Whitewater Rafting on the Cache la Poudre

Whitewater Rafting
Let’s get ready to get wet!
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
A Brief History
Rafting 101
 Paddle Rafting
 Oar Rigs
 Kayaks, IK’s & Cats
 Class I – VI
 Commercial vs. Private
 Rafting Equipment
 Training
 Safety & Rescue
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.
Rafting in Colorado
 Economic Impact
 Poudre River
 Between 460,000 & 540,000
user days per year
 4th in user days/year at just
under 37,000 users
 In 2009, $142 million
economic impact
 Economic impact on the
state of CO is over $10
million
 Arkansas River
 Most commercially traveled
section of river in the entire
world
 205,876 users in 2009
 $60,083,805 economic impact
to CO
 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
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon 2010
Grand Canyon 2010
Grand Canyon 2010
Idaho Salmon River
Idaho Salmon River
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
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
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
MWD Photos
MWD Photos
MWD Photos
Pine View Falls Video
The End
Questions & Comments