 people on it went overboard, including the guide. I was in the boat directly behind them. We paddled hard, and help get everyone into our raft. But most of them actually had to swim the entire rapid. I felt so bad for all the girls in the boat. They were terrified. Some of them were a little nervous about continuing the trip. After all, we still had 6 more Class III-IV rapids to get through. Not to mention, most of them had lost their lake shoes. But thank God for dry suits. The water was 45 degrees. I was freezing my butt off, just from being splashed in the face. I couldn’t imagine how cold it was being fully submerged. Shortly after that rapid, was Rapid #1 1/2. The guide said that rapid was pretty sweet at 1700 cfs. It had lots of wave trains, which can be a lot of fun. Rapids #2 and #3 were about the same. They weren’t too technical. But there was a lot of big water to enjoy. I was in the front of the boat, so that made it super fun.

Rapid #6

Rapid #4 was my favorite. It was my favorite last year, too. It was the longest rapid of the entire run. There were big holes in it. I even think a couple of times, I started squealing because I was having so much fun. Rapid #4 involved a lot of paddling, which is good. I actually feel like I’m getting exercise that way. There’s not much distance between Rapid#4 and #5. Not much at all, actually. Rapid #5 is a lot more technical at 1200 cfs, then at 1700 cfs. You still have to maneuver a lot, but it’s not as bad. Last year when I did it, it almost seemed like there wasn’t much room for mistakes. There’s a good size drop in this rapid. I remember it being much bigger last year. As for rapid #6, it was a lot more fun last year than this year. Last year, I remember getting punched in the face with wave after wave. This year, it didn’t seem like that at all. It’s amazing on what a difference more or less water will make. And the last rapid, rapid #7, was pretty fun. Nothing too technical. It’s a good rapid to finish off The Numbers section. Shortly after rapid #7, is where we take out. If you’re on a full-day trip, it’s where you eat lunch. If you’re on a half-day trip, it’s where you finish.

Rapid #6

After lunch, we jump back on the Arkansas River and do a section called The Narrows. In the Narrows, there’s a rapid called the Miracle Mile. Obviously, it’s about a mile long. And it’s a miracle if you make it through it without bumping into a rock. Ha. At a lower level, it’s a little more complicated. But at 1700 cfs, it wasn’t too bad. And with a good guide, it’s no problem at all. This is a Class III rapid. I actually think this section would be a lot of fun to duckie. It would be a lot of paddling and maneuvering, but a lot of fun. The Narrows section is a good section to be able to look around and really enjoy your surroundings. The view of Mountain Princeton from this area is spectacular. At the end of the Narrows, is a section called House Rock. It’s the reason why the Narrows has its name. It’s a very tight squeeze. And it’s amazing on how much water rushes through such a small space. Just a few minutes later, your at the take-out point, the Buena Vista play park.

I really enjoyed the trip. For those just wanting to get their adrenaline fix, I would suggest doing a half-day on the Numbers section. Because doing the Narrows after the Numbers may be a little disappointing for you. The Narrows is a lot more laid back, and may not help you get that adrenaline fix. But if you enjoy time to just sit back and smell the roses, do the full-day. That’s what makes this section so great. You paddle a lot, so you don’t get bored. But you also have plenty of time to enjoy yourself. The numbers section is quite different. The rapids are non-stop and you have to paddle a lot. But the Numbers section is one of the best sections of whitewater in the state.

Run: Numbers-Full Day

Meeting Time: 8:30 a.m.

Trip Length: Normally 6 hours. A lot shorter due to rapid flow. Was done at 1:30 p.m.

Price: $104

Guide: Chris

Company: Arkansas Valley Adventures

(800)370-0581

http://www.coloradorafting.net