Animas River Days Coming Up June 1!

Durango, CO - June is fast approaching and Animas River Days is not to be missed. On June 1, the Animas River in Durango, CO will be filled with kayakers, rafters, SUP boarders, and spectators celebrating healthy and safe rivers. Be sure to put this event on your calendar for fun and whitewater this summer!  

Check out the Event Schedule and don't forget to pre-register if you are planning on competing in any of the many events. Pre-registration ends on May 29th at midnight and athletes who pre-register get a FREE 6-pack from Ska Brewing (free bear, YEAH) and a $5 discount. Don't miss the Parade Viewing Party at Santa Rita Park that starts at 6pm after the events. 

Please keep in mind that Animas River Days is a Zero Waste Event; they are striving to be the first Zero Waste event in Durango. ARD is working with Table to Farm and there will be Zero Waste Stations at Santa Rita Park with information about recycling and composting. 

While you're at it, make sure to put these fun Animas River Days events on your calendar!  

- Animas River Days Benefit at Ska Brewing on May 15th. Music from Still House Junkies and a big Silent Auction with items from 4Corners Riversports, Jackson, Astral, and many others. 5pm - 9pm at Ska Brewing in Durango, CO

- Reel Paddling Film Festival on May 30th. This film festival showcases the world's best paddling films. The festival inspires more people to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push physical and emotional extremes, embrace the lifestyle and appreciate the heritage of the wild place we paddle. Two showings at the Animas City Theater, May 30th, 5 pm and 6:30 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 at the door) and are available at 4CRS or online at: https://www.animasriverdays.com/films.html.  

A little more history on Animas River Days…

Animas River Days started in 1983 when local paddling legend Nancy Wiley put on the first whitewater rodeo in Durango, CO. As time went on, Animas River Days has drawn paddlers from all around the world to its events.

Durango's Whitewater Park has hosted the U.S. National team trials for freestyle, slalom, and wild water events as well as the U.S. National Championships in slalom and open canoe slalom. From 1989 to 1996, Durango was also the host of the Champion International Whitewater Slalom Series.

Our world class whitewater park includes key features including Smelter Rapid, Corner Pocket, Ponderosa Wave, and Clocktower. This year we have higher than normal snow pack and are expecting a near high-water event! 

Pro-athletes from Jackson Kayak, Badfish, Liquid Logic, Red Bull, Pyranha, Hala and SOL have been known to compete at Animas River Days. We also have many talented local paddlers who will show off their skills during the events!

Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned pro, Animas River Days' schedule of events will inspire you to live active, healthy lives while also keeping our rivers and environment clean and safe.  

We'll see you there! Come check out American Whitewater's booth at Animas River Days and learn about our projects in the area. 

Photo courtesy of Animas River Days.