Take advantage of our Colorado Whitewater Rafting Spring Discount!

The weather is warming up, and Colorado white water rafting season is almost in full bloom! We know you’ve been daydreaming about getting out of the office and onto the water this summer, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you. Take advantage of our Spring has Sprung whitewater rafting discount and save on your whitewater adventure this spring! Trust us—you’ll be glad you did. Rafting in Arizona? Get on the water with us! Celebrate spring by gearing up for an amazing adventure on one of Arizona’s famed whitewater rivers. Come enjoy flowers, singing birds, and whitewater rafting on a trip you won’t soon forget. Wilderness Aware is a premier whitewater rafting company running trips on Arizona’s Salt River for decades, and we know how to make your vacation time count. We still have plenty of availability for you, your family, and your friends—so consider taking a spring break on the water in the next few weeks. We’re happy to give you 15% off when you raft with us before April 8! Book online and enter promo code SALTSPRING or call us at 800.462.7238 to secure your spot. Hitting the water in Colorado? We’re right there with you. With our headquarters located in Buena Vista, Colorado, we’re right smack dab in the middle of the most beautiful stretches of whitewater in the country. Come raft in our backyard with one of our trips down one of our 5 great rivers, including the Arkansas River. Whatever it is you’ve been dying to try all winter—whether it’s Royal Gorge rafting or floating down the Upper Colorado—we have the perfect trip for you. You still have over a month to get in on this great deal, so get in your request for time off at work, grab a group of friends, and head over to our headquarters for a spring break you’ll love. Raft with us before May 1st, and we’ll take 10% off your trip—so you can pamper your sense of adventure as well as your wallet. These offers won’t last past spring, so book your rafting trip today! We want to see you on the water in the next few weeks. For more information on rafting Colorado or rafting discounts, or to book a trip with us, visit www.www.inaraft.com. Take advantage of this great offer today and plan your ultimate adventure for less!  

Need more time on the water? Check out our multi-day rafting getaways!

At Wilderness Aware Rafting, we believe that too much of a good thing can be completely amazing. That’s why we offer multi-day rafting getaways for when a few hours of rafting Colorado just won’t cut it. With trips offering a wide range of scenery and classes of rapids, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect getaway for you or your group. Keep reading more information on our multi-day rafting trips, and give us a call at 719.395.2112 if you want to know even more about these one-of-a-kind adventures. It’s hard to pin down exactly what makes these trips so special, but there’s something about having more than one day to really let the beauty of nature and slower pace of travel sink in. Our guides handle everything for you, from meals to safety and activities off the raft, which means you can sit back, relax, and enjoy rafting in Colorado. If you’re worried about your backcountry experience being comfort-free, don’t worry: our guides make the experience enjoyable as well as pared-down, with treats like bringing you hot drinks in the morning or preparing hot meals with fresh ingredients from scratch. If you want to take a trip where the rapids are fewer so you can spend more time focusing on the scenery, consider our trips on the Upper Colorado. As a two-day trip, this option is perfect for families or those new to backcountry camping and rafting. With ample opportunities for sunbathing and swimming, this trip is bound to improve your tan as well as give you a much-needed retreat from the daily grind. Or, if you’d like to combine your rafting adventure with a world-class fishing experience, our Gunnison River trip may be for you. You get to choose how much fun you can handle with both 2-day and 3-day options, but any way you slice it, we save you hundreds of dollars over other guided fishing trips. With rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV, this trip will deliver all the rafting, fishing, and adventure you’re looking for from your Colorado white water rafting getaway. If one, two, or three days just isn’t enough, check out our 5-day Arkansas River Camping Adventure! This trip combines all of the best whitewater sections the Arkansas River has to offer and is the longest rafting trip offered on the Arkansas River by any Buena Vista whitewater rafting company. This is our favorite Arkansas River trip, and for good reason—it’s the perfect option for anyone looking to take a week off and really get to know this beautiful and one-of-a-kind river. Depending on group interest and ability, there’s also the option to indulge in a little Royal Gorge rafting at the trip’s end. Book your Colorado white water rafting trip now, or visit us at www.www.inaraft.com for more information on Colorado rafting. Now is a great time to start planning your ultimate summer vacation, so don’t wait!

How to find the perfect wetsuit for Colorado whitewater rafting

When the weather is windy or the water is a little on the cool side for Colorado rafting, wetsuits are the perfect solution. Today’s wetsuits take advantage of the most advanced fabric and stitching options to create a suit that can keep you warm, wet, and happy, whether you’re surfing or white water rafting in Colorado. However, with the hundreds of wetsuits available by dozens of manufacturers, choosing the perfect suit for you can get a little overwhelming. We’re going to go over some tips you can use so you know when you’ve found the perfect fit—and if you’re still in any doubt, give us a call at 719.395.2112. Our Colorado white water rafting company has over three decades of experience in whitewater rafting Colorado, and we can help you get in the right suit and out on the water. First, let’s talk about the options. There are several categories that affect wetsuit fit and performance, but we’re going to focus on three general ones—stitching, closures, and thickness. Stitching: Overlock stitching is durable but not watertight, and its protruding seam can irritate the skin. Flatlock stitching is also not watertight and is less durable that overlock stitching, but is less likely to irritate the skin since the stich lies flatter. Blindstitching is the least durable of all, but makes up for this with the highest level of comfort and the only waterproof seam (which keeps you warmer). Closures: There are three main options for wetsuit closures—back zippers, shoulder zippers, and no zippers. While choosing between the three is more of a personal preference than anything else, pay attention to how comfortable you feel with swimming or paddling motions. Zippers create stiffness and inflexibility in the back and shoulders, so if that doesn’t work for you, consider choosing the no-zipper option. Thickness: This is an important factor, as the thickness of your wetsuit determines how comfortable you will be with lower temperatures of water. If you have a low tolerance for cold, or plan to spend significant time in colder bodies of water, make sure you take that into account by investing in a thicker, warmer wetsuit. There are several things to watch for that mean a suit is not the right fit for you. If you’re having difficulty moving, speaking, breathing, etc., the suit is obviously too tight—a problem that will only intensify over time as the suit shrinks and hardens with age. If the suit is too loose, it will carry extra water and slow you down, not to mention prevent you from staying warm. When you’ve found a suit that doesn’t pinch, sag, or make you look like a killer whale, think carefully about how much time you’re going to spend in the suit. If you’re a weekend warrior, choosing a less durable (and therefore, less expensive) suit may make the most sense. If you’re a regular triathlete, don’t go halfway with a lower-quality suit you’ll have to replace sooner rather than later. And if you’re looking for an excuse to wear your new wetsuit, look no further than our Colorado rafting trips and specials. With land-and water-based adventures ranging from horseback riding to Royal Gorge rafting, you’re bound to find the perfect vacation for you. For more information on Colorado white water rafting, or to check out our family trips and large-group discounts and start planning your Colorado rafting trip, go to www.www.inaraft.com.  

Extreme rafting adventures on Royal Gorge and Numbers

Many of our guests gravitate towards our trips that combine a wilderness rafting experience with a healthy degree of safety. But if you’re looking for a wilder experience while Colorado white water rafting, we have the perfect trips for you, too. Wilderness Aware has been rafting Class V rapids in the most challenging sections of river around the state for years, and we’ve used that experience to create the best extreme Colorado rafting trips. Are you an experienced rafter looking for a more intense adventure? Take a look at our extreme Colorado white water rafting trips in Royal Gorge or Numbers, and get ready for the ride of a lifetime. Rafting Royal Gorge on the Arkansas River is the most popular extreme trip in the state for good reason. Drop after drop of pounding whitewater framed by stunning sheer cliffs means heart-pounding excitement for you and your friends—and stories you’ll be talking about for years to come. If you’re worried about getting thrown into the fray too quickly, don’t: we spend the morning warming up for Royal Gorge rafting in the scenic Lower Bighorn Sheep Canyon, a picturesque stretch of whitewater where the rapids are similar to those found in Browns Canyon. After a picnic lunch, we’ll take the plunge into one of the most exciting spots for white water rafting in Colorado. Don’t miss the views of the world’s highest suspension bridge (1,053 feet!), the world’s longest single-span Aerial Tram, and the world’s steepest incline railway. If you want to take your experience rafting Colorado a step further, consider our trip down the Numbers section of the Arkansas River. The trip begins in a steep, rocky upper section of the river, where precision paddling and maneuvering are musts. The rapids come hard, fast, and close together in this section, while your guides scout for resting spots. After lunch comes the Narrows section of the river, where the action mellows out a bit but continues to put your rafting skills to the test. The trip ends at the beach where your car is parked, which means you’re just a short walk away from our office, a steaming mug of hot chocolate, and photos from your trip. Both trips test your skills and amp up the adventure of your rafting experience. For more information on the best spots for rafting in Colorado or Buena Vista whitewater rafting, visit www.www.inaraft.com. Whether it’s a family vacation or an extreme rafting adventure, we have everything you need to make your Colorado rafting trip the memory of a lifetime.

Take advantage of our Facebook/Google+ Whitewater Rafting Discount!

Disneyland is fun, but let’s be honest—everyone loves to “one up” their friends (even if you aren’t willing to admit it) on a unique summer vacation. And what better way to do it than by having a Colorado white water rafting adventure? When you come home from your Colorado rafting trip, you’ll get to show off photos of you soaked and having a blast—not to mention your new extensive knowledge of Colorado geology, history, and wildlife-related trivia. (And with any luck, you’ll have a cheesy joke or two to boot.) You’ll hold the unofficial title of “Best Summer Vacationer” until next year, when your friends convince you to bring them along too. If you’re ready to be under the stars and let the sounds of the river lull you to sleep, this deal just got even better. This discount allows you to have your first pick of trip dates, which means in no time you could be rafting Colorado. Whether it’s a five-day epic adventure on the Arkansas River or a relaxing two days on the Upper Colorado, Wilderness Aware Rafting has the experience and resources to make your multi-day trip an adventure of a lifetime. Why worry about keeping up with the Joneses when you can pass them? This year, let Wilderness Aware Rafting help you show your friends you’re more than a workaholic by rafting in Colorado with our discount. Simply “like” us on Facebook and post a few words about how excited you are, or join us on Google Plus and share our page, and you can use the promo code “SOCIALPOST” while booking a trip and receive a 10% discount on any whitewater rafting trip. Remember, book by March 15th to take advantage of this awesome offer! Remember that this offer only applies to the adult rate on new rafting and biking reservations, and it cannot be combined with other discounts or group rates. If you have any questions, or are ready to make your friends envious of your ingenuity, schedule your trip using this discount. You can do this by giving us a call at 800-462-7238 or book online and enter SOCIALPOST. For more information on white water rafting in Colorado—whether it’s Royal Gorge rafting or other Colorado land-based adventures—visit www.www.inaraft.com. See you in the water!

Plan Your Perfect Colorado Whitewater Rafting Trip!

Are you looking into planning a Colorado whitewater rafting getaway, but don’t know where to start? Between finding the right rafting company, the right deal, and the right trip location, pulling a rafting vacation together can be overwhelming. Here’s a quick breakdown of our different rafting locations and trip specials to help you find everything you need in one place. Once you’ve got a feel for what we have to offer, you can find more Colorado white water rafting trip information here or book a rafting trip. The more, the merrier… Planning a large trip? If you have a group of 21 people or more, and you want to stay together as a group on the river, your best options will be trips on the Arkansas or Upper Colorado rivers. White water rafting Colorado with a large group can double your fun and adventure when you’re on the right river with the best guides—and Wilderness Aware can give you both. …But size isn’t everything. For groups smaller than 21 people, a more intimate wilderness setting is a great choice. The North Platte River in northern Colorado or the Dolores River in southern Colorado may be just what you’re looking for. With frequent wildlife sightings, unmatched scenery, and a slower pace, these rivers can offer you a retreat you’ll talk about for years to come. If you’re going even smaller with 10 people or less, start by taking a look at our trips on the Gunnison River. With a setting that’s stunning as well as intimate, this trip gives visitors the most remote and exclusive rafting experience Colorado has to offer. A smaller group allows you to have a trip that can be a bonding experience as well as a great adventure. Weekend warrior? If you’re looking for rafting near Denver, you’ll want to consider our trips on the Arkansas River. Made the most popular river in Colorado by its continuous rapids and ready access to Colorado’s front range cities such as Denver and Colorado Springs, these trips provide a shot of adventure and still allow you to get home and unwind. The best choice for white water rafting near Denver and Colorado Springs! Whether you’re looking for Colorado horseback riding or Royal Gorge rafting, we’re here to make it happen. Don’t forget to check out our information on planning trips for youth groups, Boy and Girl Scout troops, or other special groups. The above rivers can serve as a great starting place for planning your trip, but for more information on rafting Colorado or planning a Colorado rafting vacation, give us a call at 719.395.2112 or visit us at www.www.inaraft.com.

Stay Classy In The Water – See Which Rapids Are Right For You

It’s a cold, hard fact: whitewater rafting in Colorado is a fantasy shared by many. Whether you haven’t yet had the chance to get on the river or you’re a seasoned professional, you may find that as summer draws nearer it’s hard to keep rafting in Colorado off your mind. But before you hit the waves, it’s vital to understand what class of rapids you’re prepared for. In whitewater rafting, if you take on a river that’s outside your skill level as a rafter, you can quickly get in over your head—so before you head out on your Arizona rafting adventure, read on for a quick brush-up on what class is right for you. If you are looking for a mild float down the river you may consider Class I rapids. They allow you to take in the beautiful surrounding scenery and catch some sun without having to focus too much on paddling. This is a perfect place to start with more mature family members or young kids who are just looking to get their feet wet. Class II rapids – at this level, you can expect quicker water with occasional rocks and wave trains. Class II sections might require maneuvering, which means they’re a great way to start learning your paddling commands. If this is your first time rafting and you want to see some moderately difficult rapids look to Class III rapids. With irregular waves and obstacles to maneuver around, this classification provides a great ride while still being suitable for all levels of experience. Get ready for a great time! When you bump it up a notch to Class IV, you’ll meet long and powerful rapids, with standing waves and hydraulics—all which require quick, linked maneuvers in order to navigate through it. At Class V, those with advanced whitewater rafting experience can take on long, continuous violent rapids, filled with obstructions and the potential for large drops and steep gradient that require mandatory precise maneuvers. Rapids ranking, Class VI are considered unrunnable. This is due to irregularly water surges, obstacles that make the passage unclear, potentially huge drops, and other hazards that may or may not be visible. These sections are dangerous even for expert paddlers, and come with the warning of “danger to life or limb”— not to be taken lightly. Use these guidelines when picking your trip. With rafting vacations covering five of these classes, you’re bound to find the perfect river for you. Whether you’re looking for Colorado Springs whitewater rafting or Salt River rafting trips, our expert guides will keep you afloat and having the time of your life. For more information about Colorado white water rafting, visit us at www.www.inaraft.com.

Summer Whitewater Rafting Discount!

We know that one of your resolutions for this New Year was to get out on the river this summer for some Colorado white water rafting—so we decided to make it even easier for you. Starting now, book a Colorado white water rafting adventure before February 1st, and we’ll take 10% off your trip with our Summer Whitewater Discount! So when you’re braving traffic in the midst of a snowstorm or shoveling your driveway before leaving for work, don’t despair. Take that time to plan your debut into Dolores River rafting, or imagine the way that Colorado sun will feel on your face while you sail over those Royal Gorge rapids. Your friends may mock you for daydreaming about rafting Colorado while the weather forecast predicts record-setting snowfall, but when summer rolls around you’ll get the last laugh. (You can even invite them along, if you feel like taking the high road.) If you want to pick a multi-day trip, this deal just got even better. This discount allows you to keep your trip dates as flexible as possible, which means in a matter of months you could be rafting the Arkansas River from top to bottom, or exploring Browns Canyon one day and Lower Bighorn Sheep Canyon the next. Whether it’s a five-day wilderness adventure on the Arkansas River or fly fishing in the Gunnison River Gorge, Wilderness Aware Rafting has the experience and resources to make your trip the adventure of a lifetime. And for those who want to keep their feet on the ground this summer, don’t forget this discount also applies to our downhill mountain biking adventures! Book a trip this month and you could be basking in the alpine beauty of the Rockies while heading down the Continental Divide, or exploring a mountain biking trail meandering along the historic Midland Railroad Grade. Remember: this offer applies to the adult rate on new rafting and biking reservations only, and it can’t be combined with other discounts or group rates. If you have any questions, or want to take the plunge and schedule your trip using this discount, give us a call at 800-462-7238. You can also book online and enter our Summer Whitewater Discount promo code, WINTERFUN. With our Colorado whitewater rafting discount, book a rafting trip, save some cash, and feel free to pat yourself on the back for keeping the most important New Year’s resolution on your list. For more information on Buena Vista whitewater rafting, or to check out our Colorado white water rafting trips, visit us at www.www.inaraft.com. See you in the water!

Now hiring Colorado whitewater rafting guides!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend a summer rafting Colorado—and getting paid for it? Now’s your chance! Wilderness Aware Rafting is currently accepting applications for Colorado white water rafting guides for the 2012 summer season. We’re looking for guides with curiosity, a love of the outdoors, and a dedication to providing our clients with top-of-the-line service. If you’re a team player who loves exceeding client’s expectations and having a great time on the water, we want to hear from you. We believe that our application process is one of the most involved and informed of any Colorado rafting company in the country—which means we can make sure that you are the best fit for us, and we are the best fit for you. If it turns out we are not the rafting company for you, our hiring process occurs early enough in the season for you to be able to find work at another rafting company—something we’re happy to assist you with. If you don’t have any experience rafting in Colorado, great! We give new guides 3 to 4 weeks of intensive training so they have a solid foundation to build from as the season begins. Beginners also have an edge while applying—Wilderness Aware prefers individuals with a love of learning and an open mind to experienced guides with commercial rafting experience. Whether you just love to spend weekends on the water or you’re a seasoned professional, we’d like to hear from you and see whether you can be a member of our 2012 guide team. As a Wilderness Aware guide, we will teach you everything you need to know—from knot tutorials to the mechanics of Royal Gorge rafting. Our in-depth interview process culminates in a 5-day rafting trip, where our guides can show you the ropes and watch you in action. We give applicants a discounted rate for this multi-day trip so all parties can be clear on what the duties of a Wilderness Aware raft guide are and whether applicants are comfortable carrying those out. If you’re looking for an adventure this summer, apply for one of our rafting guide positions. Remember that if you are hired, you must be in Colorado and ready to train no later than May 20, 2012. Guides are also required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Take the first step towards your summer of whitewater rafting Colorado and fill out a rafting guide application today! For more information on our hiring process or Colorado white water rafting, visit us at www.www.inaraft.com.

Stay in shape for Colorado rafting

You can’t start rafting Colorado for a while yet, but that doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel. Use the winter months ahead to give yourself the skills and conditioning you need to take on white water rafting in Colorado when the weather is right. Kick back and enjoy your holiday season—but don’t forget to check out these pointers to make sure that when summer rolls back around, you’re back on your game ASAP. Consider a certification. A great way to break that cold-weather inertia, spice up your resume and give yourself a better skill set for rafting is by gaining one (or more) certifications. If Colorado white water rafting is your thing, then think about getting your Wilderness First Aid certification through an organization like NOLS. Getting current Red Cross certifications in CPR and first aid—or bumping it up with a class that teaches wilderness survival skills—will give you a new level of confidence when rafting and train you in skills you may need to help save a life. Hit the slopes- or the gym. As many of you know, the great state of Colorado has a sport for everyone, no matter the season. Take advantage of the advent of skiing and boarding season, and keep your body conditioned for rafting while having a blast. Even lower-key snow activities like snowshoeing keep your muscles active, so get out there and show some snow love. And we know—getting on a boating machine at the local Y isn’t quite the same as getting out on the Arkansas River. But if winter sports aren’t your thing and you want to keep your body in the best possible shape for rafting, consider biting the bullet and getting a membership. If you want to try out some Royal Gorge rafting come spring, your muscles will need to be in training now and in the months ahead. Set a goal. With new year’s just around the corner, it’s time to think about what you want to do when the Colorado white water rafting season rolls back around. Is there a particular location you’ve never been? A higher class of rapids you want to try? Go for it—the way to stay in love with rafting is by finding new ways to challenge yourself. If you need some inspiration, check out our Brown’s Canyon rafting trips and other Colorado whitewater rafting trips. Whatever it is you want to do differently this summer, Colorado rafting has something for everyone. Start thinking about what you want to do this summer sooner rather than later, so you can make sure it happens. Do your part. Without Colorado rivers, there would be no rafting in Colorado—so if you want to stay on some of the most beautiful liquid real estate in the state, make sure you’re informed about legislation concerning them. Stay updated on concerns with Colorado rivers so if they need your help, you can give back. Remember, rafting is like football—there’s really no off season. Do what you can now to make rafting this summer the most memorable experience possible. For more information, or to plan a Colorado rafting vacation, visit www.www.inaraft.com.