Whitewater rafting has a long history dating back to Native Americans and early explorers using rivers as liquid highways. John Wesley Powell took the first organized rafting expedition down the Platte River in 1842. In the late 19th century improvements were made to raft design and rowing techniques. After World War 2, neoprene rafts and modern rafting emerged. Today, rafting includes self-bailing rafts and kayaks of various classes. Colorado alone sees over 500,000 rafting user days annually, generating $142 million in economic impact. Major rafting rivers discussed include the Arkansas, Poudre, Colorado, and Salmon rivers. Mountain Whitewater Desc
2. A Brief History Liquid highways for millennia by native people and early American explorers. 1842 – John Freemont took the first rafting expedition exploring the Platte River (army surplus rubber raft). 1869 – John Wesley Powell first explores the Grand Canyon (wooden oar boats). 1896 – Nathaniel Galloway was the first to turn his seat to face forward for rowing rapids. Post WWII – Neoprene Rafts run by Bus Hatch. Georgie White & Jack Smith run G-rigs & Smith Rigs in big water. 1980’s – Russian & other global influences to the sport. Large increases in use and participants. Greatest growth in the industry and growth in popularity with the public. Present – Self-bailing rafts, I-beams & almost unlimited progression of the sport. Source: The Complete Whitewater Rafter by Jeff Bennett
4. Rafting 101 Paddle Rafting Oar Rigs Kayaks, IK’s & Cats Class I – VI Commercial vs. Private Rafting Equipment Training Safety & Rescue
5. Why should I go rafting? Excitement & adventure, teambuilding, family time, time in the outdoors, relaxation, esteem building, opportunity for something new, exercise and more! Rafting is a sport that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people including age, size, ability and level of physical condition. You do not have to own all of the equipment to participate in a rafting trip. There are many different types of trips which allows for both affordable and deluxe rafting trip options.
6. Rafting in Colorado Economic Impact Between 460,000 & 540,000 user days per year In 2009, $142 million economic impact Arkansas River Most commercially traveled section of river in the entire world 205,876 users in 2009 $60,083,805 economic impact to CO Poudre River 4th in user days/year at just under 37,000 users Economic impact on the state of CO is over $10 million Colorado River (Glenwood Springs) 52,737 users in 2009 $15,391,010 economic impact User Day: A paying guest on a river for any part of a day. Economic Impact: Direct Expenditures x User Days x Economic Multiplier Source: Colorado River Outfitters Association, croa.org
14. Mountain Whitewater Descents Whitewater rafting, kayaking and ducky trip outfitter based out of Fort Collins, CO. “Our Guides Make the Difference” Rafting season is May 15 to August 31 every year Half-day, full-day and multi-day trips Rentals & Lessons Teambuilding, BBQ, Weddings, Reunions, Groups
15. Why Choose MWD? Footcones & Thwart Handles Outstanding rating from USFS for 5 years Most experienced guides Free fleece & splash jackets Safety boats at high-water Longest, continuous trips Special packages
16. MWD & the Community Sustainability is at the core of our business Environmental Social Economic ClimateWise Donate over 2% of gross receipts to local charities Special Packages keep things local Authenticity
