The snow is melting. The rivers are swollen with the fresh spring run-off. The current is swift. The waves have grown in size and frequency. This marks the beginning of the 2007 whitewater rafting season on the Arkansas River in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
The Upper Arkansas River basin received abundant snowfall this winter offering whitewater enthusiasts’ ample water for the upcoming whitewater season. 2007 promises to be one of the best rafting seasons in years as the Rocky Mountain west recovers from drought conditions. Colorado’s rivers primarily depend on the snow pack for their water supply. Peak native run-off usually occurs sometime in late May and June providing the most exciting whitewater opportunities. The Arkansas River is unique among Colorado’s Rivers in that its’ water resources are managed by the “Voluntary Flow Program”. Water is stored in three different reservoirs at the headwaters near Leadville. The entities that own and manage the waters that feed the Arkansas River have coordinated with Colorado State Parks and the Arkansas River’s outfitters to supplement the native flow when the snowmelt subsides. This provides the Arkansas River with enough water late in the season to allow whitewater operations well into September.
The Arkansas River in southern Colorado saw 282,381 commercial rafting visitors in 2006 up 3.97% from 2005. The numbers continue to grow as more and more travelers are realizing this is a sport that anyone can participate in under the direction of a qualified guide and licensed outfitter. The Arkansas River in southern Colorado is one of the most user-friendly rivers anywhere in the world. It offers whitewater rafting trips suitable for everyone. Whitewater adventure trips are a great family or group activity and also appeal to the avid outdoors adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can choose from half-day excursions to multi-day overnight river adventures. The Arkansas provides over 110 miles of whitewater with varying levels of difficulty. Trips range from class II scenic floats to class V extreme trips through the world-renowned Royal Gorge. Many class III trips are suitable for children as young as 6 years old or at least 50 lbs. Size requirements must be met in order to provide them with proper fitting safety gear. The ability to swim well is not required for easier runs. However, it is mandatory for all class IV and above rapids.
Rafting trips are very affordable with prices ranging from $30 to $599 per person depending on trip options and duration. The outfitter provides all river gear and some trips include riverside lunches, or multiple meals if you’re on an overnight trip. It is important to have properly fitted PFD’s (personal flotation device), and helmets. During the peak run-off wetsuits are mandatory as the water temperatures can be as low as 40°. Splash Jackets, heavy-duty windbreakers are also provided to help eliminate the wind chill. During the warmer summer month’s swimsuits are the attire of choice. Sport sandals, water socks, or an old pair of tennis shoes are the suggested footwear. Contact lenses are not recommended. If you [...]
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Whitewater Rafting in Colorado, Setting Up for an Exciting 2007 Vacation Season
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Tags: 2007, Colorado, Exciting, Rafting, Season, Setting, Vacation, Whitewater 
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What Is More Exciting Than Adventure Travel?
There is not much in the world that is more exciting than adventure travel. When you are taking part in adventure travel you are taking risk, you are getting out there and finally living life to the fullest. When was the last time that you actually did that? Probably a long time ago right? Well there is no time like the present to change things for the better and to experience all that life has to offer.
There are all kinds of great vacations that you can take when it comes to adventure travel and not all of them are filled with death defying stunts and danger. Sure, some of them are but if that is not your think then you don’t have to choose them. Everyone has a different comfort level and adventure travel just means taking a trip that is exciting, one that is a little out of your normal travel behavior. You don’t have to go and climb Mount Everest or anything like that to have a good time with adventure travel.
Some of the best adventure travel has barely any danger to it whatsoever. Have you ever climbed through the runs of Greece, or hiked in the Amazon, or even gone surfing in Costa Rica? If not these are great ways to get your feet wet with adventure travel. With this kind of adventure travel you will be able to have a great time and not do anything too, too dangerous. Just things that excite you and thrill you to the bone.
Can you imagine taking a trip to some exotic locale and then experiencing some of their ways of life. Have you ever heard of Zorbing? It is something that they do in New Zealand, and it is so much fun. All you do is climb into a giant ball, it is like a great big beach ball, just climb in it and they roll you down the hill. There is usually some water in it to cushion any bumps that you might hit along the way down. The water is not dangerous to you and your breathing because it is kept totally separate from you in a different compartment of the ball. This is one of the most fun things that you could ever do when you are gong to adventure travel and it is not even a little bit dangerous.
You see adventure travel is something that everyone can enjoy, no matter what they danger tolerance happens to be. If you are sick and tired of the same old same old then you need to find out some more about adventure travel today. Start planning your next trip abroad now, with a little more adventure in mind. It is always fun to try something new and exciting so go for it and have a blast!
Adventure Travel An Exciting And Enthralling Experience
You often hear people talking about adventure travel and that makes you wonder as to what adventure travel actually is. It is something by which u can add adventure and fun to your life. So before going for an adventure travel, you must know what it is. Adventure travels does not mean that you have to endanger your life for your trip to be called adventurous!
The term adventurous is a concept that is not defined physically when you talk about adventure travel. This concept is defined psychologically. Different people have different definitions of adventure. Earlier adventure travels meant going abroad or just traveling to different places. However, its definition has changed today. Adventure travel is when you experience an event rather than being a mere spectator in your travels. It is actually living in the present and experiencing the place and not just sight seeing.
Adventure is different for everyone. What may appear adventurous to you could be totally boring for someone. And that is reason that there are so many options available if you want to go for adventure travels. You can choose the one which suits you, and more importantly the one which excites you! White water rafting or kayaking can be fun for someone. On the other hand camping in an interesting place can de defined as adventurous by some people. Hot air balloon ride may sound boring to you but it can be the perfect adventure travel for some.
Adventure travel is when you get yourself involved in an enthralling experience. It includes boating, kayaking, hiking, sky diving, mountain climbing, scuba diving, sailing, bicycling and much more! You should not indulge yourself into any form of adventure travels in which you are not comfortable. The level of risk in your travel is defined by you just like term adventure is defined individually. Adventure travel is getting yourself engaged into a new experience but make sure that you are totally comfortable in what you are doing.
You can choose a tour if you wish to go for adventure travels. Such adventure travel tours are available for couples and families. But do not worry in case you are single, adventure tours are also available for you. So you can make a plan for an adventure tour. You can choose a tour which suits you best. These tours usually have two groups of people. One group goes on sight seeing and visits their areas of interest, whereas the other group involves itself in adventurous activities. Of course the type of activity depends on the tour which you have selected.
It is a misconception that adventure travel is only for the younger people. You can indulge yourself into it irrespective of your age. Adventure travels is enjoyed by one and all. It is not uncommon to see an old couple getting engaged in adventurous activities. Having worked hard throughout their life, they want o experience something new and enthralling. You can meet people from all quarters of life in adventure travel. Now, meeting [...]