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On Tuesday, Rob and I finally kayaked the South Platte River. We had been talking about doing it for quite some time and both had the day free to make it happen. Since the river is right by our house, and we run/bike/walk along it all the time, we knew what the rapids looked like and figured they would be a breeze.
After 15.5 miles, 5 hours, and some shake-like-a-leaf inducing rapids that we don’t see on our walks/runs/and bikes, our “easy float” turned into a “thank goodness we made it”. If you have an inkling to do the same thing, here are my dos and don’ts.
DO:
- Rent your gear from Confluence Kayaks. The sales people were super friendly and for $40 each, they outfitted us with blowup kayaks, paddles, helmets, life vests, and straps.
- Put in at C-470 along the South Platte Reservoir Access Road. You will be with lots of other tubers and a good community feel.
- Chat with those who ask questions. It’s fun to share stories and to find out where other people are taking out.
- Hit the first rapid that is about 20 feet from where you put in. It starts the trip off with a rush and gets you used to the water temperature!
- Scope out the rapids you’re not sure of. We pulled over to scan a few before we went down them.
- Wear Tevas, or some other hard bottomed shoe that can get wet and make walking through the water not gross.
- Pack a cooler of snacks. Jerky, granola bars, apples. It’s a long journey and you will need the fuel.
- Go with your best friend. Seriously, it’s a great story that you’ll want to share.
- Drink a big old beer when you finish.
DON’T:
- Paddle right up to a 12-foot waterfall rapid and then decide it’s too steep, too fast, too narrow, and the water’s too high to attempt it. Don’t do this especially when the portage trail is on the other side of the river from where you are.
Not the waterfall in question, it was about triple this size!
- Step on a rock to exit your boat if you’re unsure of how stable that rock is.
- Get a late start and have to paddle through rain and hail.
- Paddle all the way to Confluence Park unless you know how long it is. I recommend taking out near Target. The rest of the route is rather industrial.
- Forget to take the keys to the second vehicle parked at the take out point. If you do, you might have to spend the next two hours soaking wet while you light rail-walk-bike-and caravan to get all the cars back home.
- Forget to laugh and thank your lucky stars that you made it safely through!
RQ: Have you ever white water rafted/kayaked/canoed?
I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.
You crazy kids! Don’t you remember the Snake River?
Your sooooo brave…..DAD
The Snake River was awesome!
Looks like a great time! Glad you are safe! I want to go kayaking so bad!!!!! 🙂
Make Gunshow take you!
I love kayaking but I have never been in water like that — only really calm water 🙂 I don’t think I could handle the waves at all! You guys are BRAVE!
You could definitely do it! It’s a whole different experience from flat water.
Oh my goodnes-quite the adventure, eh? I cannot imagine having to light rail it back to get the keys after that experience! But what a fun day, despite the, um, snafus.
I was so so mad at myself for forgetting the keys. But, what can you do?
I’ve never been kayaking but this looks awesome, and your tips are SO helpful! Thank you 🙂
You should go sometime. It’s a lot of fun!
Love canoes and kayaks. Thank you for sharing with us
Canoes and kayaks are such a fun way to explore in the water. This particular kayak trip was a wonderful experience and so much fun.