Whitewater Rafting- Poudre Canyon (5/24/2013)

In-laws in town so we decided to take a rafting trip down the Poudre Canyon. What an amazing journey! We went through A1 Wildwater Rafting here in Fort Collins and they did a great job. Instructed everyone on the do's and don'ts of whitewater rafting. They made us feel safe and confident and set us up for success. The trip was the "Wild & Scenic" trip which they offer and is described as:

 "nothing short of incredible! It’s a wild ride on world class whitewater as it churns its way down a deep mountain canyon, just as it has done for millions of years. The river runs clear and free and is never crowded, unlike most of the rivers in Colorado, and the rapids are almost continuous for the entire length of the trip. This trip traverses the National Wild & Scenic portion of the river and is the best single stretch of rafting wildwater on the river. This is a challenging trip for those people looking for an exciting ride. We take lots of first time rafters on this trip as well as experienced rafters but people going on this trip should be healthy, fit, have good swimming ability, and be able to paddle heartily. Class II, III, IV, and at times class IV+ rapids punctuate our dialogue with the river."

I will admit I thought it was going to be a leisurely stroll on the water... Anything but the case, so be ready for a work-out! You will have your hands full with paddling so you won't be able to take many photos and besides, you don't want your camera getting soaked. You will definitely get wet, which reminds me, if you don't have your own, spring for the waterproof shoes they offer you for an upcharge. I decided to be a man about it and not wear them... Holy shit that water is cold. Big mistake on my part. No doubt you will be enjoying the splendor of the views and the thrill of the ride, but your vessel will be covered in water within about 60 seconds. Additionally, water gathers in the boat so your feet are siting in ice cold water that was snow a few hours earlier! Also, bring a change of clothes and a towel unless you want to bet sitting it a sopping wet-suit when you get out and not just for a couple minutes but for the duration of the trip back to Fort Collins on the bus.

Check out their website: http://www.a1wildwater.com/