Colorado Whitewater Rafting

Regarding our account of the Parkdale Canyon Fire

raft@royalgorgerafting.net — 2010-06-24T14:35:49-06:00

To all those concerned or curious regarding my account of the Parkdale Canyon Fire:

Despite being misquoted by the media, my statement of the incident that occurred is my first hand account of what happened. I did not make "false accusations". As I was the first responder on the incident I called 911 at approx. 1:13 pm, I called the Tallahassee fire crew via a business partner around 1:15 pm, then I notified Mr. Greksa of the incident around 1:16 pm to see if they had a water car to help extinguish the fires.

I then raced down to the river to put out a large fire fueled by high winds that formed within a minute after the train had passed through our property on the north side of Hwy 50. I do not assert as a fact that the train started this fire directly even if I believe it did or did not. There is an investigation into the matter and that alone will determine what the cause of the fire was.

We recently put out a sizable fire on another occasion between the railroad tracks and the river on Friday the 19th with three of our river guides during a trip last week around 1:45pm +- and we were met by a local canon city fire crew who further extinguished the fire.

The most recent destructive fire in particular could have been started in many ways. I have my own account of the situations based on my experiences.

I do not take any of these accounts as a personal matter as it really does not have anything to do with me other than the thousands of dollars in business we have lost due to this unfortunate & tragic event. Despite this, I have been criticized for my account of this occurrence and attempts have been made to discredit the statements I have made as "false accusations". It has been stated that I have directly hurt the Royal Gorge Route Railroads business ~ I confidently assert that it is the fire that has caused any negative attention and has hurt area business, not myself as an individual. I took immediate actions to try and stop the spread of this fire and remedy the situation that became a fire out of control.

Their have been direct remarks questioning my character that have been verified untrue. All of this is unfortunate, unfounded & unnecessary, as I have only made direct factual statements as a witness to the events that occurred. My statements have not been made in a contentious manner or in an attempt criticize anything or anyone. Whether that is fully understood is beyond my control.

I personally know that the Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a quality business as we have worked with them for a number of years, not to mention having experienced their ride through the Royal Gorge myself; I highly recommend it to 100's of our clients every summer as well as to friends and family. They have provided to thousands of people every year a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else. I do not impose ill will towards their business or anybody that has a connection to them, as they are without question an outstanding business. If the train did accidentally start the fire I am certain it was just that, an accident.

My sincere consolations go out to all of those directly effected by this fire.

~ James Whiteside

Royal Gorge Rafting,
Royal Gorge Vacation Rentals
and The White Water Bar & Grill.

www.RoyalGorgeRafting.net

Todd "Sammy" Spanier

raft@royalgorgerafting.net — 2010-06-15T23:25:54-06:00

Todd “Sammy” Spanier

Sammy got his start as a raft guide with CWE in Canon City, Colorado in 1997. He left commercial guiding to pursue a degree in law from the University of Colorado Boulder. He now has taken a job with a local law firm and has returned to commercial guiding with Royal Gorge Rafting.

Why do you prefer to work with Royal Gorge Rafting?
- In a word, Professional service! (ok 2 words)

How many fibers are in a shredded wheat biscuit?
Answer: 2 very intricately inter twined fibers are of what one shredded wheat biscuit contains

A High Water Rush!

raft@royalgorgerafting.net — 2010-06-10T00:47:27-06:00

Regarding the high water run off on the Arkansas River.

It is recommended by the State Parks in Colorado that commercial rafting outfitters do not run certain sections of river above "X" amount of water volume, such as the Royal Gorge section above 3200 CFS. This doesn't mean that it is unnavigable but that it may not be appropriate for the general public as a whole. As guides and professionals in our industry we run high water all the time. It is what we wait for and talk about for decades after it has passed. Whitewater rafting high water is nothing short of amazing! Compare rafting the more demanding sections of river for an untrained individual during a high water scenario too a beginner skier trying to ski down a black or double black diamond run..... Not the best idea for the unexperienced skier or rafter in this case but a great and exciting idea for those prepared and readied for the challenge.

The other day a few of the Royal Gorge Rafting team kayaked and rafted the Royal Gorge section four times in one day. The flows were at 5200 CFS and it was much easier then compared to when the river is deemed runnable. The biggest issue involved is the swift continuous nature of the water for commercial rafters as well as private boaters.

We hope this addresses questions and curiosity. In this regard, Royal Gorge Rafting has miles and miles of suitable and runnable rapids for commercial clients right now and it is not to be missed! Compare it to many big powder days in the Mountains day in, day out. The media paints doom onto the high water canvas in part due to a lack of knowledge for the situation. High water is an exciting and momentous occasion to take advantage of. We adventurers are fortunate to encounter this amount of water in the river basin and in an unfortunate manner it will not be experienced by enough people to help understand the sheer awe and value of this scarce commodity that we know and love. High water! This fleeting event should not be feared but rushed to be embraced for what it is! A 100% natural rush!

5000 Cubic Feet per Second aka High Water 5200 CFS & Smiles for miles.

Thank you!

James Whiteside ~ Please share us with your friends!

Royal Gorge Rafting, Vacation Rentals & the White Water Bar & Grill
45045 W US Hwy 50
Canon City, CO. 81212
719 275 7238 ~ 719 ARK-RAFT
www.RoyalGorgeRafting.net
www.RoyalGorgeVacationRentals.com
info@royalgorgerafing.net

Royal Gorge Rafting, Vacation Rentals & the White Water Bar & Grill! The perfect combination to any Colorado Vacation!

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Team RGR 2010 - Shelley Hearn

raft@royalgorgerafting.net — 2010-06-09T18:48:49-06:00

Shelley Hearn: office manager at Royal Gorge Rafting & Vacation Rentals

Shelley originally hails from Ipswitch England and is an integral part of the Royal Gorge Rafting team. She has worked within the Whitewater Industry for many years and has worked with the Governing body that oversees the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area or AHRA. Her solid understanding of the whitewater rafting world makes her a great person to talk to when calling into our office. There isn’t a question she can’t answer and if you are lucky to find one she will be quick to find the answer for you.

Give us a call, you might be lucky enough to be informed by Shelley on a number of our whitewater rafting trips.

719 275 7238 www.RoyalGorgeRafting.net

The White Water Bar & Grill

raft@royalgorgerafting.net — 2010-06-09T17:27:28-06:00

The Whitewater Bar & Grill ~ Voted #1 Bar & Grill in Royal Gorge Region (Fremont County)
Visit our family friendly, rustic Western style bar & grill. A great place to relax before or after your Colorado whitewater rafting tour. Enjoy the amazing scenery of the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountain range and enjoy a cold beverage, a delicious meal or just come in to relax. The White Water Bar & Grill can cater to any sized group which makes it a popular destination for family reunions, corporate retreats or any special occasion you may have in store. Call the White Water Bar & Grill to book your time at a unique Western Gem. (719) 269 1009

Volleyball ~ Horseshoes ~ Tetherball ~ Live Music ~ Karaoke ~ Beer Gardens ~ Whitewater Rafting with Royal Gorge Rafting, Colorado #1 Rafting Company ~ Royal Gorge Vacation Rentals ~ and more!

Rafting in Colorado at Royal Gorge Rafting

raft@royalgorgerafting.net — 2010-05-24T13:47:45-06:00

When it comes to Colorado whitewater rafting, there is no better time or place than springtime in the Colorado Rockies. As the Earth begins to tilt on its axis, making way for summer, the temperatures begin to rise and the purity of the white, snow-packed mountains begins to fade in water. Snow crystals turn into water droplets, droplets combine and form tiny trickles that begin to flow down the mountains, trickles meet and become rivulets, rivulets become small streams, streams merge and become creeks, and finally, the cool clean Colorado creeks converge into rivers and when combined with the gradient of the river bed…Colorado’s world class rapids are born.
This past winter, the snow-gods decided to bless the Arkansas River basin with an incredible amount of the good stuff…pure, white snow! And if you haven’t heard the buzz…the more snow…the more water…the more action! This season, the snowpack has been augmented tremendously by a long series of heavy, spring snowstorms, meaning that the high-water action will stick around all throughout the upcoming, warm summer months. Nowhere else in Colorado this summer will provide an experience comparable to that found in the Royal Gorge: warm weather, breathtaking scenery, abundant flora and fauna, an open and friendly community, and yes, the emerald colored water is even warm. The Royal Gorge boasts the warmest section of class IV & V whitewater anywhere in Colorado (of course, high water spring runoff temperatures are still a bit chilly); upstream of the Royal Gorge, the river slowly makes its way through over sixty miles of calm, flat-water, heating up under the sun and raising its temperature to over 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the mid-summer season! Taking a Colorado whitewater rafting trip with Royal Gorge Rafting is all about you having a good time: the good water, the good weather, and the good vibes…not to mention the professional, friendly, and experienced guides and kayakers. By the time your experience at Royal Gorge Rafting is over, you’ll be planning your next trip to return to the Colorado white water rafting adventure found with Royal Gorge Rafting, our Deluxe Vacation Rentals and the White Water Bar & Grill.
Just call one of our dedicated office personnel, or check out our website to book your trip before the high-water all runs out. We promise, it will be one of the most exciting and peaceful experiences you could can have in a lifetime…

www.RoyalGorgeRafting.net www.RoyalGorgeVacationRentals.com (719) 275 RAFT

Team RGR 2010 - Alan Williamson

raft@royalgorgerafting.net — 2010-05-03T09:25:06-06:00

Alan Williamson - Royal Gorge Rafting Guide - Colorado Whitewater Rafting Resort

The Alan Williamson Experience.
Alan grew up in Canon City Colorado & knew a good thing when he saw it! “Canon City has some of the best commercial rafting in the nation” The Arkansas River has been an amazing springboard for his life in white water rafting & kayaking. Alan began kayaking in 1995 at the age of 12 and has been at home in his local river “the Ark” ever since. Alan came to RGR in 2006 after working with another successful rafting outfitter after 8 years.

Team RGR 2010 - Stewart Mitchell

raft@royalgorgerafting.net — 2010-05-03T09:22:32-06:00

Stewert Mitchell - Colorado Whitewater Rafting Resort Guide

Stewert hails from Ft Lauderdale FL. He is a Captain of the high seas as well as a accomplished surfer. Stewert took to rivers quickly learning the forces and nature of the river much like a brown trout. Water is his element wether it be sailing around the world, surfing the ocean or navigating the rivers.

Royal Gorge Rafting Website

raft@royalgorgerafting.net — 2010-03-24T01:48:53-06:00

Royal Gorge Rafting Website

Team RGR 2010 - Willie Wiseman

raft@royalgorgerafting.net — 2010-03-24T01:28:21-06:00

Team RGR 2010 - Willie Wiseman

Team RGR 2010 - Sean Gruebneau

raft@royalgorgerafting.net — 2010-03-24T00:48:31-06:00

Team RGR 2010 - Sean Gruebneau

Team RGR 2010 - David Cline

raft@royalgorgerafting.net — 2010-03-24T00:03:35-06:00

Team RGR 2010 - David Cline

20 New Sotar Rafts for 2010

raft@royalgorgerafting.net — 2010-03-23T13:01:29-06:00

Colorado Whitewater Rafting ~ 20 new Sotar Rafts!