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.
