2017 delivers another successful Gore Canyon Festival

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: