Cochiti Lake youth paddle – Volunteers/Safety Boaters needed.
Apr 19, 9:00am-2:00pm
The Adobe Whitewater Club will be assisting a Wilson Middle School club/group of 6th graders and their affiliated Boys and Girls Club, mostly first-time boaters by teaching basic water safety and paddling skills along the shore before venturing into deeper water.
Volunteers Needed! Expecting 20 students in canoes, IKs, and kayaks so this is a great chance to share your knowledge and expand our paddling community, while being a good steward. Even if you are not comfortable teaching others we can escort small groups to oversee and assist as needed. All other boaters that have their own equipment are welcome to help as safety boaters.
We will meet near the west-side Swim Beach at 9:00am Saturday with kids expected at 9:45 to start our introduction to Canoes and basic water safety.
Directions:
Take Exit 259 off I25. Go west on NM22 through Pena Blanca and go past the earthen dam. Turn right at Cochiti Lake road near the top of the hill and Turn South on the dirt road just after passing the entry kiosk and head towards the dam.
S.C.O.R.E club has a few 17' canoes and AWC has a few older kayaks and IKs, many PFDs, and a few paddles and priority will be given to students and supporters. Our previous outing with this group back in Oct had terrible weather that prevented us from getting boats on the water.
This is another great event to build relations in the broader paddling community and introduce new participants.
Our usual volunteer camping is still pending so watch for updates and plan to paddle for fun on Sunday.
Contact Scott for any questions 5054006124 call or txt.
Know the Law!
PFDs & Life Jackets - You are required (by New Mexico State Law to wear a properly fitted life jacket any time you are in a canoe, kayak, or raft; regardless of your age or waterway.
Share this invite and I hope to see you there.
Announcement will also be shared on AWC website at adobewhitewater.org and via e-mail.
For The Love of Rivers, Scott Carpenter
Scott.Carpenteriver@gmail.com
5054006124
AWC Pres.
monthly awc zoom meeting
April 8, 2025 6:30pm
Gates of Lodore – AWC Crew
AWC Monthly Zoom Meeting – See regular zoom link below.
TUESDAY, Apr 8, 2025, at 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (NM time)..
The April 8, 2025 AWC presentation will be about the Gates of Lodore on the Green River, a coveted permit that is hard to draw.
This trip consisted of many of the AWC Board members...
Presentation creation thanks to Tom Coen and shared by all.
Quick announcements at 6:30 AWC events, MDR, Clinics, Access efforts, Cleanups and other projects and plans for 2025. Open discussions at the end so don't miss out.
ZOOM MEETING INFORMATION:
Log in at 6:20 to say hello.
Time: 6:30-8:00pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/96733998020
Meeting ID: 967 3399 8020
Passcode: water
Grand canyon exposed (recording)
Join us for a night of Grand Canyon pictures and Stories by local River Guide Steven R Miller.
AWC Monthly Zoom Meeting – See regular zoom link below.
TUESDAY, MARCH 11 , 2025, at 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (NM time).
Log in at 6:20 to say hello.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/96733998020...
Meeting ID: 967 3399 8020
Passcode: water
Brief AWC announcement slides at 6:30 before introducing our Speaker Steven R Miller
“It is with great pleasure that I announce the publication of: “The Grand! The Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Photos 1971-2016”, an Apple Book**. The Grand! is a series of 10 e-photographic books that takes the viewer through the entirety of Grand Canyon, together illustrating and discussing all aspects of rafting the Colorado River. The 10 book format consists of a total of 754 pages, with 2715 photos and 28 short videos, and is the product of 17 Grand Canyon river trips taken by myself between the years 1971 and 2016.
Along with a focus on running the Colorado River, you will, in these books, see (in no particular order) the calm stretches, the vistas, the canyon walls, lava flows, the varied river craft, camp sites and camp life, the human side of river expeditions, the side canyons (such as Havasu Creek, which gets a book of its own), items of geologic interest, springs, flora and fauna, hanging gardens, polished and sculpted rocks, waterfalls, caves, pools, grottos, paleo-indian rock art and ruins, fossils, travertine formations, sunsets, the different seasons and varying water levels. This collection now provides the most extensive photographic coverage of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon to be found!
The Grand! comes 20 years after the publication of “The Grand, The Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, a Photo Journey”, which was a print photographic book. The Grand! is the culmination of a life-long engagement with the most extraordinary land and riverscape in the US, if not the world.
Last, but not least, this book is FREE OF CHARGE, and can be found in the “Books” app on your Mac. Type in: “The Grand! Book 1 (or 2-10)”
**Apple Books (known as iBooks prior to iOS 12) is an e-book reading and store application by Apple Inc. for its iOS, iPadOS and macOS operating systems and devices. “
tuesday, February 11, 2025, 6:30pm
February 2025 Announcements (PDF)
middle fork salmon river what, where, why & how - peter gowan (recording)
The February 11, 2025 AWC presentation will be the Middle Fork of the Salmon River – What, Where, Why & How (and What is it Like?). The Middle Fork is an internationally recognized whitewater float trip in Idaho. The presentation will describe what the trip is about, its geography, why people want to do it, how to get on it, and present a flavor of what it is like. Peter Gowen will present. He kayaked it several times in the 1970’s when he lived in Boise, Idaho and has rowed it on both private and commercial trips in the 2000’s.
February 11, 2025 Adobe Whitewater Club Speaker Intro:Peter Gowen started his whitewater experiences on New Hampshire rivers with the UNH Outing Club as an undergraduate in the 1970’s. He moved the Boise, Idaho in 1975, where he hooked up with a corps of Idaho paddlers who kayaked throughout the state. After an absence from serious whitewater trips during much of his professional career, he trained as a commercial guide in 2003 during “an indefinite unpaid sabbatical” after closing his law practice. As a part-time guide or on private trips, he has rowed the Grand Canyon, Cataract Canyon, Middle Fork of the Salmon, Main Salmon, Hell’s Canyon (Snake), Yampa, Green River (Gates of Lodore, Desolation and Gray Canyons), Arkansas River (Brown’s Canyon & Royal Gorge). He moved to Santa Fe in 2022, after living on Colorado’s Front Range (Boulder, Louisville and Fort Collins) for over 45 years.tuesday january 14, 2025
Annual River Permit Application (2024 Recording)
Live Slide Link
Presented by Travis Burkhart.
Join us for an informative talk explaining the details of applying for river permits, most applications are due by January 31. Research river info at Recreation.gov link at:
https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=river%20permits
annual christmas party!
friday december 6th, 2024 6pm-9pm
papa felipe’s mexican restaurant
In lieu of our online zoom December meeting, the Adobe Whitewater Club will have our in-person Holiday Party Dec 6th 6:00pm-9:00pm. New location is Papa Felipe's Mexican Restaurant at 9800 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque. You may remember this favorite location from our many AWC monthly meetings before Covid. Ask for AWC or find us in the "Big Room". Self-order and pay for great food and drinks and catchup with everyone in-person.
2024 has been a big year for the Adobe Whitewater Club and our friends. We look forward to seeing you all in Festive Christmas Cheer.
If you expect to attend, please drop me a note at Scott.Carpenteriver@gmail.com with "RSVP #__" in the subject line so we can better prepare the restaurant and staff.
Merry Christmas!
Adobe Whitewater Club
Scott Carpenter, AWC President
AWC Monthly Zoom Meeting
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
River Expedition Planning — Rio Mora (Recording)
Luke Andraka — Maryland/Virginia Kayaker now in New Mexico
I am Luke Andraka, and I enjoy paddling anywhere I can. I was raised by two raft guides in Maryland and West Virginia but really began paddling seriously at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg VA. I moved to New Mexico in 2020 and quickly fell in love with the amazing topography and bountiful opportunities for adventure. I have grown into a paddler who enjoys extremely slow slicey boat laps, hard creeking and most of all, adventure paddling. This passion has led me on trips through South America, Africa, Europe, Asia and most recently the Rio Mora here at home in New Mexico.
My aim during this talk is twofold. First, to share information and promote the Mora as a run paddlers should have on their radar. Second, to walk you through the process of gathering information on a 'new to you' run as well as planning and executing an expedition paddling trip. I will cover snow and stream gauges, weather forecasting, Caltopo mapping as well as what to pack in the context of trips in New Mexico. If time allows, I will go into some future trips in the state I am excited about.
Also check out Luke's beta + trip report:
Cochiti West Swim Beach – Wilson Middle School Canoe Intro
october 19, 2024
9am-4pm
The Adobe Whitewater Club, will be assisting a Wilson Middle School club/group of 6th graders, mostly first time boaters by teaching basic water safety and paddling skills along the shore before venturing into deeper water.
Volunteers Needed! Expecting 10-20 students in canoes and IKs so this is a great chance to share your knowledge and expand our paddling community, while being a good steward. Even if you are not comfortable teaching others we can escort small groups to oversee and assist as needed. All other boaters that have their own equipment are welcome to help as safety boaters.
We will meet near the west-side Swim Beach at 9:00am Saturday with kids expected at 9:45 to start our introduction to Canoes and basic water safety.
Directions:
Take Exit 259 off I25. Go west on NM22 through Pena Blanca and go past the earthen dam. Turn right at Cochiti Lake road near the top of the hill and Turn South on the dirt road just after passing the entry kiosk and head towards the dam.
S.C.O.R.E club has a few 17' canoes and AWC has a few older kayaks and IKs, many PFDs, and a few paddles and priority will be given to Wilson students and supporters.
Also Cleanup of Cochiti lake:
A separate cleanup event hosted by American Rivers is also happening Saturday at Tetilla Peak on the East side of the lake, so boaters can also assist with cleanup efforts after the kids event, and may stay to paddle on Sunday. Even those that don’t have boats are needed to assist with cleanup on shore where the high-water mark holds the majority of the litter.
This is another great event to build relations in the broader paddling community and help cleanup Cochiti Lake.
Contact Scott for any questions 5054006124 call or txt.
Know the Law!
PFDs & Life Jackets - You are required (by New Mexico State Law to wear a properly fitted life jacket any time you are in a canoe, kayak, or raft; regardless of your age or waterway.
Share this invite and I hope to see you there.
For The Love of Rivers,
Scott Carpenter
Scott.Carpenteriver@gmail.com
5054006124
AWC Pres.
monthly zoom meeting
tuesday october 8, 2024
August Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
2024 Arkansas Weekend - Storytelling by Ark Trip Participants
Share your favorite story/memory or hear about the adventures that you missed.;
We only have a few pictures of camp, but will share pages from the guidebook to jog our memories of each of the sections that we paddled July 18-21. We can implement feedback into plans for the 2025 Ark trip and maybe initiate another similar event in the Durango or Pagosa areas.
July Monthly Meeting
TUESDAY, July 9, 2024
Boater Instruction and ACA Certifications
Zoom only talk by Tommy Gram
tommy will also share a bit of info about the best river destinations in CO.
Tommy Gram lives in Buena Vista, CO and works with Canyon River Adventures.
Tommy helped develop the ACA programs for Paddler and Swiftwater Rescue and continues to teach both.
He also has his own River Instructions company, Whitewater Attainment. http://www.whitewaterattainment.com/
Whitewater Attainment specializes in instruction for beginner to advanced whitewater kayakers and packrafters. We also offer higher-level training and certification for instructors and guides. Additionally, we teach river rescue and swiftwater rescue accreditation for kayakers, packrafters, canoeists, rafters, and standup paddlers. With over a decade of experience on the river, Whitewater Attainment is prepared to help you reach your personal and professional paddling goals. Our immersive approach to instruction focuses on technical and thinking skills such as planning, communication, and risk management for recreational and river professionals.
TOMMY GRAM
Owner, Lead Instructor & ACA Instructor Trainer, has been teaching Kayaking, Swiftwater Rescue, and Wilderness Medicine full-time for over a decade and is passionate about showing others how to have fun and be safe outdoors. Tommy began whitewater canoeing and kayaking at a young age and has had the opportunity to gain experience in many whitewater paddling disciplines, including; Slalom, Freestyle, River Running, and Creek Boating.
These experiences led to a career in traveling and competing as a sponsored athlete. Then, Tommy settled down in Colorado and fell into the world of outdoor education. When not in his kayak, he can be found backcountry skiing in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. In the winter, Tommy is the Lead Backcountry Ski Guide, AIARE Avalanche Educator, Operations Director, and Co-Owner of Buena Vista Mountain Adventures (BVMA).
Regardless of the season, Tommy is outside, teaching others how to enjoy the outdoors safely.
Certifications
• American Canoe Association (ACA) L4 Whitewater Kayak Instructor Trainer Educator
• American Canoe Association (ACA) L4 Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Trainer Educator
• American Canoe Association (ACA) L5 Advanced Whitewater Kayak Instructor Trainer
• American Canoe Association (ACA) L4 Packrafting Instructor Trainer
• Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA) Wilderness First Responder
• American Red Cross (ARC) Wilderness First Aid & CPR Instructor
• American Avalanche Association (A3) Pro 1 & Pro 2 Certified
• American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) Avalanche Course Leader
• Servsafe Safe Food Handler Certified
monthly meeting
tuesday, april 9, 2024
Whitewater Rescues (Recording)
Charlie Walbridge
Charlie Walbridge started canoeing at summer camp in the early 60's and started paddling whitewater seriously in college. He was an active C-1 slalom and wildwater racer and worked as part-time as a river guide in the 70's. He has paddled rivers throughout the US and Canada, including several first descents, but he now spends most of his time in West Virginia. He ran a mail order company, Wildwater Designs, for 22 years. There he developed the HiFloat life vest and adapted the throw-line rescue bag for whitewater use. He's been the Safety Chair for both the American Canoe Association (ACA) and American Whitewater (AW) and is well known for articles in American Whitewater that reporting on U.S. whitewater fatalities. He helped develop the ACA programs in both canoeing and swiftwater rescue, and continues to teach both. He's written many magazine articles and produced or contributed to numerous books, including The Boat Builder's Manual, Wildwater West Virginia, Appalachian Wildwater Volumes I and II, The Whitewater Rescue Manual, Knots for Paddlers, and several editions of the River Safety Report. He is on the board of Friends of the Cheat River, a watershed group. Now retired, he does consultations on canoeing safety for outfitters, organizations and attorneys. Charlie lives with his wife Sandy in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia and is active in Cheat and Upper Yough river issues. His web site is www.charliewalbridge.com.
monthly meeting
tuesday march 12, 2024
Usumacinta river
Cynthia Rose
Hello, everyone, I'm Cynthia Rose.
In 2022, to mark my 60th birthday, I embarked on a captivating five-night adventure down the Usumacinta River with Sierra Rios. This semi self support river trip in Chiapas, Mexico, known for its exotic beauty and archaeology, took us on a journey of ancient Mayan Ruins and exotic natural landscape.
Along the riverbanks, we discovered ancient ruins, including the awe-inspiring Yaxchilán and Piedras Negras, steeped in history and mystery. Our adventure didn't stop there; we also delved into the renowned Palenque and Bonampak ruins, enriching our understanding of the region's cultural heritage. But the experience went beyond archaeological wonders; we immersed ourselves in the natural splendor of the surroundings. And to top it off, we extended our stay for two extra days, venturing into other local rivers for even more unforgettable experiences.
I'm excited to share with you the rich tapestry of history, the breathtaking beauty of nature, the howler monkeys, and the thrill of adventure that defined this unforgettable expedition with Sierra Rios. Through photos captured along the journey, I hope to transport you to the heart of this remarkable experience.
monthly meeting
tuesday February 13, 2024
green river: mother-daughter trip
Mary Thompson
Mother/Daughter Paddling Trips: 12 Years and 125 Miles on the Green River, UT.
Summary: My daughter, Lynn, and I love paddling the Green River on the section between Green River State Park and the confluence with the Colorado. I’m going to tell you how we do such trips and why the Green River is such a special place. I will show maps, photos of the river, the camping, and some of the hiking that’s possible along the way.
virtual permit party
january 9, 2024
Join us for an informative talk explaining the details of applying for river permits, most applications are due by January 31. Presented by Travis B and others. Have your calendars handy or even use the attached template to coordinate.
Research river info prior to meeting at Recreation.gov link.
https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=river%20permits
AWC Christmas party!
Friday december 15 6-9Pm
Please Join Us For The ADOBE WHITEWATER CLUB HOLIDAY PARTY !!!
O’Niell’s, Southwest corner of Central and Washington, Albuquerque
No Host bar but some snacks will be provided. Full dinner menu available.
RSVP to paulbarrett4@me.com so we can estimate the crowd!
monthly meeting
Tuesday November 14, 2023
The Escalante River (Recording)
Tom Coen
The Escalante Canyon is far removed from settlements and roads. It’s completely uninhabited. The small so-called river that bears the same name has a brief season on high snow-pack years like 2023. Please join us for Tom Coen’s presentation of what has been an an outstanding year for getting on small rivers.
monthly meeting
tuesday September 12, 2023
Anchoring Successes & Celebrating Failures
David Hughes: Owner Chile's PuconKayakRetreat.com
Values of celebrating failures within a growth mindset are presented to encourage transforming weakest skills into successes. David presents cases to anchor such whitewater successes as confidence builders. And makes a case for the proverbial booty beer. Presentation ends with a Q & A about planning and leading international kayak trips.
Pucon Kayak Retreat offers kayak trips for beginner, intermediate and advanced paddlers and multi-sport for non-kayakers at www.PuconKayakRetreat.com.
Monthly Meeting
TUESDAY, Aug 8, 2023
Mental Crisis in the Wilderness (Recording)
Naomi LeGate RN, MSN-FNP-C
In the vast untamed wilderness, the human mind can find solace, tranquility, and a sense of freedom. However, it is also a realm where the delicate balance of mental well-being can be challenged, leading to mental crises. Remote locations, far removed from the comforts of everyday life, can expose individuals to unique stressors and trigger a range of emotional and psychological challenges. In this presentation, we will explore the intricacies of mental crises in wilderness locations, examining factors that contribute to such situations and discussing preparedness, support, management, and evacuation.
MONTHLY MEETING
TUEsday july 11, 2023
taos box of the rio grande
Joey Coburn
Adobe Whitewater Club Board Member and Pro River Guide
The Taos Box of the Rio Grande is one of Western America’s most legendary whitewater runs. The river travels 15 miles through a rugged wilderness gorge, under the third highest bridge in the United States, startling boaters with herds of big horn sheep and challenging class III and IV whitewater. Join us this July 11 online on Zoom, for a presentation journey through the Taos Box: it’s human history, geology, the rapids, flora and critters.
monthly meeting
tuesday may 9, 2023
sunday service motor company and via zoom
Strainer on the Gila River April 2023
safely paddling remote rivers
Norm Gaume
River running is hazardous for paddlers lacking necessary skills, equipment and information about possible hazards. Norm Gaume will discuss paddlers preparations and behaviors to safely run remote rivers and prevent a river hazard from becoming an emergency. Focus on Gila River, river-wide strainers, and fences.
monthly meeting
tuesday, april 11, 2023 6:00pm
sunday service motor company and via zoom
stream access discussion
Three years ago, the Adobe Whitewater Club with two partners sued the State Game Commission to overturn a game commission rule and privatization certificates that blocked public access to river and streams. The New Mexico Supreme Court affirmed the public’s constitutional right in a hard-hitting unanimous opinion:
WE HOLD THAT THE PUBLIC HAS THE RIGHT TO RECREATE AND FISH IN PUBLIC WATERS AND THAT THIS RIGHT INCLUDES THE PRIVILEGE TO DO SUCH ACTS ARE REASONABLY NECESSARY TO EFFECT THE ENJOYMENT OF SUCH RIGHT.
What does this mean for paddlers? Come learn about paddlers rights and responsibilities. Avoid playing into the rich privatizers’ scheme to further litigate this matter.
Let’s celebrate this victory all year!
monthly meeting
Tuesday March 14, 2023
AWC Town Hall
Slides from March 14, 2023 Meeting
Rather than a trip report, this Mar 14 event is more of a Town Hall format where we will explore ways to make the Adobe Whitewater Club even better. Hopefully, you have all had a chance to fill out the recent AWC e-mail survey with your ideas, comments, and commitments. We plan to discuss the many AWC activities, and the tasks required to make things happen and hope that You can find a niche to help. Participation is fun and although planning, organizing, and managing takes a bit of effort, the results of developing many great relations is very rewarding.
monthly meeting
February 13, 2023 6:00pm
zoom and in person
rafting the zambezi
joey coburn
Beautiful scenery, huge drops, giant waves and warm water make the Zambezi River a boater's paradise. Africa's fourth longest river drifts under huge blue skies through the tree-filled plains of southern Africa before plunging more than 350 feet over Victoria Falls into Batoka Gorge, one the world's most famous whitewater runs. But time might be running out for Batoka Gorge, since plans to fill the gorge with a reservoir, sitting behind a new hydroelectric dam, are slowly advancing. Join us Tuesday, February 14th for trip a report about the Mighty Zambezi, its giant rapids, managing the travel logistics and stories from the trip of a lifetime.
monthly meeting
january 10, 2023
annual permit party
zoom and in person
It's that time of year to apply for those treasured 2023 River Permits, and most can be found at the Recreation.gov PERMIT LOTTERY to gain access to some wonderful rivers.
Please join us in person in Albuquerque, (or via Zoom) to hear a short PowerPoint presentation about the river options/requirements, chime in to tell us about your experiences with these rivers and also converse to get the momentum rolling for some epic trip planning.
Review the Rec.gov permit link, https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=river%20permits
AWC Holiday Party
Tuesday, December 20, 6:00-9:00 PM
O’Neill’s 4310 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque (map)
In lieu of our online December meeting, the Adobe Whitewater Club will have an in-person Holiday party! Really!!!
Raffles, slides and a good time will be had!
If you wish to join us, we’ll get together at O’Neill’s on the southwest corner of Central and Washington from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. O’Neill’s has a large parking lot in the back. The entrance door is also in the back. We have reserved a separate room on the right as you enter the premises from the parking lot.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase, they have an extensive list of beers on tap, please tell them you are with the Club when ordering. We have a minimum purchase requirement for the room.
If you expect to attend, please RSVP Paul Barrett at paulbarrett4@me.com. They’d like an estimate of the number of attendees so they can be prepared with sufficient staff.
And it goes without saying, if you have symptoms of ANY illness, please protect your fellow boaters and pass on the party.
Looking forward to seeing you all.
white rock canyon overnight awc paddling trip
november 12-13 2022
So, you think the paddling season is over? If your are equipped for cold temps and two long days, keep reading.
We need to scout White Rock Canyon and get GPS Coordinates of many reported tires, moving what we can out of the current to the high-water mark.
A larger community cleanup effort in the spring will return with bigger boats for tire removal.
Join us for a tough, but fun community paddle trip on the closest over-night option, 20-mile White Rock Canyon on the Rio Grande, between Buckman’s Crossing and Cochiti Lake. Scott Carpenter is the trip organizer - please comment here or contact me directly. My contact information is at the end of this message. I can share suggested gear checklist in separate e-mail if needed.
Autumn flows are usually adequate (nearly 700cfs now), the temps are cold, and the scenery is stunning. Nearly any craft will get you down the river (class II/III), but the low flow and flatwater paddle out is not practical for anything larger than an inflatable kayak now.
Planned agenda includes stops at Pajarito Springs (cold), Ancho Rapid, Frijoles Canyon, then camp near Capulin Canyon.
Sunday morning some may hike the 3-mile round trip to see Painted Cave, but most will likely pack up and paddle out before any afternoon winds.
The 80-min drive to the Buckman’s Crossing put-in includes 12 miles of dirt road and has an almost forgotten history as a party spot, prone to vehicle vandalism and theft, so we really need drivers to return all shuttle rigs (Rob will drive my truck and trailer) back to the west side boat ramp area at Cochiti after dropping us off at the put-in early Saturday. Please recruit friends and family for this overlooked duty and let me know who may be available. One likely option is for the shuttle drivers to return the rigs to Cochiti then either return home, or power-paddle the three-hours up the lake/river hoping to join us at camp, but the 3-hour upstream paddle is best for long, fast, hard kayaks.
Aside from the group shuttle effort, this is a self-support style trip, so bring your own boat, food and warm gear (paddle, cook, sleep, poo) or bring a really good friend to take care of you. Of course, I plan to paddle mostly together for many reasons, to scout or even portage at Ancho Rapid, which at this level is a fairly straight forward run to avoid a big hole and a few rocks. And camping together will be a fun socializing event, where I hope to meet many new paddlers from our community.
Quick facts:
Saturday Nov 12, 8:00am meet at Cochiti west boat ramp parking area (about 1 hr drive from ABQ) to consolidate everything, leaving most vehicles there.
Depart by 8:30 and make the 1.25 hour shuttle drive up to Buckman’s to launch by 10:30am.
Camp near Capulin Canyon, before dark.
Sand bars just upstream may be as far as we get.
Sunday Nov 13, 9:00-ish hike to painted cave, then repack and launch around noon to paddle to west boat ramp for take-out by 3:00.
Right click on link below to open map - Cochiti to Buckman.
monthly meeting
november 8th, 2022
AWC Monthly Zoom - River Guide Life!?!
Joey Coburn - AWC Board/Guide
River guides: you've seen them before, they are everywhere that rivers, fun and adventure are found together. Ever thought about becoming a river guide? Wondered what it takes? How to do it? Even if you have a career, or are retired from one? Is part-time an option? Is it really that fun? What do you get out of it? Is living in a tent for 3 months a year all that bad? Is it bad at all? Tuesday's meeting we'll answer some of these questions and more as we step a little into the life lived doing "the greatest job in the world."
Monthly Meeting
Tuesday october 11, 2022
San Juan Trip Report Sand Island to Mexican Hat (Recording)
By Antonia Treverton and others.
Intro for Antonia:
"I've been paddling since 2011, on Flatwater till I came to New Mexico in 2017 and joined AWC and became thrilled with white water....lot more fun and lot less paddling.
I consider myself a pretty novice paddler in New Mexico....but I love it. I was happy to be asked to join this trip on the San Juan with some fine club members since I hadn't done any multi-day raft trips with the club before. It was one of the highlights of my summer 2021.
After knee surgery this Feb. while recovering I went back and enjoyed the trip again looking at my photos, so I put this short presentation together to share the trip. Sherry, Donna, and Mary also contributed some photos, and hopefully will add to this.
One thing that happened on the trip for me was I became very interested in the geology of the region, the Anasazi, and the ruins and stories they have left us on the walls of so many canyons. I have been spending some time reading up on all this. So much to know, I'm a novice at that too. Knee is working great now so I hope to be back to paddle with you all next summer."
Monthly Meeting
Tuesday September 13, 6:30 PM
Norm Gaume on the Sarapaqui River in Costa Rica.
AWC Presentation - Norm Gaume, Stream Access
Sept 13 AWC Meeting Program--Stream Access and Wild Gila River Updates.
See more for zoom link below.
• The New Mexico Supreme Court issued its written stream access opinion Sept 1.
• Two very wealthy would-be privatizers of New Mexico’s public rivers and streams will file in the U. S. Supreme Court.
• Permanent protection of the wild Gila River is pending in the U.S. Congress.
Norm Gaume will update paddlers and river runners at the AWC’s September 13 meeting. Norm is a long-time Adobe Whitewater Club member and paddler. He serves on the AWC board and works with the New Mexico Paddlers Coalition.
Norm is a retired water resources planning and management engineer. The state’s wild Gila River diversion proposal turned him into a public stream access activist in 2013. A legislator who supported development of the wild Gila River criticized him as an “avid rafter.” Yep.
MONTHLY MEETING
TUESDAY august 9, 2022
The NM Outdoor Legend (Recording)
Doug Scott Murphy
Doug Scott Murphy will be talking about early paddling in NM and the first NM river guide books that he wrote.
This June 1975 picture of Doug was on the Sep 1978 front cover of River World Magazine.
"I look forward sharing my early years experiences of river running in New Mexico. It started for me paddling a rubber duckie down the upper Pecos River below Tererro in early April of 1968. I guided my first commercial customers down the Lower Taos Box on April 15, 1972. I was 21 years of age. Francisco Guevara of Los Rios Outfitters today... was one of my most used hired guides.
See also my New Mexico websites:
http://www.dougscottart.com/hobbies/waterfalls.htm
http://www.dougscottart.com/hobbies/SlotCanyons.htm
http://www.dougscottart.com/hobbies/NMArch.htm
http://www.dougscottart.com/Books.htm
After river guiding for 5 years... Doug settled into a life time career sculpting and painting fine art in Taos. see:
http://www.dougscottart.com/index.htm
AWC gathering on the Arkansas River in Colorado
July 22-24, 2022
Join a bunch (20+) of us from the Adobe Whitewater Club for a fun weekend on the Arkansas River.
July 22-24, 2022.
Friday will likely be travel and camp setup, but a few may get there early enough for a quick paddle.
Meet Friday and Saturday evenings for primitive camping at Turtle Rock Campground just NE of Buena Vista and we can coordinate plans/shuttles, etc for Saturday and Sunday. A few are arriving early so watch for NM plates and ask around.
Where to camp?
Turtle Rock Campground just NE of Buena Vista, It's east off 371, with good access to the Numbers, Fractions, Milk Run, and Brown's Canyon (and maybe eleven mile Canyon). There are fantastic sites up pretty much every tributary, as well as in Four-mile Recreation Area just east of Turtle Rock CG. 3.3 miles and 9 minutes from Colorado Kayak Supply per this Google Map link.
https://www.google.com/.../data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!4m13!1m5...
Some may choose to stay in more RV friendly areas, and meet the rest of the group for socializing and coordination of paddle destinations and shuttles. Cell coverage in the area may be adequate so reach out if you have trouble finding us.
We hope to meet a few more of the local paddlers as well.
Where to Paddle?
I expect we will have at least two groups for paddling Saturday and Sunday, with appropriate challenges for each, deciding paddle destinations there.
I’ll likely be in an IK, and hope to paddle Browns and Numbers, but will assist on other sections if needed.
Flows may be low for bigger rafts so check the gauges.
Checkout the recorded June 14 AWC Presentation for great info about the entire Arkansas River Valley by Logan Meyers.
Presentations — Adobe Whitewater Club
More detailed info and real-time flow conditions available at
https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-index#
Next, we can start a listing of what reaches folks are most interested in to determine separate groups, logistics and times.
Comment here, or reply to me if interested and final details will be sent out Thursday or Friday morning, to those that respond.
A brief description of craft and class or section that you are interested in running would help.
This is self-support so bring whatever gear you need to safely paddle and camp, or coordinate/share with friends.
I’ll bring a basic groover for camp just to be prepared, how’s that for sharing?!?
For the Love Of Rivers
5054006124
Low head dam on the Cache La Poudre River near Ft. Collins, CO. Photo by Evan Stafford
Addressing Public Safety at Low Head Dams (Recording)
Hattie Johnson - American Whitewater
Hattie Johnson is the Southern Rockies Stewardship Director at American Whitewater. She is based in Carbondale, Colorado on the banks of the Crystal and Roaring Fork Rivers. Hattie has been working on a wide range of issues around low head dams and recreation even prior to her career at AW, working with a river engineering firm turning these structures into whitewater parks and other recreational assets. She’ll be talking about some of these example projects, efforts at the local and state levels to address these issues on the ground, as well as diving into AW’s federal policy work to address the public safety hazard and ecological impact of low head dams.
American Whitewater’s database of whitewater accidents and fatalities, maintained since 1972, documents that 10% of river fatalities nationwide are a result of individuals getting caught in a low head dam hydraulic. These dams are generally defined as a manmade structure, up to about 25 feet in height, built across a river or stream channel from bank to bank. Powerful hydraulics and hard to see horizon lines create a dangerous hazard. Most paddlers have had a run in with a low head dam in some capacity, whether is a nasty surf, a tough portage or worse. American Whitewater has been working at the local, state and federal level to address this public safety issue. Understanding the location, utility, public safety hazard, and ownership of these structures can not only better inform recreationists, but also help to better identify structures for removal or retrofit. You can read more about AW’s recent efforts on Low Head Dams here. https://www.americanwhitewater.org/.../5sd2bZNjC4hW0f66U.../
monthly Meeting
TUESDAY JUNE 14, 2022
Arkansas River Valley, “Paddler's Paradise” (Recording)
Logan Meyers
Logan Meyers Introduction:
"I am a whitewater paddler and environmental conservationist. I have been a board member of Friends of Browns Canyon for 13 years and worked with many others in the campaign to designate Browns Canyon a National Monument. I also spent 6 years on the board of the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association and have been an environmental concerns representative to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area for 8 years.
In many ways I think of the Rio Grande as a "sister" river to the Arkansas, and in particular White Rock has similar values as Browns Canyon. I usually come to New Mexico to paddle a couple times a year and have been running White Rock every other year for 15 years now. In that time I have seen some unfortunate changes to the river corridor and would like to contribute to preserving the resource. I have experience planning and executing large scale river cleanups as well as having spent a couple of days with the BLM removing tamarisk and planting cottonwood saplings along the Colorado River."
And if time permits, we may even get the basics of some of the other options in the immediate region (Taylor, Gunnison, Eagle, Roaring Fork, Fryingpan, and South Platte) as they can all be reached within 1-1.5 hours of Buena Vista, where Logan lives.
monthly meeting
tuesday may 10, 2022
Proposed surf park in Velarde. New Mexico (Recording)
Ed Lucero
Join us to hear a presentation from Ed Lucero regarding a proposed play-wave at Velarde, NM.
Mother’s day races
this weekend! may 6-8, 2022
pilar, nm
see mother’s day races page for details
Please note that the dutch oven cookoff scheduled for Friday has been canceled due to fire restrictions!
monthly meeting
tuesday april 12, 6:30pm
sea kayaking in the ionian sea (Recording)
Sherry and Paul Barrett
Sherry and Paul Barrett will give a presentation on sea kayaking around Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea, west of mainland Greece. Join us to hear Sherry and Paul's story of paddling around and island near Greece and maybe learn tips to organize your own adventures.
MONTHLY MEETING
TUESDAY MARCH 8, 6:30PM
Pandemic Travel to Baja del Sur Mexico (Recording)
Rob Levin
10 Day Self Support Coastal Kayak Trip
Loreto to La Paz, 110 miles
Tuesday February 8, 2022
Early Season Paddle Options in NM: Gila, Canadian, Pecos, and Rio Chama Rivers (Recording)
Join us on-line for our monthly Membership presentation, hosted by a few Adobe Whitewater Club Board members. This presentation will focus on the Gila, Canadian, Pecos, and Rio Chama Rivers and will likely be followed by open discussion of related topics.
Tuesday January 11, 2022
ANNUAL PERMIT PARTY (Recording)
It's that time of year to apply to the Recreation.gov PERMIT LOTTERY to gain access to some wonderful rivers. Please join us on Zoom to hear a short PowerPoint presentation about the river options/requirements, chime in to tell us about your experiences with these rivers, and also converse to get the momentum rolling for some epic trip planning.
December 14, 2021
AWC Year in review
Join us as we share stories members have sent to AWC Board member Jamie Phillips. Catch up on what members have been up to in 2021!
Hybrid meeting - In person & Zoom
Monday, November 8, 2021
Through Grand Canyon on a Tule Reed Raft… or… Are You Nuts? (Recording)
Tom Martin
John Wesley Powell made the first documented descent of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in 1869. But was his trip really the first? The Indigenous peoples of the Lower Colorado River knew how to raft the River when the Spaniards arrived in 1540. Their rafts were made of common tule, a surprisingly buoyant giant sedge found throughout the Colorado River basin. Could a tule raft survive a descent through the Grand Canyon? River runner and historian Tom Martin attempted to answer that question on a raft trip through the Canyon last December. Join him as he recounts what happened when a tule raft met the Lees Ferry Ranger, Hance Rapids, and Lava Falls.
Tom Martin volunteers for River Runners For Wilderness and writes river running history books as well as hiking and paddling guides for western rivers.
This hour-long presentation is a fundraiser for the Adobe Whitewater Club. Martin will have his books and River Maps for sale, of which a percentage of proceeds will go to AWC, including online orders. That’s right — Any book orders placed on the www.vishnutemplepress.com website November 8, 9, and 10 will count as AWC orders and Tom is donating a percentage of these sales back to the AWC. (Thank you, Tom!)
Hybrid meeting - In person & Zoom
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Journey Down the Gila
Patrice Mutchnick, Director, Heart of the Gila
Todd Schulke, Center for Biological Diversity
Join us for our first hybrid in person/virtual meeting for a screening of the film “Journey Down the Gila” (description below)! We will meet in the Humble Coffee space of 505 Central Food Hall in downtown Albuquerque. Come early to order food and drinks from multiple restaurants available, and to socialize. We will have brief club announcements at 6:30 then watch our 90 min feature film. Metered street parking is free after 6:00pm and there is a pay-lot just a block west. Masks will be required unless you are eating or drinking, per New Mexico’s health order, as this is an indoor venue.
Journey Down the Gila is a film exploring grief, renewal and hope, along the Gila River in New Mexico. This documentary tells the story of three New Mexico teens who died in service to the wild places they loved, their mothers’ journey down the wild river they sought to protect, and the struggle to keep the Gila free forever. The film also culminates with a trip the three mothers made to Washington D.C. to advocate for federal legislation to protect the Gila River as Wild and Scenic. This feature-length, 90-minute film is directed by Albuquerque filmmaker David Garcia. Copy/paste this link to your browser to watch the trailer here.
Patrice Mutchnick, Director, Heart of the Gila and Todd Schulke, Center for Biological Diversity will join us to answer questions after the screening.
Monthly meeting
august 10, 2021
middle fork of the salmon river low flow report
Chad Morris
Chad Morris will lead a discussion on what it’s like running the Middle Fork of the Salmon River at low flow.
MONTHLY MEETING
July 13, 2021
THE LOWER ANIMAS (Recording)
kent ford
The Animas below Durango is a scenic and seldom paddled stretch, but is increasing in popularity. This stretch, like many others on the Animas, has some access issues. From Dallabetta Park, the Animas flows thru Southern Ute and private land for 15.5 miles to the nearest access point at Bondad Bridge. From there down, the Animas flows into New Mexico, through Aztec and Farmington, before flowing into the San Juan River and on down to Shiprock and eventually Bluff. Our guest speaker, Kent Ford, recently paddled the 180 miles from Durango to Bluff, and can weave a yarn about how whitewater boating has evolved over the years, with some of the best exploration to be done in our own region.
A group of local paddlers is working with New Mexico efforts to inform paddlers where legal access and public camping spots exist, to help avoid trespass occurrences. There are several low-head dams below Farmington that must be run with extreme caution or portaged. This mapping effort also seeks to map the several unusual diversion hazards, and build advocacy for watershed health. The result could be a unique multi-day way to explore the backyard river.
View and download the Lower Animas River Map: Animas River Paddle Trail Guide / Map
monthly meeting
June 8, 2021
A few More Rivers in Southern Colorado
Scott Carpenter will be presenting a very informal (last-minute) discussion and slideshow of nearby rivers — especially the Gunnison, San Miguel, Uncompaghre, Gunnison Gorge, lower Animas, and San Juan.
We will also provide updates on Stream Access and our on-going fight against NNW certifications from the NM Game Commission.
monthly meeting
may 11, 2021
Birth and evolution of the Rio Grande river system: 8 million years of downward integration (Recording)
by Marisa Repasch, Ph.D.
presented by Carmen Winn, Ph.D.
Rivers set the pace of regional landscape evolution, so by learning the rates of change in the Rio Grande and the processes that induce these changes, we can understand how and why the New Mexico landscape has evolved the way it has. The Rio Grande is a geologically young river, developing only within the last 8 million years. Despite its present resolute flow from the San Juan Mountains in Colorado over 3,000 km to the Gulf of Mexico, the Rio Grande was not a through-flowing river along its present length until about the last million years, or perhaps even the last ~500 ka. It extended its length progressively southward by integrating separate basins of the Rio Grande rift. To do this, the river needed to overcome drainage divides imposed by structures related to the Rio Grande rift. Over the course of her M.S. degree at the University of New Mexico, Marisa Repasch studied the potential climatic, tectonic, and magmatic forcings that influenced the river’s birth and evolution. During the course of her Ph.D. at the University of New Mexico, Carmen Winn studied with Marisa and will be presenting a brief overview of her research, including the geologic history of northern New Mexico and the formation of the Rio Grande river system.
keep it rio!
river adventure outreach
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021
Adobe Whitewater Club Through the Archives (Brief History of the club)
Robert Levin will present a history of AWC he’s compiled from boxes of archives he has collected.
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Photo - Sherry Barrett
Snowpack Update and Local Rivers to Run in the Spring
Join us for a presentation on nearby rivers without permit requirements. There will also be an update on recent and upcoming club activities in the age of Covid.
Knot Night!
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Mike Carney’s AWC Knot Demos Video
We are hosting our (virtual) monthly member meeting via Zoom - the invitation is below. The topic of the presentation (more of a workshop, really) is Knot Night!
Come learn from fellow AWC members a handful of classic, useful, fascinating, and/or unique knots and strap ties that will serve you well on the river and in the outdoors at large. A few of the demonstrations/knots taught include the figure eight knot family, trucker's hitch, thieves' knot, strap creations, and more!
We'd love to hear your suggestions on both what knots you wanna learn and what knots you know and would love to demo for us!
We will have lots of time during the meeting to practice with a variety of knots, tying with straps, etc - so come prepared with all your rope & straps!
We truly want to get membership more engaged and build leadership among our Club, so please reach out if you are interested in helping put this event on.
Also! As a friendly reminder, if you haven't joined the Club yet, or need to renew, please pay your AWC member dues at your earliest convenience - it helps us to be able to pay for programming, materials, insurance, and so much more.
BONUS points (and simpler event registration for cleanups, clinics, and so much more) for renewing your ACA membership as well! (you're welcome for the shout-out, Rob )
Thanks so much!
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
AWC Permit Party!!!
It's that time of year to apply to the Recreation.gov PERMIT LOTTERY to gain access to some wonderful rivers. Please join us on Zoom to hear a short powerpoint presentation about the river options, chime in to tell us about your experiences with these rivers, and also converse to get the momentum rolling for some epic trip planning.
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
This month's AWC meeting has been cancelled due to the current "Stay at Home " Policy. We hope to meet with everyone next month. Stay tuned for more information. Be Well.
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Photo - Ira Bolnick
Getting Ready for the GranD - Grand Canyon River Trip Preparations
Mary McArthur and crew
Mary McArthur and crew will educate us on the many aspects of permitting, planning, packing and paddling(rowing) the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. This is a must-see for anyone that was successful in the recent lottery for 2021 trips, and even those that have completed this amazing trip before will likely learn something new, and maybe find friends to join you.
Click on this link for slides from the presentation and sample planning and expense documents.
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
AWC Permit Party
Come see what has changed regarding River Permit Lotteries etc. and listen to Travis explain the requirements to paddle most of the permitted western rivers. Bring your calendars and see who is planning to paddle where.
Click here to see the presentation.
Albuquerque REI, 1550 Mechantile Ave, NE 87107
Tuesday, November 12, 2019, 6:30 PM
Reflections On John Wesley Powell
Tom Martin
Meeting and announcements to start at 6:30, with presentation to begin at 6:45. Seating is limited to 60 so arrive early for book sale/signing.
“Recent Reflections on John Wesley Powell” focus on the 1869 river journey of ten men traveling by boat from Green River, Wyoming, to the Sea of Cortez. Author Tom Martin will review the landscape the men traveled through, recount some of the background history leading up to the river trip, the events of the trip, and subsequent legend, history and fact. The presentation will include historic film footage from 1913, 1945 and 1947 showing what the Green and Colorado rivers looked like before the construction of Flaming Gorge and Glen Canyon dams.
“This presentation is free and open to the public. Vishnu Temple Press will have an assortment of books as well as the latest RiverMap guidebook including the new Arkansas River Guide for sale. Book sales proceeds will benefit the Adobe Whitewater Club.
Tom Martin has been getting blisters on his feet and hopelessly lost while hiking in Grand Canyon from river rafting trips for over fifty years. After receiving his Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University in 1996, Martin worked for twenty years as a PT at the Grand Canyon Clinic at the South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park. Unfortunately, he also started writing books. His first, Day Hikes From The River, now in its fourth edition, still helps hikers get miserably lost in Grand Canyon. Martin then wrote Big Water Little Boats, about an Indiana Hoosier who brought the first dory to Grand Canyon. This involved building a life size 1954 replica dory, affectionately called “The Bloody Boat.”
With co-author Duwain Whitis, Martin wrote the Guide to the San Juan River, Guide to the Colorado and Green Rivers in the Canyonlands of Utah and Colorado, Guide to the Arkansas River, Colorado, and Guide To The Colorado River In The Grand Canyon, which some wise wizards on a misty mountain decided should win the 2007 National Outdoor Book Award. Then he got the real bright idea to awaken a sleeping giant on a thirty-year doze and edited Otis “Dock” Marston’s book on the first 100 river runners in Grand Canyon, titled From Powell To Power. More wizards somehow gave Martin the 2016 Grand Canyon Historical Society Pioneer Award for historical research while Martin finished a forty-year quest to hike the entire length of the Grand Canyon. For the last twenty-five years he has advocated for wilderness rivers and the public’s right to access them commercial-free. Hazel Clark is Martin's Voice of Reason and co-explorer in twenty-eight years of marriage. Yes, it was Hazel who introduced Tango to this otherwise dance-less dude years ago and now he's not bad at it.
Hosted by The Adobe Whitewater Club and REI
October 19-20 White Rock Canyon Paddle Trip
So, you think the paddling season is over?
Join us for another fun community paddle trip on the closest over-night option, 19-mile White Rock Canyon on the Rio Grande, between Buckman’s Crossing and Cochiti Lake. Scott Carpenter is the trip organizer - please let him know if you want to go. His contact information is at the end of this message.
Autumn flows are usually adequate (nearly 900cfs now), the temps are cool/cold, and the scenery is stunning. Nearly any craft will get you down the river (class II/III), but the flatwater paddle out is not fun for anything larger than an inflatable kayak.
Planned agenda includes stops at Pajarito Springs (cold), Ancho Rapid, Frijoles Canyon, then camp at Capulin Canyon.
Sunday morning we can hike the 3-mile round trip to see Painted Cave, then pack up and paddle out before any afternoon winds.
The drive to the Buckman’s Crossing put-in includes 12 miles of dirt road and has an almost forgotten history as a party spot, prone to vehicle vandalism and theft, so we really need drivers to return our big shuttle rigs (my truck and trailer and ,…) back to the west side boat ramp area at Cochiti after dropping us off at the put-in on Saturday. Please recruit friends and family for this overlooked duty and let me know who may be available. One likely option is for the shuttle drivers to return the rigs to Cochiti then either return home, or paddle the two-hours up the lake to join us at camp. If the two class II/III rapids are a concern, others could also paddle up the lake and join us for the camp at Capulin Canyon and/or hike on Sunday morning, but the 2-hour upstream paddle is best for long, fast, hard kayaks. Another alternative for those not wanting to spend the night out is to run the entire section in a day, requiring an earlier start, but may be able to coordinate shuttle.
Aside from the group shuttle effort, this is a self-support style trip, so bring your own boat, food and gear (paddle, cook, sleep, poo) or bring a really good friend to take care of you. Of course, I plan to paddle mostly together for many reasons, to scout or even portage at Ancho Rapid, which at this level is a fairly straight forward run to avoid a big hole and a few rocks. And camping together will be a fun socializing event, where I hope to meet many new paddlers from our community.
Quick facts:
Saturday Oct 19, 8:00am meet at Cochiti west boat ramp parking area (about 1 hr drive from ABQ) to consolidate everything.
Depart by 8:30 and make the 1.25 hour shuttle drive up to Buckman’s to launch by 10:30am.
Camp at Capulin Canyon, before dark.
Sunday Oct 20, 9:00-ish hike to painted cave, then repack and launch around noon to paddle to west boat ramp for take-out by 3:00.
Right click on link below to open map.
Trip leader: Scott Carpenter
505-400-6124 cell
Scottx.a.Carpenter@Intel.com
October 8, 2019 4:15 - 7:30 PM
Rio Grande Paddle - US-550 to Corrales Ditch !!!
Our regular monthly meeting venue of Papa Felipe's Restaurant will be busy with the Balloon Fiesta crowd, so we will be taking our monthly meeting outside, to the river. Come be our guest for this fun evening paddle and meet a great group of river folks.
Meet by 4:15pm at the Corrales Ditch Access Point (directions below). Consolidate cars and paddle craft and leave at 4:30 to head on up to US-550. Some of those vehicles left at take-out will need to take drivers to retrieve vehicles from put-in, after the paddle. I will have a trailer to help haul boats.
If you can't make it to the Corrales take-out location by 4:15 just meet us at the put-in at 4:45 (park between ditch and the river SW end of the bridge in Bernalillo) to launch by 5:00 pm. This short 4-mile stretch is usually a 1.5 - 2 hour paddle so we should be off the river by 7:00 PM, before it gets dark.
Bring your own boats, paddles, PFDs, and snacks to enjoy/share on the river.
Directions to Corrales Access Point:
From the north ---- take US-550 (exit 242) west. Go through the town of Bernalillo. Pass the Santa Ana Star Casino on the north side of the road. At the next stop light, turn left (south) onto NM-528. Take NM-528 south and turn left at the 6th stop light - Corrales Rd. Go about 1/2 mile and turn left at the first ditch you see. Follow dirt road to the river.
From I-25 and Alameda --- take Alameda west to Coors Blvd/Corrales Rd (NM-448). Turn right on Corrales Rd and go through the town of Corrales. At the City of Rio Rancho sign, turn right onto the dirt road by the ditch. Take the dirt road to the parking lot. If you get to NM-528, you've gone too far.
From Paseo Del Norte and Coors Blvd --- take Coors Blvd north and stay on Coors By-Pass (stay left) up the hill to Rio Rancho (becomes NM-528). Go past Southern Blvd and Northern Blvd. Turn right at the next stop light - Corrales Road. Go about 1/2 mile and turn left at the first ditch you see. Follow dirt road to the river.
Know the Law!
PFDs & Life Jackets - You are required (by New Mexico State Law (http://www.boat-ed.com/nm/handbook/pfds.htm)) to wear a properly fitted life jacket any time you are in a canoe, kayak, or raft; regardless of your age or waterway.
A Note About Safety:
You should always be over-prepared for what you expect to encounter on the water. This means making correct and informed decisions on your clothing and gear, among other things, and an accurate assessment of your skills. Since situations always change, it is your personal responsibility to ensure that your paddling is safe, no matter what may have been suggested from the information provided here. You, and you alone, are responsible for your safety and preparedness. You are participating at your own risk.
Any questions, you can call Scott Carpenter direct at 505-400-6124 cell.
Also, watch for a separate event announcing plans for an overnight paddle trip Oct 19-20 through White Rock Canyon.
And our November meeting of the Adobe Whitewater Club will be huge, with special guest author/speaker Tom Martin, presenting Reflections of John Wesley Powell, 150 years after his exploration of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. He will also be selling/signing his new Arkansas River (CO) guidebook. Venue to be determined - it will not be at Papa Felipe’s.
September 10, 2019
Conejos River Paddling Trip Report
Leon Maurer
AWC Member Leon Maurer will be telling his tale of their recent Pack-Raft paddle trip on the seldom run Conejos River, just across the Colorado border. This river rarely has boatable flows, and access is limited due to private lands, but the scenery is spectacular. There will also be time to share your own stories of paddling the Conejos, and other similar hidden destinations.
June 11, 2019
Paddling in China
& Recap of the WOW Clinic in Pagosa CO
Carmen Winn will be presenting information on Paddling in China. She has an inside relation to the paddling industry in China and you will certainly learn something new.
So come prepared to share your stories of the recent Women Of Whitewater Clinic, and catch up on the club announcements. Also, bring your calendars and help draft up a new club trips program for this promising paddling season. Come join our friendly group and enjoy more paddling opportunities.
So much to be excited about!
May 14th, 2019
![20180525_104707[10134].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c5b8ca4b10f252423edffa4/1557777782576-Y6DQIZY9GK9IS2F928LK/20180525_104707%5B10134%5D.jpg)
Journey Paddling
Rob Levin will be presenting “Journey Paddling”, featuring a local, seldom done day trip. Additionally, he will mention ACA instructor logging and updates.
April 9th, 2019
Do’s and Don’ts of Paddling the Gila Wilderness
Scott Carpenter, Michael Carney, and a cast of stars will share their back-to-back experiences paddling the Gila Wilderness in very different styles…
March 12th, 2019
Solo Boating the Grand Canyon
Bruce Cline
Bruce Cline is a private boater, having started rafting in the late 1970s while a student at UNM. He was an AWC member in its very early years. While a student, he and a partner formed and operated a small rafting company for 10 years, running the Rio Grande, Rio Chama, and Arkansas Rivers. He was adjunct faculty for 20 years (combined) teaching whitewater rafting at both UNM and San Juan College in Farmington. Much of his recent boating has been as a soloist, having run solo raft trips of various lengths (1 to 30 days) on the Colorado, Rio Grande, Rio Chama, Shenandoah, Potomac, New, and Arkansas Rivers. He has also dabbled in solo canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding. He is now retired, living in the Denver area with his wife, adult child, and elderly father. In 2013 he authored “Never Boat Alone, A Guide to Solo Boating the Colorado River through Grand Canyon.”