Maximum Rafting Enjoyment Despite Low Waters on Utah Rivers

For Immediate Release

 
SALT LAKE CITY, UT, June 21, 2012– Twelve months after one of the highest water years in recent memory on Utah’s Colorado and Green rivers, the story has changed. This year’s record-low run off is prompting concerns by some river outfitters for a soft rafting season.
 
However, Western River Expeditions http://www.westernriver.com plans to have just as much fun (and business) as ever and advises river rafters not to cancel or delay their river enjoyment another year.
 
According to Western River Expeditions, low water has its advantages! For starters, low flows can, in some instances, actually create bigger rapids than in high water periods which can actually swallow up the rapids for a fast, but less exciting ride. Plus the water is warmer.
 
Some weeks ago Western River Expeditions began adapting river trips and equipment to take full advantage of the increased fun and positives of this low-water year. The company is using smaller boats and more paddle rafts instead of larger row and motorized craft. Also, they’re utilizing to more inflatable kayaks and (new for this year) stand up paddleboards.
 
"For those who equate excitement and fun only with high water – we’re here to say that’s just wrong,” says Brian Merrill, CEO of Western River Expeditions.
 
Because camping is intrinsic to the company’s formula for river fun, Merrill explained that camps and beaches are better at low water. “They are bigger and more numerous.” He noted that day trips in Moab, Utah are up 15 percent over last year, which was a record high-water year.
 
Following is a conversation with Merrill on how the company is adapting this season to specific rafting courses:
 
Westwater Canyon- At higher water levels, we use primarily 18ft row boats where the guide does all the rowing and the guests hold on.  In lower water, we operate mostly paddle boats where each of the guests gets a paddle, the guides give commands and everyone participates in getting down the river.  The boats are smaller (16 ft), and the diameter of the tubes is smaller so it is a much splashier ride.  The participatory nature of a paddle boat also really adds to the excitement of going through rapids. See:http://www.westernriver.com/trips/westwater1day/
 
The rapids in Westwater flush over and flatten out in higher water, so everyone prefers to raft there when the water is low.  The rapids are fun and the canyon takes on an entirely different look.  It's like you are going through a series of chutes and slides and there is plenty of time to enjoy the unique scenery and beauty that often gets overlooked in higher water.
 
[Back to Press Releases Main]