The Cañon City Mattress Races

​Date:  Friday, July 18th
Start Time:  5:30 PM
Start Location:  Cañon City Whitewater Park
End Location: WKRP Wave
Registration:  Centennial Park Registration Tent throughout the day on Friday or online 
Cost:  Free
​Spots Available: 20 total — first come, first served
Prize: Winner gets a six-pack of Monster Energy and a box of BlueDEF
Event Description:
This is it — the first-ever Cañon City Mattress Race. Bring any inflatable air mattress you’ve got and race head-to-head down the Arkansas River in a high-stakes, low-budget battle from the Ice House Wave to the WKRP Wave. No paddles. No motors. Just raw current and river chaos. First across the finish wins it all.

Schedule5:00 PM — Mandatory Racers Safety Meeting at Launch Zone
5:30 PM — Race Begins

Racer Rules

1. Inflatable Air Mattresses Only
   • Any style or size of inflatable air mattress is allowed. No solid floats, pool rafts, or kayaks.
2. PFDs Required
   • A U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket must be worn at all times.
3. Helmet Required
   • Whitewater helmet required for all participants.
4. No Paddles or Propulsion Devices
   • Racers may only use body position and river current. No tools or attachments.
5. Listen to Safety Staff
   • All participants must follow directions from event marshals and river safety personnel.
6. Stay Safe
   • If you fall off, swim to shore or into an eddy. Safety crews will be stationed along the course.
7. Leave No Trace
   • All mattresses and gear must be removed from the river at the end of the race.

To enter, go to www.royalgorgewhitewaterfestival.com or register in person before 4:30 PM at the Whitewater Park. Only 20 racers allowed.