Kayaking mecca. The river attracts kayak enthusiasts from around the world. Visitors are often amazed as kayakers in itty bitty plastic boats intentionally paddle into churning rapids to play in the waves and holes that, to the unitiatied eye, look like certain doom. Both Buena Vista and Salida roll out the red carpet for kayakers with park-n-play whitewater parks. In Buena Vista drive down Main Street to its dead end at the river to find a trio of playholes; Salida has two, on either side of the F Street Bridge right in historic downtown.
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Water parks. Salida and Buena Vista are known nationwide for their river parks. The playholes are an attraction drawing the sport's best, as well as those just out to get a kick in the river and novices learning their endos, enders, stern squirts, aerials and cartwheels. It's a spectator sport too for many who love watching nonstop water acrobatics and the inadvertent roll. Denver's Rocky Mountain News said Salida's playhole is one of Colorado's "most renowned play-boating experiences".
Outside Magazine recently featured an 'adventure by design' project in Buena Vista, a community development built around an expanded playhole on the Arkansas.
DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY The Blue Paddle FIBArk Whitewater Festival June 12–15, 2008 turns 60 this year. Attracting the best of past, present and future Olympic and world champion kayakers, FIBArk on-water race tradition includes downriver, slalom, rodeo and the zany Hooligan handmade watercraft race. Over the years, FIBArk has grown to become a multi-sport outdoor festival with running and bike races, a skateboard comp, crazy river dog fetching extravaganza, not to mention non stop free music. It’s the people’s whitewater festival, brought about by a barroom bet between two guys way back in 1949. Admission is free. Kids are more than welcome. For details visit FIBArk.com.
Paddlefest/River Rally Weekend, May 17-18, 2008. A paddlepalooza of trying, buying, selling, swapping, learning, volunteering and rubbing elbows with leading kayak manufacturers and world-class boaters. Party atmosphere includes movies, music and frothy libations. |
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