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Looking for a great summer job?  Join our team as a raft guide on the Lower Animas River in Durango, Colorado.  Our guide school starts May 22nd and runs for 6 days.  We will cover all the requirements to be a commercial raft guide in the state of Colorado, including 50 hours of on water…

By COA When you arrive for our Animas River white water rafting trip, your guide will go through a list of rules. These guidelines are designed to keep you safe! Remember — it is our job to give you directions for anything that could occur on the river. We simply want you to be prepared for anything that might arise. Here are a few things you might hear: Hold the paddle with two hands We know, it’s easy to get excited and start pointing at the scenery or splashing your family. This is all great! Just be sure that you are holding the paddle with TWO hands at all times. The reason for this is simple — you don’t want to hit a fellow rafter with the handle of your paddle! Swim to the raft or the shore If you…

By COA We are stoked to be open for the 2020 season! At Colorado Outback Adventures, we pride ourselves on our commitment to health, safety, and fun for all of our guests and staff. Our hearts go out to those who have been affected by the pandemic, and we deeply appreciate the way that our communities have pulled together during this time. To promote the health and safety of our guests and staff, we are closely following the COVID-19 safety guidelines set by San Juan Basin Health (SJBH). We have taken the following precautions, effective immediately: Requiring all employees (except river guides) to wear masks. Providing hand sanitizer and reminding guests to wash hands frequently. Operating busses at 50% capacity. Washing and disinfecting all apparel, helmets, and equipment between guests. Implementing symptom-monitoring protocols. Ensuring that any employees or guests who…

By COA If you’re thinking about rafting the Animas River, the first question you probably ask is, “How big are the rapids?” White Water Rapid Classification System The American version of the white water classification system includes six categories. These are the definitions of each class according to American Whitewater: CLASS I RAPIDS Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. CLASS II RAPIDS: NOVICE Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels that are evident without scouting. CLASS III: INTERMEDIATE Rapids with moderate, irregular waves . . . Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required. CLASS IV: ADVANCED Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. CLASS V: EXPERT Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. CLASS VI: EXTREME AND…

By COA At Colorado Outback Adventures, safety is our primary concern. We want you and your family to have a safe, fun white water rafting trip that you will be talking about for years to come. Here are our Top 5 White Water Rafting Safety Tips Raft with a licensed and reputable rafting company. In Colorado, rafting companies must be licensed through Colorado Parks & Wildlife. This means that all licensed companies comply with a strict set of safety regulations to ensure that you and your friends or family have a blast on commercial river trips. Wear your PFD. (Personal Floatation Device, also known as a life jacket). All passengers are required to wear an approved PFD. Depending on the river conditions, you may also be required to wear a wetsuit or helmet. This is for your safety! Be sure to wear…