Whitewater
Salida, Colorado, draws competitors and fans to the Riversport Championships on the Arkansas River. This whitewater venue, one of three in the region, runs events such as kayak slalom, rodeo, and wildwater. It hosts FIBArk, recognized as the oldest event of its kind. Watch or participate in diverse water racing activities; dial (719) 626-1350 for event dates.
WhitewaterKayakFIBArkSlalomRodeoWildwaterOldest Event
Watch: Riversport Championships — Arkansas River
Know Before You Go
- Practice vs events
- Whitewater courses run open paddle sessions during the week and competition events (slalom, freestyle, raft races) on weekends. Booking and PFD rental required.
- Water release schedule
- Many courses run on scheduled water releases — flow rates change by hour and day. Confirm release windows before you drive; off-flow the channel is calm pond water.
- Skill prerequisites
- Open paddle requires demonstrated swift-water competence (roll, eddy turns, ferries). Beginners take a course before they can put in solo — book intro classes early.