Cleaning Up The Rio Grande

May 19th, 2013

A few weeks ago, some of the guides from New Mexico River Adventures took it upon themselves to clean up the famous Racecourse stretch of the Rio Grande.   The Racecourse is the most popular section of river on the Upper Rio Grande, consisting of a dozen fun, class 2-4 rapids.  New Mexico River Adventures offers half and full day trips daily on this stretch from April 1st to Oct. 1st.

They made there way downstream slowly looking for any and all types of trash on the side of the river.  After a full day of searching and collecting, there was quite a bounty consisting of multiple coolers and trash bags full of trash and recyclables.   For these guides it was quite an accomplishment as they enjoy this stretch nearly everyday of the summer and take great pride in their home stretch of  river, The Racecourse.

Thanks to Sean, Wendy, Garret, Jenne and Nicole for doing such a great job and helping to keep the Wild and Scenic Rio Grande, wild and scenic!

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Another Great River in the Southwest

May 19th, 2013

There aren’t a tremendous amount of whitewater river expeditions available in the U.S in March.  Most people are still thinking about skiing and the snow is falling throughout most of the Southwestern U.S.  In New Mexico, we are starting to gear up for our season starting in April and here at New Mexico River Adventures, we are also packing for our annual trip on the beautiful, free flowing Upper Salt River Canyon in East, central Arizona.

This river is an amazing journey through one of the most pristine canyons in the Sonoran Desert.  Starting half way between the towns of Globe and Show Low and ending at the Hwy 288 bridge crossing the river 56 miles downstream, this river is truly a classic.

Starting out with a steady stream of class 3 rapids and slowly working its way through three geologically distinct canyons offering a variety of class 2-3 rapids with four major class 4 rapids defining some of the most remote portions of the trip.

Corkscrew Rapid!

As you float downstream and drop in elevation the kings of the Sonoran Desert, the Saguaro Cactus, majestically look down upon the unsuspecting river explorers from the high canyon walls.  These cacti are truly amazing and there is no other river in which you can see so many wonderful examples.  Make sure to look out for the rare mutated Crested Saguaros hiding among their relatives.

Of course, as with most great desert river trips, like the Rio Chama, this river has no shortage of incredible camps and side canyons to explore.  Places like Canyon, Walnut, Hess and Cherry creeks are a must stop.  However, there is also no shortage of smaller, less explored stops that deserve just as much attention.  Even if hiking isn’t your priority, this trip is amazing just floating downstream and taking it all in from the boat.  A clear classic of the Southwest!

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Mother’s Day Rio Grande River Festival!

May 19th, 2013

This weekend people from all over New Mexico and the Southwest will be flocking to the mighty Rio Grande to enjoy one of the oldest river festivals in the Western U.S.  Mother’s Day weekend has always been synonymous with whitewater fun and camaraderie here on the Rio Grande.  This year we have had a tremendous amount of enthusiasm coming from the New Mexico River Outfitters and the great community of private boaters across the state to help organize one of the greatest festivals yet.  There will be three full days of activities to enjoy.  Starting with a great day of river and wilderness interpretive speakers and fun games and prizes at the River Rendezvous on Friday and continuing through the weekend with fun races and events for all ages and a special migratory bird display.  here is the list of events so please come up and join us for a great weekend on the Rio.  Be sure to stop by the Downriver Kayak race on Sat to say hi to your favorite New Mexico River Adventures guides who will be organizing the event.  Happy Mother’s Day!

Friday May 10, 2013

- 9:30-5:00 River Rendezvous- River Guide Orientation $15 per person including lunch from the Pilar Yacht Club $5 a la carte speakers for AM or Afternoon sessions.

-Speakers: include Paul Bauer, Associate Director of New Mexico Bureau of Geology at NM Tech; John Bailey, Recreation Director, BLM, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument; Randy Roch, Manager of the BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area; Brian Shields, Executive Director, Amigos Bravos: Because Water Matters, talks on Birds, Natural History and Archaeology– in progress.

-1PM Keynote : Protecting Rivers in a Time of Water Shortage: Rolf Schmidt-Peterson, Rio Grande Bureau Chief, Interstate Stream Commission & Steve Harris, Founder Rio Grande Restoration.

-5PM Kayak- SUP- Inflatable Kayak Skills Clinic- Free –4 Corners River Sports, Rio Grande

To follow: Evening Rendezvous Mixer: Location: Orilla Verde Recreation Area. TBA

Saturday, May 11, 2013

-8 – 10 General Registration.

-$20 for the First Race, $10 for each race after, $60 per team of four, Rafting Race. First 100 entrants gets a Festival T-Shirt

-9AM – 5PM Free Kayak, Inflatable Kayak, SUP Demos: River Sports River Sports, Durango, CO. sign up, Rio Bravo Camp

9AM Book Signing with Paul Bauer at Rio Bravo Campground

-6:30AM – 12:00PM – National Migratory Bird Day: BLM Rio Grande Gorge Visitors Center.

6:30 & 9:30AM Guided Bird Walk. 11AM. Reconvene at Rio Grande Gorge Visitors Center. Kid’s activities. Live Birds of Prey from Santa Fe Raptors Center. Look for birds in Rio.

9AM Interpretive Hike with BLM Ranger on their new trails in Orilla Verde. Sign up Rio Grande Gorge Visitors Center. Highway 64 in Pilar

-10AM-3PM: Fly Fishing Demos on the Rio Grande with Professional Guide, Toner Mitchell, Director of Public Lands Outreach, Trout Unlimited. Sign Up Rio Bravo

-10AM – Noon: Kayak and Canoe Downriver Race
Men’s and Women’s Division
Long Boat- 9 feet and above, Short Boat, under 9 feet, prizes for each category, free t-shirt

-1PM – 3PM Kayak, Canoe, SUP Slalom

-3:30 – 4:30 – Kid and Mom Raft Race – Junction Bridge to Lone Juniper or Lone Juniper to Quartzite take-out, prizes and free festival t-shirt. Find location at Rio Bravo or registration

5PM – 6PM Raft Downriver Race – prizes and free festival t-shirt

6:30-7:30 – Awards at Rio Bravo

Sunday May 12th – Mother’s Day

-8AM – 12:00PM Pilar Yacht Club, Mother’s Day Benefit Breakfast for NMROA- New Mexico River Outfitter Association: All Welcome

9AM Book signing with Paul Bauer at Pilar Yacht Club Breakfast

9AM – 10AM Free Demos on Kayak, Inflatable Raft and SUP Four Corners River Sports, Durango, CO, sign up at Rio Bravo Campground . Variety of kayaks, inflatable kayaks, SUPS.

9AM – Interpretive Guided Hike with BLM Ranger- Meet at Rio Grande Gorge Visitors Center

10AM – 1PM Paul Bauer: Geological Float on the Rio Grande for River Guide Education. Sign up at Rio Bravo. Space is limited

-Noon to 1:30PM – SUP Races
Men’s and Women’s Divisions
Long Board 11 foot and longer, Short Board under 11 feet. Prizes for each category/t shirt

-2 – 4 PM Kayak Rodeo at Sleeping Beauty- National Rodeo Judge: Ken Hovie of Colorado
Men’s and Women’s Division – Prizes for each category and free festival t-shirt

-2PM-4PM Blue Heron Brewery: Mother’s Day Music and Brews with popular singer, songwriter, Boris McCutheon. Just down road from races on right www.blueheronbrews.com

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Rio Grande del Norte National Monument!

April 10th, 2013

On March 25th 2013, by Presidential Proclamation, the the Upper Rio Grande river basin was designated as a National Monument!  This has been a work in progress by those of us who live and work in this amazing place and are absolutely thrilled that the President and others throughout the nation agree that this area deserves national protection.

Floating through the scenic Orilla Verde section of the New Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument includes approximately 242,500 acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.  The landscape is comprised of rugged, wide open plains at an average elevation of 7,000 feet, dotted by volcanic cones, and cut by steep canyons with rivers tucked away in their depths.  The Río Grande carves an 800 foot deep gorge through layers of volcanic basalt flows and ash.  This section of the Rio Grande within the monument comprises a variety of river sections that  New Mexico River Adventures‘ guests can enjoy throughout the rafting season, including the Razorblades, La Junta, Taos Box and Rio Grande Gorge sections of the Rio Grande within the new National Monument.

Sunset view of the 800' deep Taos Box section of the Rio Grande Rift

This is an important area for wintering animals, and provides a corridor by which wildlife move between the two mountain ranges.  The varied landscape creates habitat for a wide variety of species.  Most of these can be seen on most of our river trips including the majestic Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep found in the upper reaches of the Rio Grande in the Taos Box and further upstream as well as the elusive river otter seen thriving throughout all of the rafting sections of the Rio Grande.

A beautiful September day on the river through the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument includes the Río Grande Wild and Scenic River and Red River Wild and Scenic River, designated by Congress in 1968 to provide present and future visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of rivers in a natural free-flowing state.

Contact New Mexico River Adventures at 1-800-983-7756 for more information about this exciting new designation or to find out new ways to enjoy one of the nation’s newest National Monuments!

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2013 Season has started!

April 8th, 2013

New Mexico River Adventures has just finished its first week of the 2013 New Mexico rafting season with a bang!  We have had wonderful spring weather here in Northern New Mexico and our guests have been taking advantage of it.  Just last week we ran daily trips on the famous Racecourse and Rio Grande Gorge sections of the Rio Grande.

Water levels have remained steady at 500cfs (cubic feet per second) which is the perfect springtime level for the Rio Grande.  We are looking forward to some more intermittent storms throughout the month of April which will boost our snowpack and provide us with significantly more water than last year and great water levels for all of our trips, including the Taos Box, throughout the months of April and May.  After the spring runoff peak in June and throughout the rest of the season, we are looking forward to steady, great water levels and weather to enjoy spectacular rafting adventures on the Rio Grande and Rio Chama.

Our guides our extremely excited for the 2013 New Mexico rafting season and can’t wait to see you all sometime throughout the spring and summer for a spectacular adventure!  Call our friendly staff at New Mexico River Adventures for more information or to reserve your space: 1-800-983-7756!

Viva Nuevo Mexico!

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The Rafting Classification System

April 5th, 2013

Whitewater rafting involves a lot of stamina and knowledge of how a river flows. Rivers can vary between difficulties, so when planning a rafting trip it’s important to know what level of difficulty you’re going to be experiencing.

There is a rapid classification system used to compare river difficulty that is arranged into six classes. The system is not exact as rivers don’t always fit easily into one category and a rafter’s experience and knowledge of a river might classify it as a different level of class, but it’s a good starting point for knowing what to expect from a river.

  • Class I is fast moving water with small waves. Little training is required and there is little risk to swimmers. This level of rapids is perfect for floating down the river in a tube.
  • Class II involves wide, clear channels that are easy to maneuver. Assistance is rarely needed, although those with little to no experience in rafting might benefit from assistance in paddling and maneuvering to learn the proper way to raft.
  • Class III has moderate, irregular waves that can be difficult to avoid. This level requires complex maneuvers involving fast currents and good raft control in tight passages. Large waves and strainers can be present but avoided, and most of these rivers will have a guide assisting in the maneuvering and handling of the river.
  • Class IV is for advanced rafters. These rivers are powerful, but still predictable, requiring precise boat handling. Large, unavoidable waves and constricted passages demand fast maneuvers from experienced rafters. Risk of injury is more significant here because water conditions make self-rescue difficult.
  • Class V involves violent rapids that are long and obstructed. Routes are more demanding, with long rapids that require a high level of fitness. This class requires the proper equipment, extensive experience, and rescue skills.
  • The highest level is class VI. Most of these rapids have never been attempted. They are extremely difficult, unpredictable and dangerous. All precautions have to be taken at favorable water levels because the consequence of error is very severe and rescue may be impossible.

Knowing what you can expect from a river beforehand can determine how much fun you have on a rafting trip. Attempting a river that is not fit for your skill level can be very dangerous and unsafe for you and those around you. Using the rapid classification system can help you make the smart decision of what a good level is for you.

New Mexico River Adventures is pleased to bring you exciting rafting trips in New Mexico. From Rio Grande rafting adventures, to trips along the Rio Chama, we want to show you the trip of a lifetime. Find the trip suited for you and contact us today at 1-800-983-7756! If you are planning a trip to New England, make sure to visit Windfall Rafting and experience true white water rafting in Maine. From trips on the Kennebec River, to Dead River rafting, Windfall is sure to add to your vacation.

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What Sets NMRA Apart From The Rest

March 6th, 2013

In 2011 we decided to make some big changes and offer a new experience for river enthusiasts in New Mexico.  We changed our name to New Mexico River Adventures and built a brand new headquarters just 1 mile from the take out of the most popular stretch of Rio Grande rafting.  We wanted to create a full service facility because we believe that each guests adventure starts the minute we meet you before the trip.  These are just some of the ways we are setting ourselves apart from the other rafting outfitters in New Mexico.

Our Headquarters

Private, Secure Parking

From the minute you arrive at our new headquarters you’ll be greeted by one of our many friendly staff in our gated, private parking lot.  You won’t have to park in a public parking lot and look around for your rafting company’s representative.  With NMRA, you meet at our headquarters and don’t have to worry about theft or your personal belongings going missing.

Full Service Retail/Souvenir Shop

We know that sometimes you might forget little things like sunscreen, water bottles, eyeglass retainers or hats.  Our headquarters have you covered with all of the small items as well as stylish rafting t-shirts and souvenirs to remember your trip.

Private Changing Rooms

Unlike the other outfitter where you might have to change in an outhouse or public changing room at the river’s start or finishing point, we have you covered.  In our back patio area we have private changing rooms where you can comfortably change into your rafting attire and likewise get some warm, dry clothes on right after the trip.

Clean, Nice Bathrooms

No outhouses here.  Our headquarters has large handicap accessible restrooms for you to use before and after each trip.  Its the little things that make a difference!

Private Photographers

Everyone enjoys seeing photos of their day on the river.  Unlike the other outfitters, we have our own photography staff that are taking photos of only New Mexico River Adventures.  You won’t have to pay much significantly more money for your photos and order them online.  Upon arriving at the Headquarters after your trip, your photos will be displayed in a slide show on our large flat screen t.v.  You can enjoy all of the pictures of the trip and leave with a CD of all of the pictures of your New Mexico rafting trip.

Sous Hole Rapid on the Racecourse

Riverside snack at a great swimming spot mid-trip

At New Mexico River Adventures, our goal is to spend as much time on the river as possible.  When we arrive at the starting point of the trip, you’ll notice that we get you ready and on the river faster than anyone else.  As well, at the end we get you back to the headquarters right away.  Why spend a half hour or more milling around the starting and finishing points waiting for your company to get their boats ready and start the trip?  Our guides like spending the most time on the river as possible and that’s exactly what we do.  On our half day rafting trips, we bring a snack for you to enjoy on a riverside beach about half way through the trip.  We don’t mind taking the effort to carry everything with us in the raft in order to maximize your time on the river.

ACA certified Stand Up Paddle Boarding instructor

In 2011, we became the first rafting outfitter in New Mexico to offer Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) trips and rentals.  This extremely popular new river sport has swept across the country and we agree that it is a wonderful new way to enjoy the world class sections of the Rio Grande and Rio Chama.  That very same year, our lead instructor and guide, Elias, became the first American Canoe Association certified SUP instructor.  As many of our guests have learned, Elias’ calm demeanor, keen eye for safety and contagious enthusiasm has made him one of the most requested guides and instructors in New Mexico.

Paddleboarding on the Rio Grande

Back Yard Barbeques at our Headquarters

If you have a group of 12 or more, we offer a delicious BBQ in our back patio area before or after your trip.  This is a great way to start or finish your trip.  This is yet another way that we can customize your adventure with us.  This can also include pick up and drop off at your hotel.  Just speak with one of our friendly staff about creating an all inclusive adventure for your group.  Also, don’t forget to walk across the street for a tasty bottle or growler of one of the many craft beers at the Blue Heron Brewing Co.

Our primary goal as a premier rafting outfitter in New Mexico is to provide the best guest service available on the river of Northern New Mexico and beyond.  Contact us today and see for yourself what sets us apart from the rest!

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International River Trips: Rio Cotahuasi

February 18th, 2013

At New Mexico River Adventures and Global Descents, we are constantly looking toward incredible river experiences.  Whether it be rafting the Rio Grande or traveling to southern Peru to descend the deepest canyon in the world.  Our goal is to spend as much time on the river as possible and have a great time doing it!

Running the Rio Cotahuasi!

This is yet another amazing whitewater journey that we offer, which takes you through the Ancient Incan World. At over twice the depth of Arizona’s Grand Canyon, the Cotahuasi is the deepest canyon in the world! Measuring 11,587 feet from river to rim, this scarcely-explored Peruvian wilderness remains one of the most pristine environments on Earth. The Cotahuasi River Canyon features a rare glimpse into the Incan world; a geologic, floral, and fauna paradise; and a river-runner’s dream!

Incan remains found in the heart of the canyon

Draining the western slope of the Andes Mountains, the waterway courses 100 miles over a continuous series of Class IV and V drops, making it one of the most gripping stretches of commercially run whitewater anywhere. Visitors to the Cotahuasi encounter some the rarest and the most extraordinary Incan archeological sites, visit a quaint Peruvian village replete with natural hot springs, spot enormous Andean Condors, and experience one of the most fantastic wilderness river expeditions on Earth!

Dropping In!

Every river trip has its own character and magic, whether it’s a half-day float on a local waterway or a three-week luxury trip down the Grand Canyon. But the allure of the unknown, the excitement of discovery, and the challenge of demanding and continuous whitewater are true and strong on the Cotahuasi. Nowhere else on Earth is like it. A word to the wise: It is not for everyone. But if you long for truly unparalleled adventure, the Cotahuasi should be your next trip. I hope to see you this coming season.

Relaxing above Sipia Falls

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Spring Snow!

February 10th, 2013

After a fairly dry January, Northern New Mexico is looking forward to a very different February.  The beginning of the month brought a strong southerly system through Arizona and New Mexico.  Arizona saw a very wet system of higher temperatures leaving much of their drainage with rain on top of higher elevation snow.  This storm saw some extremely high flows on the Rio Verde and its many tributaries.  At it peak on the last days of January and the first of February, the Rio Verde above Horseshoe Dam reached approximately 17,000 cubic feet per second.  Quite an exciting time for Arizona boaters who were willing to dodge the many trees and large pieces of debris traveling downstream at the same time.

Luckily, the system arrived in Northern New Mexico with much cooler temps and left a nice addition to our high elevation snow pack and specifically water content.  As we look far into the future, forecasting for the entire month has been predicted as WET, making this good news for New Mexico rafting season 2013.  Normally, I trust these long term forecasts about as far as I can throw them.  However, with optimism driving me through the spring, I’m happy to announce that the next low pressure storm cycle is at our doorstep.  Taos Ski Valley is reporting 8 inches in the last 24 hours and another 14-16 inches predicted for the next 48 hours. This all adds up to a growing snow pack and a healthy spring run-off for Northern New Mexico Rivers such as the Rio Grande and Rio Chama.

Fresh snow at the Boathouse

As we approach the middle of February, things over all are looking very promising for New Mexico rafting season 2013.  As with most years in New Mexico, the high water predictions can never be proclaimed until well into March and April as cool temps and more snow during these times are typically what guarantees the higher flows for the season.  However, that being said, unlike most whitewater rafting destinations, Northern New Mexico will always be favored in my eyes as the Lower Rio Grande Gorge is a spectacularly fun and exciting trip at all water flows, low or high.  For that reason, we are lucky to be able to enjoy New Mexico river rafting all the way through the end of September and into October!  Lucky Us…but lets still pray for snow!

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Paddles and Oars

February 5th, 2013

Ah Yes…The age old question of what kind of paddles and oars are the best.  As with all river gear, the shapes, styles, weights and materials of paddles and oars have evolved tremendously since the days of the Anasazi in the Southwest, the Aleut people in Alaska and other ancient river runners around the world.  Blade shapes have continually changed, increasing and decreasing surface areas as well as overall lengths as new river runners have emerged and new rivers have been run.

Of course, in the beginning the only material used was wood, usually whatever type was readily available.  Hand carved on the banks of the river and when they broke, no worries, just hike a short distance to find a new tree to make a spare.  To this day, the boatman on the Zambezi river use these large and heavy style oars harvested from trees on the rim of the Batoka Gorge below Victoria Falls.

In the last 30 years, technology has helped the paddle and oar industry with a variety of new materials offering lighter paddles and oars with interchangeable parts to alter lengths and change out blade designs and shapes.  This new generation of river running equipment has become the preferred and the norm for the modern day boater.

Aluminum shaft and plastic blade oars

Fortunately, there are still some river runners who appreciate and embrace the past days of paddles and oars made of good old Wood!

Guide Paddles by Blunt Family Paddles made with Purple Heart, Ash, Curly Maple and Yellow Cedar

Although you still can find wood oars produced by the major manufacturers such as Sawyer there are only a few master craftsman still practicing the age old art of crafting one of a kind custom paddles and oars for the discerning river runner.

New Mexico River Adventures Custom 10' oars by BFP made with Ash, CVG Fir and Black Walnut

At the top of these master craftsman is a Oregon woodworker named Kenny Kiley who started Blunt Family Paddles (BFP) some 8 years ago.  After an apprenticeship with and under the tutelage of the late master paddle maker Keith Backlund, Kenny has developed his own style and innovations in this disappearing art.

2 different styles of kayak paddles by BFP made with a variety of types of wood including Purple and Yellow Heart, Maple, Mahogany, Yellow Cedar and Ash

One of the great innovations being practiced at BFP is the ergonomically correct bent shaft kayak paddle made of all wood.  These beauties are the ultimate in comfort, power and feel and I personally have never used or seen a better kayak paddle!

There are a variety of differences between paddle and oar materials, whether it be wood, aluminum, fiberglass or carbon fiber.  Personally, I feel that the most important factors are feel, durability and weight.  Even though wood is not the lightest material to use, its durability and feel in the water far make up for it.  This makes for a great paddle on the Rio Grande and Rio Chama.

Full length shot of a custom BFP rafting/canoe paddle

Of the many important tools we use as New Mexico river runners, the paddle or oar are at or near the top.  I have always preferred wood oars and rafting paddles over other materials.  However, I wasn’t convinced that wood was the best material for kayak paddles until BFP convinced me.  Now I know just how wide the variety of wood paddles can be.  I can have the most flexible paddle available made from wood if I like, just by substituting wood types.  I personally prefer a stiff shafted paddle which is why I have a shaft made only of Ash.

The left paddle is a very flexible shaft made with Sassafras and the paddle on the right is a stiff, bent shaft made completely of Ash

The best way I can describe it is that when I initiate a paddle stroke and my blade enters the water, I can feel my boat moving past my paddle as opposed to my paddle passing by my boat.  That’s Power!  Thanks Kenny and BFP for making me a better paddler and boatman and helping to evolve the wonderful world of river running!

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