2017 delivers another successful Gore Canyon Festival
Posted: 10/10/2017
By: Nathan Fey
Bond, Colorado - Every August, Gore Canyon Festival brings
athletes and river enthusiasts together to celebrate the upper Colorado River. This
year, over 130 competitors entered the Class V Gore
Canyon downriver kayak and raft races, SUP events, and a freestyle rodeo. Many others came to paddle for fun, spectate,
volunteer, and celebrate with the river community.
The 3-day event is organized by American Whitewater which plays a critical role in protecting paddling on the upper Colorado River by
securing recreational flow-protections and
representing paddlers in the Upper Colorado River Wild and Scenic River Plan. Because of these important efforts, the upper Colorado supports some
of the best paddling and angling opportunities in
the country.
The downriver races through Gore Canyon are without a doubt the highlight of the
weekend festivities. With an average 35 fpm gradient and a
few spots as high as 120 fpm, this canyon delivers
the goods. As always race day provided endless entertainment, with the US
Men’s rafting team, “9Ball
Watermen” setting an all-time race record in their category of 21:26:04, and a brave ducky who rightfully earned the “Train
Wreck” award. At the festival grounds,
spectators, racers, and volunteers gathered to enjoy local food from
Slow Groovin’ BBQ, music from Sky Pilot, and
new products on display at vendor booths. Overall, Gore Fest 2017 was a huge success, bringing together world class
competitors and river enthusiasts, all while
supporting local communities and American Whitewater’s stewardship efforts on the upper Colorado River. American Whitewater would
like to thank our Gore Canyon Festival Coordinator - Hattie Johnson. Without
Hattie's dedication over the months and weeks
leading into August, Gore Canyon Festival would be the same. Thanks Hattie!
A big thank you also goes to Gore Fest 2017 sponsors:
The Upper Colorado Wild and Scenic Stakeholder
Group, Down River Equipment, Colorado Whitewater, Pete Bellande RE/MAX of Cherry Creek,
Blue Valley Ranch, RiverRestoration, LLC., 4Corners Riversports, Roaring Fork Rentals, Hala, Rendezvous Sports,
CKS Online, Shred
Ready, Adventures in Whitewater, Timberline Tours, and Downstream Adventures.
Colorado Stewardship Director
Nathan Fey
1601 Longs Peak Ave.
Longmont, CO 80501
E-mail: nathan@americanwhitewater.org
Phone: 303-859-8601
Full Profile