Double Racecourse
<p> Our most popular raft trip, expanded into a full-day low-water adventure. At high water (which doesn't happen every year, and when it does it doesn't last long), the Racecourse has giant boat-flipping waves and boat-eating holes. At low water the rocks that make those waves and holes are sticking up out of the water, and we have to paddle around them, squeeze between them, and bounce off of them. It's a different kind of adventure, more technical and more physical, and a different kind of fun. The Double Racecourse full-day gives you <strong>two</strong> different kinds of fun: raft and funyak. In the morning, you'll run the rapids in a raft, as part of a precision team learning the tricky maneuvers required to navigate the many rapids of the Racecourse. After a delicious lunch riverside, you'll return to the put-in and get into your funyak. A funyak is a miniature inflatable raft that you paddle with a double-ended kayak-style paddle. We have single and double funyaks; you choose (photos above). Your guide gives you a comprehensive lesson at the beginning of the trip, and accompanies you down the Racecourse in his/her own boat, showing you the lines through the rapids and giving you help and advice whenever you need it. Since you've already run these rapids in a raft, they'll be somewhat familiar. You'll be amazed at how proficient you've become by the end of your paddling adventure down Class 3 whitewater! </p>
<p>You can also do the Double Racecourse in a raft twice, if you prefer.</p>
<p><strong>WHITEWATER RATING:</strong> Class 3</p>
<p><strong>RECOMMENDED MINIMUM AGE:</strong> 14, or 12 in a double funyak with a capable adult<br /><br /><strong>MEET: 9:30</strong> Be ready to step into our shuttle at the <strong>Rio Grande Gorge Visitors Center</strong> (Hwy 68 in Pilar, between mile markers 28 and 29). Stop in across the street at the<strong> Pilar Yacht Club </strong>to finish paper work and get supplies. Return to your vehicle 3.30-4 p.m.<br /><br /><strong>SEASON:</strong> March to November. (Los Rios rafts earlier and later than any other company.) High water usually late May/early June. Available 7 days a week.<br /><br /><strong>PRICE: </strong>$115 per person. Does not include tax and federal user fee. Group discount available, extra discount for school and Scout groups.<br /><br /><strong>WE PROVIDE:</strong> All rafting and safety equipment including life-jacket, helmet, waterproof jacket and pants, transportation to and from meeting place, hearty deli-style lunch. Wetsuit rental $10. Neoprene booties rental $5.</p>
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"I scheduled an all day trip for my wife and eldest child with Los Rios. I called to discuss their abilities, and they scheduled them for a Double Racecourse trip. The first time down Racecourse they go in a raft, then they have lunch, head back to the put-in and do it again in kayaks.
My family is pretty experienced on the water and they agreed to let my daughter do some extra activities in the boat based on that.
They ended up having the boat to themselves with an awesome guide, Miguel. He made the trip very special for them, and it will be remembered, and appreciated, for a long time."
John G.
Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach, VA