Wanderlust World Wanderlust World All canoes on on a Green River or any other waterway in Colorado must be inspected by a park ranger before being launched. Though the things needed are fairly basic, they are important safety features for any longer journey on the water. One lifejacket is needed per person as well as a device such as a whistle to signal distress. The canoe used must also be marked with a name and address before embarking.
If the Green River canoe trip is part of a tour, the organizers are responsible for all safety regulations and, typically, supply passengers with lifejackets and any other necessary items. For a private trip, canoers should double check with the Colorado State Park to make sure they have followed all regulations and are not in need of any additional permits. Once a launch site has been determined for the journey, check with that individual park for any required permits or regulations well before the date.
For a group experience as part of a tour or with guides to show the right way to canoe the Green River, unfortunately more resources exists for kayakers or whitewater rafters on the Colorado stretch. That doesn't mean it is impossible to find an organized trip or leadership for navigating the waterways.
Canoers should locate a few Colorado canoe outfitters in a convenient location and call for more information. For the same fee or less than what would be found at an organization offering canoe trips, Green River enthusiasts may be able to find an experienced individual willing to show them the ropes.
Another great resources for all paddlers, especially on the somewhat left-behind Green River, is to join or contact a canoe club in the area. The Rocky Mountain Canoe Club is a great resource for experienced and inexperienced paddlers. Not only can people learn more about the best rivers for canoeing, but they can share tips and stories about past journeys. The club also offers training so that those canoers who particularly love the Green River can become a licensed guide under the American Canoe Association.
The American Canoe Association is a good resource for all canoers. With canoe instructor resources to safety regulations and classes for beginning paddlers, they are a great first step on any beginning canoer's journey.
Rocky Mountain Canoe Club
rockymountaincanoeclub.org
American Canoe Association
108 Hanover St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-907-4460
aca@americancanoe.org
acanet.org