Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2008 - (Page 34) Outdoor Recreation and More Gore Creek in Vail ©Matt Inden/Weaver Kayaker 1. Watch and Learn 2. Take a Lesson Numerous communities have designed “play parks” on their rivers, often right in town. Here, you can observe as kayakers practice their paddling and fine-tune their rapid-reading skills. Where to go: Boulder, Denver, Durango, Golden, Salida. How to Become a Rocky Mountain spring water isn’t just the boon of beer drinkers. It’s the delight of kayakers, who every spring flock to Colorado with their kayaks strapped to the roofs of their cars. What brings them? Unprecedented whitewater, gorgeous surroundings and an environment conducive to adventure. ✽ Kayaking is increasingly a sport for everyone, and contrary to popular belief, it is never too late to start. Colorado — with its abundance of outfitters, placid lakes, mellow rivers and challenging rapids — is the perfect place to don a spray skirt and learn the tricks of the trade. Here’s how. 3. Try a Lake Gain independence by testing your paddling skills on a lake, preferably in a sea kayak. Some people even prefer lake kayaking to the river variety because it is so relaxing. Where to go: Cottonwood Lake, Dillon Reservoir, Grand Lake. Most rafting outfitters also have kayaking clinics that provide gear and a lesson, usually starting on flat water. Here, you can learn basic paddling as well as the famous Eskimo roll. Consult the listings later in the guide for an outfitter near your vacation destination. 4. Graduate to the River Now it’s time to learn the basics of eddy hydraulics, reading flows, scouting rapids and picking lines. Under the tutelage of a trained expert, you can gain confidence on Class I and II rapids and be ready for the next challenge. Where to go: Arkansas River, Colorado River, Yampa River. For insight on where to go and how to learn, check out our interview with a Fort Collins-based kayaker on page 92. 34 1-800-Colorado | www.colorado.com http://www.colorado.com
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