As the summer begins to wind down, there are two great options to still get out on the water. Don’t let those end of summer blues set in and give up yet!
Lake SUPing (stand up paddleboarding), river SUPing below a dam-controlled river and rafting below a dam are three great ways.
Here in Ridgway Colorado we have the advantage of both. With the Ridgway State Park Reservoir (994 acres of water) only a stone’s throw away, the tailwater of the Uncompahgre less than 15 minutes away and the mellow Lower Gunnison River within an hour it is easy to keep believing summer will stick around a little longer!
SUPing on the reservoir makes getting out on the water fun and easy. Once you find your balance you can spend the entire day on the water and only get wet if you choose to.Want to learn how? Rent one of our Bounce SUPs or make an appointment with our experienced SUP guide Marcia Murphy, who has been lake, ocean and river SUPing for over 8 years.
If rafting is what you are looking for, the Lower Uncompahgre River is a wonderful late-season option but not many can enjoy this river with private property dominating most of the river stretch from Ridgway to Montrose. As the only outfitter with access to those private waters, RIGS offers a 1/2 day rafting trip for adventurous families looking for late summer fun. This trip offers Class II-III rapids to give you a taste of whitewater without the extremes of the spring run-off. Looking for a full day of river adventures, head further north and you will enjoy warmer temperatures, lower elevation and an opportunity to river IK (inflatable kayaking), raft or SUP. Our Full day offers rafting or kayaking with lots of fun. Experience an active archeological site, riverside lunch and learn to swim the rapids. Both raft trips are perfect for kids and adults.
Read more about the possibilities of SUP from a great article San Juan Skyway Magazine did about stand up paddleboarding.
