Rio Chama 3 Day Whitewater Kayak Instruction

River

Rio Chama

Duration

Multi Day

Minimum Age 12

Meals

yes

Price

$575

About the trip

This is the best combination of kayak instruction and multi-day river running in the southwest.

Trip Highlights

31 miles through the Wild and Scenic Rio Chama Wilderness
Delicious meals prepared by your guides
All kayaking equipment provided at no charge if desired
Perfect mix of whitewater for instruction

This trip meets at Bode’s General Store, an iconic landmark in Northern New Mexico. Bode’s has offered safe parking for Rio Chama rafters for decades. Bode’s is in the heart of the artists village of Abiquiu, NM which is a mere 1 hour drive from Santa Fe and 1.25 hour drive from Taos. Plan on arriving early to enjoy their famous breakfast burritos and grab any last minute items you may be missing including beer and drinks.

For directions to Bode’s General Store click here!

Frequently asked questions

What time of year are you courses offered?
Dates for all of our ACA certification courses in December and January and vary year to year. We usually offer courses in the Spring and Fall. Our custom courses are available at different times throughout the season, please contact our helpful reservation staff for more information and to reserve your space.

What kind of certification will I receive?
Our ACA courses have the opportunity to receive up to a level 4 certification in each skill. Certifications are determined by class participation, understanding of the material and skills.

Who will my instructors be?
All of our instructors are industry leaders with a high level of skill and experience. Their patient, knowledgeable approach to each skill will set you up for not only a fruitful but fun experience.

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REVIEWS

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Wild and Scenic section of the Rio Chama was made for kayak instruction. The layout of the whitewater allows you to gain confidence as the trip progresses from easy class I-II to more challenging class III rapids. During this 3 day New Mexico Kayaking adventure, you’re able to take the time to get a full introduction to all the basics of the sport and leave with the confidence and knowledge to pursue kayaking as your new life long passion. At night we will set up camp in one of the amazing parts of this beautiful and unique canyon. Don’t forget to bring the entire family. If only one or two family members want to learn to kayak, the others are welcome to ride on rafts or try their hand at inflatable kayaks. Either way, this is a truly magnificent opportunity to learn to kayak with friends and family in one of the most beautiful locations in the southwest.

The relaxed 3-day itinerary allows us the flexibility to stop often and explore the many treasures within the high reaching walls like hot springs, ancient Indian ruins, and dinosaur tracks to name a few. We will spend two beautiful nights out under the bright New Mexican sky. The Rio Chama is known for it’s nice sandy beach and grassy bench camps, most with ample shade from towering old growth Ponderosa Pines. Each night’s camp will be right on the river’s edge and backed up by excellent opportunities for hiking and the exploration of numerous side canyons and vistas. Sit back in one of our camp chairs and take in the sunset as the colors of the canyon walls change right before your eyes. Enjoy a cold drink as the guides pass around appetizers and prepare a gorgeous dinner and dessert. This is luxury camping in one of the most beautiful river canyons in the Southwestern United States. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own tent, sleeping pad or sleeping bag. Just let one of our friendly staff know at the time of reservation and we’ll take care of everything.

Our Guides and Instructors for The Rio Chama Kayak Instruction

Our guides are the best in the business, focusing on safety and guest service as a top priority. All are extremely knowledgeable about the area’s geology, ecology and history and just love being on the river. Many with experience on rivers all over the country and across the globe, I know you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do and will certainly help to make your day on the river the best possible.

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