Beginner/Intermediate
| RIVER |
TRIP NAME |
CLASS |
DIFFICULTY
LEVEL |
MINIMUM
AGE |
MEETING PLACE |
TRIP MEETING TIME |
| Arkansas |
Brown's Canyon full day |
3/4 |
Beginner/ Intermediate |
7 |
Buena Vista |
9am |
| Arkansas |
Brown's Canyon 1/2 day |
3/4 |
Beginner/ Intermediate |
7 |
Buena Vista |
9:30am / 2pm |
Beginner/Intermediate raft trips are ideals for those having a hard time choosing between beginner and intermediate rafting. Beginner/intermediate whitewater adventures offer solid rapids and fun hits without the aggressiveness required for an intermediate raft trip. In addition, families with children between 7 and 13 may decide on a beginner/intermediate raft adventure, as they are often more exciting than beginner rafting trips and the minimum age for most intermediate raft adventures is 14.
The minimum age for our Beginner/Intermediate Brown’s Canyon trip on the Arkansas River is seven. Thus, it can be ideal for large groups who meet the age requirement. On a beginner/intermediate rafting adventure, more experienced rafters won’t be bored, and new paddlers will get an exciting introduction to whitewater.
Rafting rivers is more than just crazy whitewater and extreme excitement. It is the total experience that creates the memories of a life time. A positive Colorado white water rafting experience is not only excitement but can also include, wildlife, beautiful views, rich history from knowledgeable guides and most of all, enjoying a comfortable experience with friends and family.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not take into consideration the “perfect whitewater rafting adventure” millions of years ago when she formed the rivers of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Keeping this in mind it might be necessary to adjust your expectations to accommodate everyone’s comfort levels.
Because difficulty levels for Colorado white water rafting adventures can vary depending on water levels and weather conditions you will sometimes have two different ratings for an adventure. The rating will often increase (get more difficult) early season during peak water flows do to high water levels and cooler weather conditions. High water season can be the best time to raft if you are looking for high adventure.
Remember to consider the groups comfort levels when deciding on a difficulty level for your adventure. High water season in Colorado is typically early to mid June, peaking around the summer solstice (mid June). This can differ depending on weather and snowpack. For more detailed information about water levels and weather conditions you can contact our knowledgeable reservations staff at 800-997-3448.
Minimum ages are also available to help you find your comfort level. Our minimum ages are not mandatory, they are a guide for you to use when making a decision about the adventure you are choosing. Factors that go into minimum ages include but are not limited to a person’s height, weight, physical ability, and mental ability and maturity levels. These factors along with years of experience and taking thousand of guest rafting over the years have gone into setting minimum ages. In an effort to maintain a reasonable level of safety, we do reserve the right to refuse service if necessary depending on a person’s age or ability levels.
Beginner =
first timers, young children |
Intermediate =
aggressive first timers, teens |
Advanced =
experienced paddlers looking for an adventure |
Expert =
very experienced paddlers only |
RIVER/RAPIDS CLASS RATING SYSTEM This is strictly a subjective scale. You can characterize a rapid by class or give a general class to a whole river even though it has several different classes of rapids within it. The class of a rapid or river can change at different water levels. The temperature of the water, the air temperature, the remoteness of the river, and the difficulty of a rescue can all influence the rapid's class.
Class I - Easy. Small riffles. No significant waves or obstacles.
Class II - Novice. Moderate rapids with regular waves, small drops, clear passages and wide channels. Occasional maneuvering may be required.
Class III - Intermediate. Moderately difficult rapids with larger irregular waves, often narrow channels. Complex maneuvering to avoid obstacles required.
Class IV - Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids requiring precise maneuvering in fast, turbulent water. Complex channels with many significant obstacles to be avoided.
Class V - Expert. Extremely long violent or obstructed rapids, often following each other almost without interruption. Drops may have large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with difficult routes. Steep gradient.
Class VI - unrunnable
Classifications of river sections may change due to water levels
For help in choosing a trip or any questions you might have please, call 1-800-997-3448 and our office personnel will be happy to assist you in putting together a successful river experience. Or e-mail us at:
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