colorado stand up paddle adventures

top-rated colorado river sup trips

Western Slope SUP offer the highest rated Colorado stand up paddle river trips. What’s our secret? Find out for yourself on the crystal clear waters of the Gunnison River, or in the awe-inspiring Ruby/Horsethief Canyons. We have selected the best Colorado rivers for paddle boarding, so you are assured to experience the ultimate Colorado stand up paddle adventure when you book a trip with Western Slope SUP.

stand up paddle for all ability levels

Learn to SUP with our professional instructors on the lake or river. All of our stand up paddle trips are appropriate for complete beginners. Prefer to sit? Anyone is welcome to join our SUP river trips in an inflatable kayak or raft!

Highest quality paddle boards

Our top-quaility inflatable paddle boards are designed in Colorado by the best brands in the industry such as SOL Paddleboards, Badfish SUP, and Elevate SUP. We carry the most stable boards available so you can enjoy your day on the water without having to worry about a tippy board.

 multi-day colorado river sup trips

Get the full experience with one of our multi-day adventure packages. Join us for an overnight rafting trip in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, or a 3-day fully catered stand up paddle adventure through Ruby and Horsethief Canyons on the Colorado River. Choose your level of adventure by selecting to join the trip in a guided Raft, kayak, or paddleboard. Instructors will be available on and off the river to ensure your comfort, and take care of all your needs. A multi-day river tour with Western Slope SUP is the perfect opportunity to get one-on-one SUP instruction, re-connect with family and friends, and unwind on the river. Itineraries ranging from 2-3 days are available.

Included:

• All river and camping equipment (no additional rental fees)

• All meals, prepared by your guides

• Transportation

• 1-3 guides

• One price (no additional use fees)

 colorado stand up paddle faq

Can I SUP?

In order to answer this, you must ask yourself 3 simple question:

Can I stand?

Do I enjoy being outside?

Do I like getting wet?

If you answered yes, SUP is for you! Our professional grade inflatable paddle boards are more stable and easier to handle than ever before. Chances are if this is your first SUP experience you will find yourself in the water at least once over the course of the lesson or tour. If you enjoy new experiences and want to learn a skill that you will keep for the rest of your life, you will have a great time on the water with us!

Is stand up paddle appropriate for all ages?

Age limits are as follows, there is no upper limit:

River Trips: Ages 10 and up

Lake Lessons: Ages 6 and up

Should I choose the lake or the river?

Both our SUP river trips and the lake lesson are ideal choices for first timers. If you are looking for adventure on a smaller scale, or are on the fence about trying SUP for the first time, the lake lesson is for you. For many, learning to stand on and maneuver a board at the lake will be an adrenaline rush. By the end of the lesson you will be confident and ready to tackle the river if you choose.

If you are remotely athletic and looking for adventure, our SUP river trips are for you. We can teach anyone to confidently navigate the Gunnison River. All we require from you is a willingness to try something new and a sense of adventure. Physically, you must be able to stand or kneel for the duration of the trip. We teach the skills you need to stay upright, and navigate moving current at the put in. From there we will experience glassy, calm water, ripples and a few small river features thrown in to spice it up!

What should I bring?

We supply most everything you need for your SUP adventure, including wetsuit, booties, splash top, personal flotation device and helmet (for river trips only).

We recommend you bring these items:

• Sunglasses with retainers

• Hat (Baseball caps will fit under the helmets we use on river tours)

• Securely fitting sandals e.g. Chacos, Tevas, Keens etc. (no flip flops or crocs. Booties are available at no charge)

• Sunscreen

• Water bottle we can clip to your board

• Any medication you normally carry

Dress to get wet, and dress weather appropriate. We recommend a swimsuit, or quick dry clothing, hat, and sunscreen. On cool days, our provided wetsuits can be worn over swimwear. For an extra layer, consider bringing a fleece top. No cotton please.

Please do not bring bulky or valuable items on the river such as towels, dry bags, keys, or wallets. Your guide will have a dry bag for small, necessary personal items. Valuable items can be locked in your car while you are on the river. We will hold your keys in a secure location while you are out.

What is included?

Our SUP trips include all necessary equipment such as SUP board, paddle, PFD, wetsuit, splashtop, booties, guides, and transportation. Full day and overnight trips include organic, locally sourced meals from North Fork Valley farms and orchards.

Tell me more about the rapids

Rivers are rated on a scale from class I through VI. Class I indicates moving water with small ripples. At the other end of the scale, Niagara Falls is a good example of a class VI rapid.

The International Scale of River Difficulty defines Class II river features as straightforward with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required.

On our SUP river trips we will encounter river features up to class II in size. Some paddlers prefer to kneel, rather than stand through these river features which are made of small waves which are exciting, yet straight forward and easy to navigate.

Do you have the right board for me?

Yes! We have boards for people of all shapes and sizes. We have 9 different designs to choose from, perfect for anyone from small children to adults over 250 lbs.

Our selection is designed around stability and maneuverability. At the shop we will choose the perfect board for you based on your size and needs. Whether you want your board to preform like a Ferrari or a Cadillac, we have just what you need. We only use the highest quality inflatable paddle boards manufactured by NRS, SOL Paddleboards, and Badfish SUP.

How is the weather?

Colorado's Western Slope is blessed with the most temperate climate in the state. Spring and Fall are pleasant, Summer can be described as beach weather. During the months we are open, temperatures range from 60 to 90 degrees. You can count on ideal temperatures for being on or in the water. Our trips are planned around the best times of day for being on the lake and river.

When is the best time for river SUP in Colorado?

June through mid-October is the best time of year for river SUP in Colorado. River SUP in Colorado is possible year round, though we get our best weather May through Mid October. Due to melting snow from the Rocky mountains, late May and early June bring cold, fast moving water to Colorado rivers. From July onward, the waters of the Gunnison River become clear, cool, and calm, with small class I/II river features.

Where do we meet?

Rafting trips meet and conclude at Western Slope SUP in Downtown Hotchkiss, Colorado. Our address is 328 W Bridge St, Hotchkiss, Colorado.

How do we get to the river?

Transportation to and from the river is provided by air-conditioned 15 passenger van.

Is tipping the guide appropriate?

Like all service professionals, river guides accept gratuity. If you feel they did a great job, tipping is appropriate.

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are not allowed on our SUP trips.