FESTIVAL EVENTS
Whether you're a dedicated riverside spectator, a trail enthusiast, or a seasoned downriver kayak paddler, you'll find plenty of opportunity to enjoy the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival.
Whitewater Events
Located near the headwaters of the Arkansas River, Cañon City enjoys an average seasonal flow of about 1,200 cfs in July. The Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival events are designed to utilize the natural flow / features of the Arkansas River and also the newly created Whitewater Kayak and Recreation Park to create a series of competitions that will to appeal to both novice and advanced competitors. Check back soon for a complete list of 2021 events!
BYOB - Build Your Own Boat Race
A crows favorite, the BYOB features homemade boats with character, fun, and local flavor. As always, spectators vote (via applause measurement) on the best boat. The top prize is a $1,000 coin donated by Lynda & Dave Lambert of Cañon Signature Mortgage. Call the Cañon City Chamber of Commerce at 719-275-2331 to register your entry.
Rules:
BYOB - Build Your Own Boat Race
A crows favorite, the BYOB features homemade boats with character, fun, and local flavor. As always, spectators vote (via applause measurement) on the best boat. The top prize is a $1,000 coin donated by Lynda & Dave Lambert of Cañon Signature Mortgage. Call the Cañon City Chamber of Commerce at 719-275-2331 to register your entry.
Rules:
- Everyone is welcome to take part in this event, except for professional river guides (at judges discretion).
- All boat owners must transport their boat to and from the river. Owners are responsible for all flotsam and gear adrift. Keep the river clean!
- No pre-manufactured boats. The boat must be made by the competitors, specifically for the event. You may not use, as the foundation of your craft a boat or watercraft that has been made by a factory or company with the purpose of navigating any form of water (lake, river, ocean, pond, river, creek, bathtub, pool). Participants must be above the waterline. No enclosed tops to boats. Boats must be kept in the water at all times. Only homemade sails and paddles are allowed. No unsportsmanlike conduct is allowed between boats. Boats must be no wider than 6 feet and must fit under the bridges.
- Boats must be able to hold at least three people.
- All people who start the race on the boat must finish the race on the boat. (A person may fall off and get back on.)
- Must be human-powered. No motors.
- The boat must remain intact from start to finish. A boat that breaks apart during the race will be disqualified.
- The event will be judged by a combination of timing, audience applause, and official judges. Judges' decisions are final.
- The start of the race is "green gate". The end of the race is the "play wave" just upriver from "river-station" takeout.
- All on-river participants must sign a waiver and wear proper safety gear. A helmet and a life jacket (PFD) are required. NO EXCEPTIONS.
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Land Events
Using the Arkansas River as a backdrop, the Whitewater Festival offers a number of land-based events to help participants enjoy all the Royal Gorge Region has to offer. Check back soon for a list of 2021 events!
- 5K / 10K Trail Run
- Family mountain bike supported ride
- Hot Diggity Dog Weenie Race
Demonstrations
Throughout the weekend, we'll line up demonstrations that feature the unique talents of our surrounding community.
- Slacklining
- Custom knife crafting