Another summer is done. There is snow on the peaks, the leaves are starting to turn and there is a chill in the air. We will be closed until May 2012. Thanks to everyone who made 2011 a great year. Enjoy your winter.
RAFT GUIDE SCHOOL
Our Whitewater Raft Guide School will take place May 14-25, 2012. The goal of our program is to train and certify individuals who are interested in whitewater rafting as well as commercial guiding. The course is designed to prepare commercial river guides in the State of Colorado, but is also perfect for private boaters looking to become safe, competent, and knowledgeable on their own rafting adventures. Our training will teach the skills, techniques, thought processes, rigging, and safety tactics needed to become an exceptional river guide. Topics covered will include rigging and maneuvering multiple types of whitewater craft, understanding river dynamics, characteristics of moving water, river hazards, an introduction to swift water rescue, types, causes and classifications of rapids, scouting and running rapids, emergency procedures, minimizing impacts on resources, and the proper use of all associated gear. After completion, successful participants will be certified as commercial river guides in Colorado and will have met all of the requirements for entry-level guide positions on rivers throughout the nation. Participation in the course does not guarantee employment with Pagosa Outside, but we will give priority to those guides seeking employment who have successfully completed our whitewater guide certification program.
The cost of the 10 day course is $450. The price includes the use of all gear needed during training. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your space. If you have any further question please contact Tobi Rohwer at (970) 946-1233 or info@pagosaoutside.com
We will also be offering a Standard First Aid & CPR class during our training program. This class will be conducted during 2 evenings throughout the course and is not included in the cost of training. The cost is usually around $35 and is a two year certification.
7-27
I would have to say that the river improvments in downtown Pagosa were much needed and have been very well recieved by kayakers, rafters, swimmers, sunbathers, and especially tubers!
7-17
Tubing season is at its peak. The water is at prime tubing flows. The new recreational features in town park are creating lots of excitement. What could possibly be more fun? Grab a friend and get down to the San Juan River in downtown Pagosa ASAP.
7-11
Matt and Dan decided to drop a couple of waterfalls in the gorge on the upper East Fork. The boys and the Tributary 9.5 raft performed like champs.
My camera work, on the other hand, was less than perfect. All the pics I took while they were dropping were either too dark or too blurry.
They stuck both landings perfectly. You’ll have to take my word for it. You might recognize the second drop and raft from Canoe and Kayak Magazines review called Mini Raft Mayhem
7-7
Tubing Season opens tomorrow!!
The tubing mayhem is upon us and it is more fun than you can imagine. With the addition of three new whitewater fratures in Town Park, it is more exciting than ever. At this point we are suggesting a 50 lb. minimum and life jackets for kids 12 and under.
7-1
Ducky Season is upon us.
The Instructional Ducky Trips have been a huge hit at Pagosa Outside. This summer we picked up a whole new fleet of high performance NRS Revolution Inflatable Kayaks. They are ultra-light, ultra-slick and ULTRA-FUN. Get out on the river with a knowledgeable guide and learn the basics of paddling and whitewater safety before you go out on your own.
6-27
Check out our new video!!! Barry put together some very unique footage from our San Juan and Piedra River raft trips.
6-19
Adam and crew celebrate National Air guitar day on a West Fork trip.
6-17
Last nights meeting regarding continued recreational and fishing improvements on the San Juan river in downtown Pagosa Springs created some excitement among the river community. The plan calls for more waves, better fishing habitat, and improved access to all sections of the river within city limits. The San Juan has a great future thanks to forward thinking by town council, great work by Riverbend Engineering, donated equipment and labor by Hart Construction and Davey Pitcher of Wolf Creek Ski area, and oversight from the Division of Wildlife and Corp of Engineers. Without everyone working together, none of this would be possible.
Here’s some photos of Mr. Pitcher enjoying the fruits of his generous donations.
6-10
The guides were out last night doing a flip training drill. What a blast! Some folks who were watching it all from the hot springs didn’t know to think. All the guides in training did a great job. I’m proud to say that in my 17 years in the whitewater business, I haven’t worked with a better crew of guides.
6-8
Just having a proud dad moment. My daughter Grace is already 2 months old.
6-4
2 for 1 rafting trips on Sat. and Sun. for anyone with a “Pagosa Folk ‘N Bluegrass” wrist band.
6-2
Lots of kudos for Pagosa Outside in the last few days. Search for a lost kayaker, a raft rescue for some local boaters, and thanks from all in the Pagosa Sun. The water is high….. stay safe.
Also some really happy crews on our West Fork and Piedra raft trips. Jim put up a great video of part of their run. Dan shows why we don’t always run the Second Mudslide rapid. Great high-siding by the whole crew. FRIENDS OF PAGOSA OUTSIDE Piedra River 5-26-11
5-29
Local brothers and friends of Pagosa Outside will represent USA Rafting at International Rafting Championships!! Pagosa Sun Article Jordan worked at Pagosa Outside during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Seth and Jordan Kurt Mason race on the mens team and Seth’s wife Jess captians the U.S. womens team. What a Family! Parents and local school teachers Lindsey and Mary must be proud. Keep track of them on their BLOG or their WEBSITE. Go team USA.
5-26
Our snowpack is at 175% of average! It is going to be a great whitewater season.
We are booking lots of Piedra river rafting trips. Don’t miss what’s shaping up to be one of the best Piedra river rafting seasons in years.
5-18-2011
GUIDE SCHOOL: We are running our annual guide school for folks seeking employment as well as rafters just looking to gain the skills and knowledge to be safe and have fun on the river. The 10 day course starts May 16th, costs $400, and is limited to 12 students. Call 970 264-4202 to sign up now or to find out more.
The weather has been interesting to say the least. Our guide school got snowed on!
5-10-2011
NEW TRIP OPTION: New for 2011 is “Mini Boat Madness” The guides have had way too much fun playing in our Trib. 9.5 and begged for a trip in this tiny raft to be an option for our most “high adventure” guests. Two guests and a guide in a 9 1/2 foot long raft is a recepie for insanity! We will be offering this option on select Mesa Canyon and West Fork trips. Find a friend who is as crazy as you and give us a call.
NEW GEAR: As of May 1st, we are gearing up and getting the shop prepped for a busy summer. Boxes of new river gear are arriving daily. We have picked up some new NRS Revolution rafts and a whole new fleet of inflatable kayaks for the 2011 season. Tributary brand rafts are still the best value on the market and we have a few different sizes for sale. We will have a couple Jack’s Plastic paddle cats for rental demo and will be taking orders for these locally made custom watercraft.
DISC GOLF: Our disc golf section will be expanding to around 300 of the latest and newest discs from Innova. The course on Resi Hill is dry, buffed out and way too much fun right now. Pagosa Brewing is sponsoring a disc golf tournament on May 7th at 1:00. Show up early to sign up.
5-1-2011
After a fantastic winter of skiing and just hiding out, we are excited for whitewater season to finally be here. The biggest news for Pagosa Outside is that Tobi and Alison are now parents!! Evelyn Grace was born on April 8th. Gracie is happy, healthy, and a handfull.
