Whitewater Rafting Safety

AVA Whitewater Rafting Standards

If you ask us, whitewater rafting is the best adventure in Colorado and a must-do activity that will leave you wanting more. AVA Rafting has been a premier rafting outfitter since 1998, and we’ve always prided ourselves in the superior level of training our guides must go through. There are inherent risks with any outdoor activity, including rafting, but we prioritize safety on our trips, which is why we require 3 times more training than the state of Colorado requires for commercial raft guides.

What to Know about Safety

Safety Orientation

Before you embark on any adventure with us, whether on the water or aerial, you’ll receive a detailed safety orientation. It’s important that you pay careful attention so that you can respond in any situation that might arise. You’ll be enjoying your tour in a natural environment where the situation can change quickly, so it’s important that you know what to do.

Raft and equipment, including safety helmets and lifejackets.

Proper Equipment

When you show up for your adventure, you’ll be given safety equipment that matches your tour. This equipment may include a helmet, a personal flotation device (PFD), a wetsuit or splash top, a harness for aerial tours, and more. It’s important to make sure that your equipment fits properly and that you’re wearing that right way. Your guide will help you get fitted and answer any questions you have about your gear.

Whitewater Rafting Guide Training

At AVA, our guides go through 3 times the state-required training for whitewater rafting. All of our guides are first aid and CPR certified and go through continued education even if they have been guided for a decade or more. On average, our guides have 8 years of experience.

Shoreline Safety

Our certified bus drivers at AVA take very good care of our guests on the road and the river. You can find them at the shore with a safety rope to help any swimmer in need of getting to the side of the river. They work with the safety kayakers and rafting guides closely to help guests at any time.

Inflatable Kayak Whitewater Rafting in Colorado

Safety Kayakers

We also have safety kayakers on our class IV & V whitewater rafting trips. During high water, we will have safety kayakers on class III trips as well. The safety kayaker provides an additional line of safety as guides and guests move through rapids, and their potential for swimming in the river increases.

River Level And Age Requirements

We take safety very seriously, and reserve the right to cancel a trip or increase age minimums depending on the water flows at that time. We love rafting more than anyone, but we will not go out on the river during conditions that are seen as unfit for certain ages or potentially anyone.

Don't just take our word for it

Richard S.2024-08-13

We did a full day of tours with AVA. The morning we did The Numbers rafting. We had a great time. Everyone at the shop was very helpful and friendly. We... Read More »

Olivia G.2024-06-11

We had an incredible experience with AVA Rafting & Zipline last weekend for our birthdays! My husband, two friends, and I went white water rafting in Buena... Read More »

Paige C.2024-08-29

An Absolute 10/10. We did a Full day Package, morning Via ferrata with Emma and Trey. It was so fun and they were awesome to hang out with! Then we did the... Read More »

Olivia Karaszewski2024-06-12

We had an incredible experience with AVA Rafting & Zipline last weekend for our birthdays! My husband, two friends, and I went white water rafting in Buena Vista, and it was an adventure we'll never forget. Our guide, Todd, was absolutely amazing. His expertise and enthusiasm made the trip both thrilling and safe. We tackled class 4 rapids, and Todd’s guidance ensured we had an exhilarating and enjoyable time. The scenery was breathtaking, and the entire tour was perfectly organized from start to finish. If you're looking for a top-notch rafting experience with skilled and friendly guides, look no further than AVA Rafting & Zipline. We can't wait to return for another adventure!

Cayden Jachyra2024-07-16

Had such a great time rafting browns canyon with our guide, Jordan. He was very clear and efficient when giving instructions, which made our trip go smoothly. We did class 3 rapids, and now Im itching to go back and do more intense ones! While it does take a bit to get down to the water after arriving at the outpost, the wait is definitely worth it. It was my favorite part of my trip to CO!

Patrick Finn2024-08-09

Did the rafting (1/2 day Brown’s Canyon) and ziplining package Overall awesome experience - highly recommend.

Rafting Brown’s Canyon - First off, our river guide Sebastian was fabulous. It was very evident that he is very experienced on the water and he masterfully guided us through the class II and class III rapids while we shared a raft with a family with two younger kids. Definitely an exciting section of the river with lots of whitewater, but not crazy whitewater so great for an adventurous family or group. The trip itself took a little over 4 hours - about 25 minutes for the check in and getting geared up (helmet, PFD, optional splash jacket, and optional wet suit provided), about 20 minute ride to the river, about 2.5 hours on the river, then a 45 minute ride back. I’d also like to give kudos to the trip leader Will on smoothly handling all the safety/information talks while keeping things light and fun.

After a lunch break (you either bring lunch or you have time to go to Buena Vista to grab a bite), we headed off to our zipline adventure. Once again we had fantastic guides - Ernie and Torre. They brought lots of positive energy and fun to the experience. Overall, ziplining took just under 2 hours from gearing up, very short drive to the course followed by a short uphill hike to the first platform. We spent just under 90 minutes doing the 6 different ziplines that offered amazing views while zooming along the mountainside. You can take your phone (just secure it in a zipped pocket or backpack) for photos which is nice.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that it is worth it in my view to do the cancellation guarantee. Weather is highly variable so we ended up twice changing our package date to make it work with our other plans. The office staff was super helpful and accommodating when I called to adjust plans.

Overall, we had an incredibly fun day with AVA. Besides having amazing experiences, we were very pleased with the high quality guides on each of our trips. And the price for our package (and their prices at their outpost for gear/clothing) is surprisingly reasonable.