Class III boating partners for Durango?

[deerfieldswimteam]

I'm a relatively new boater (1 year), but I've been doing it quite a bit at school. I ran the Chatooga (Sec. 3) this spring and I'd like to do something comparable this summer. I'm about to get home to CO and I don't know any boaters yet. I'm going to Durango from May 12th-17th. Would anyone be interested in doing some boating down there that week? I'd be up for some harder Class III stuff. I'd be happy to look at some IVs, I just might walk them.

-Lauren

[mania]

you come upper animas. class v. mmmm.

[deerfieldswimteam]

Originally Posted by mania

you come upper animas. class v. mmmm.

?????????

[dugan]

I've got the 12th and 14th off. My wife and I both boat quite a bit. The Piedra or the town run on the Animas would work. Email me when you're headed over - duganator@hotmail.com. I'll boat whatever.

[mania]

oh yeah sorry i was being a punk. stop by the shop (4 corners). we got a board with lots o names on it who want to paddle.

[HM-Carbondale]

I am also looking for a class lll boating partner. My main boating buddy moved away and it seems that I know a few total beginners and some class V boaters.

I live on the western slope but love to see rivers all over the state. I have also run the Chatooga a few times. - Heidi

[fatyak]

Dfst, you can usually hook up with boaters at Smelter rapid parking lot. It's right at the Santa Rita Visitors Center. My wife and I also boat alot. Are up for local runs, plus travel alot. The town run is II-III (Smelters is burley for play but easy to run/sneak). Piedra is fairly remote IV (V), do the upper Box first to know if your ready for the lower. East fork and lower west fork of the San Juan are III+, really cool, pretty, technical, consistant cold fast flow with some good bigger drops. Great place to learn but have a good roll and eddy hopping style since there is frequently wood. I don't know if the runs are clear now but would like to find out. Dolores Stampede run is similar.

Cdale, CO Kayakers is a good site for II-III boaters, mostly front range but that's close.

PM to follow up.

[mania]

Originally Posted by fatyak

Piedra is fairly remote IV (V), do the upper Box first to know if your ready for the lower.

Unfortunately (or fortunately for some) the class V on the Piedra is no longer a class V. The big rock moved way downstream from last years high water.

[fatyak]

M, it's cool with me. Piedra didn't sound appropriate for the original poster. Also wanted to get the word out that there are other options for our fast diminishing season. Get it!

[deerfieldswimteam]

Where or what is Tunnel Drive? Anyone want to carpool? I have a jeep that should be good for maybe two boats, I'm not sure what the story with the roof rack is.

-Lauren