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.
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.
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
Mark and Devon were fantastic. They both obviously enjoy their jobs and (literally) hanging with other people. They have different personality types --both... Read More »
I had a lot of fun going zip lining there for my 24th birthday and would love to do it again in a heartbeat! Read More »
Drove 1hour to meeting point. Doors locked, they cancelled trip without notifying us. Promised immediate refund. When Viator attempted refund THEY DENIED... Read More »
My family of 6 had an awesome experience ziplining on July 1st 2026. Zack and Maria were the best guides. They attended to safety very closely while also making our trip enjoyable and fun. They were also very supportive and uplifting as we had never ziplined before. Thanks for a fun filled afternoon! It was much needed after a long flight to CO. A great way to see the Colorado views and kick off our vacation.
Read More »The rafting trip was incredible! Even though the water level was lower, it was still a 10/10 experience. What truly made the trip unforgettable was the amazing team leading it — from the raft guides to the driver. Everyone was incredibly friendly, professional, and made the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish.
Read More »Yesterday was a damn near perfect day.
In the morning we did the Buena Vista Granite Via Ferrata. It included awesome views, Fool proof climbing system, and A bungee jump.
After that we headed I;to town to eat lunch at Casa Sanchez and it was outstanding. We then headed into down town Buena Vista to join our guide Cody for some whitewater rafting on the Arkansas river. We won the guide lottery as he is awesome at his job. We rafted, swam, and jumped of some big boulders into the river.
The whole process was fun and well organized. We will definitely be back. The combo of the Via Ferrata and the rafting leaves you time in the middle for a short siesta and a fine meal.
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