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New Wave Rafting New Mexico Whitewater Rafting
New Wave Rafting New Mexico Whitewater Rafting
New Wave Rafting New Mexico Whitewater Rafting
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New Wave Rafting Blog

Whitewater Rafting in Northern New Mexico


Water – The Secret of Happiness

Proximity to water is associated with many positive measures of physical and mental well being, from higher levels of vitamin D to better social relations.

water is life

Dr Lewis Elliott, of the University of Exeter and BlueHealth. “Research suggests around two hours a week is beneficial.” The presence of water is positively related to health, well being and happiness. Firstly, there are the beneficial environmental factors typical of aquatic environments. For example, less polluted air and more sunlight. Second, people who live by water tend to be more physically active.

Third water has a psychologically restorative effect. Spending time in and around aquatic environments has consistently shown to lead to higher benefits, in inducing positive mood, reducing negative mood and stress. In addition, here’s the link to the complete article.

Funyaks on the water.

Likewise, the Rio Grande of New Mexico has all three of those benefits. New Wave’s Racecourse trip offers a half-day river adventure featuring an action-packed 5 miles of moderate whitewater (Class 3/Moderate, Class 4/Difficult, in high water). This is perfect for beginners and families. This is our most popular trip. Minimum age is 6. In addition, Funyaks are available at no extra cost in low water conditions (for those in good physical condition). Just ask. We meet at the take-out, leave your car there and take you to where the trip begins. Finally, you are back at your car no later than noon.

Thanks for looking.

New Wave Rafting

Funyaks (inflatable kayaks) For Everyone

Funyaks, adding adventure to your whitewater experience.

Children love funyaks

New Wave’s half-day Racecourse trip at low water provides the perfect opportunity for Funyaks. The young man in the above image successfully navigated the Class 3 rapids with his arm in a cast. It’s always a rewarding experience to teach kids how to successfully navigate the waves. This year has been stressful for both your kids and our guides. After months of quarantine, it’s been so beneficial for kid’s mental health to spend time outdoors.

 

Miles of smiles on the Racecourse.

Even Mom can get in on the whitewater action of the Racecourse.

Good Reasons To Take Your Kids To the River

My childhood family vacations centered around the outdoors. My brothers and I were often the only kids on these trips and we were never bored. The highlight was heading to the river with the canoes and all the fishing gear we had. We entertained ourselves by playing games, swimming, chasing bugs and paddling the canoes. Dad did not tolerate any whining so we had to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Regardless, the best memories of my childhood are all from these outdoor trips. As a guide, the families on my rafting trips inspire me to give their children a trip they will not forget. Kids flourish on the river by playing, creating, and entertaining themselves with nature.

kids need rafting
THERE’S NOTHING LIKE PLAYING IN THE MUD AND NOT CARING.
Children of the Rio Grande.
MOMENTS THEY WILL NEVER FORGET.

Yelp Reviews for New Wave Rafting

“Yelp is the city and travel guide to finding the perfect places to eat, shop, drink, relax, visit and play.”

yelp is great.

Yelp review – “We had a BLAST on our whitewater rafting trip with New Wave in June 2020. They had just reopened following COVID restrictions, but had taken many proactive steps to make us feel safe and comfortable on our trip. They made accommodations so that my wife and I could have a trip by ourselves to further limit exposure. Our guide, Jesse, was very knowledgeable about the river and the ecology and geology that surrounds it. We did a morning run down the Racetrack course, which is not as intimidating as the name may have you believe. With a couple of good paddlers, a group of any rafting skill level could make it through in a relatively short time.”

“We would heartily recommend a trip with New Wave if you’re staying in the Santa Fe or Taos area. In our case, we stayed in Santa Fe, so drove up to the river, and after we finished, we continued the beautiful drive up to Taos and got lunch there before turning back towards our accommodations.”

Josh D. from Dallas

Check out our Yelp Page for more reviews or to add your own.

New Wave Rafting

Rafting Outfitters and the 2020 Season

Outfitters Remain Optimistic

Optimistic rafters on the Rio Grande

Outfitters across the West are optimistic for a 2020 rafting season that will run from late spring through October. Typically, the middle of March marks the kick-off for the rafting season of many outfitters in the Western U.S. After a delayed start, the New Wave Rafting World Headquarters is now buzzing to life with safety checks, training trips and spring launches. Above all, our top priority is the safety of our guests and staff, and we take all necessary safeguards. For example, below is New Wave’s “Travel Advisory” as seen on our website.

Testimonial on Google My Business

Testimonial from June 5, 2020. “Spent a very nice day rafting down the Rio Grande. Awesome guide and great service all around for the New Wave Rafting team. They were very much so on top of following the sanitation guidelines during this time of Covid. They maintained a safe and healthy outdoor experience.” Kimberly Nguyen

Another positive testimonial from a guest

Visit New Wave’s Google My Business page and feel free to leave your own testimonial here.

New Wave is open for business and is conducting trips daily. Our top priority is the safety of our guests and staff, and we take all necessary safeguards. New Wave’s procedures have been approved by the Division of Outdoor Recreation, Economic Development Department, State of New Mexico and the Taos Field Office of the US Bureau of Land Management, who permit our activities.

Our staff perform health safety procedures and equipment/vehicle cleaning after each trip. They wear masks around the workplace, in vehicles and receive daily temperature checks.

Your’s is a private trip. We don’t mix groups. Therefore, you will be in a vehicle and raft with only the members of your party and our staff.

Please fill out our health questionnaire and use hand sanitizer. In addition, bring a mask to wear in the vehicle, and practice distancing with those you may encounter in public spaces who are not in your party.

We do not serve food and water. Please bring your own. However, we provide an iced cooler for your food and water on full day trips.

Now’s the time to start planning your vacation to New Mexico. Here at New Wave Rafting we are happily providing you, your family and your friends the opportunity to experience the rivers of our amazing Land of Enchantment.

More testimonials can be found here.

New Mexicans Getting Back to Nature

10 rules for New Mexicans looking to get outside:
New Mexico view.
  1. The health of others should still be your top priority. Bring a mask whenever you recreate and put it on when approaching other groups. Practice physical distancing.
  2. Forget about campfires. There are statewide fire restrictions in place. Check this site for details on fire bans before you go on a trip.
  3. Avoid crowded trailheads. Have a back-up plan if your favorite spot is too crowded. Remember, the State Parks that are open are operating under limited, day-use only capacity.
  4. Check for closures. Check the land management agencies’ websites before venturing out to recreate. Many of these places are closed right now to protect both recreationist and staff.
  5. Practice Leave No Trace principles.Pack it in, pack it out. Protect your fellow outdoor recreationist. Protect the natural resources.
  6. Be prepared. Many developed recreation sites (including bathrooms) remain closed. Be self-sufficient by bringing in your own snacks, waters, and trash bags.
  7. You can only camp overnight at dispersed, remote campsites. All public and private developed campsites remain closed.
  8. You can book some outdoor guided trips. You must still adhere to all group-size limits and physical distancing rules. Don’t go out if you are sick. If you are not exhibiting symptoms, wear a mask to protect your guide or coach. Follow all the Covid-safe practices outlined by the Governor’s Office.
  9. Public gatherings, events, and camping in developed sites are still banned.
  10. Gear rentals can resume. So long as the equipment is properly and thoroughly sanitized between uses.
Bighorn Sheep in the Rio Grande Gorge.
BIGHORN SHEEP IN THE RIO GRANDE DEL NORTE NATIONAL MONUMENT, NEW MEXICO

Rule number 10 allows New Mexicans to get out and float the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

New Wave Rafting is presently renting our Inflatable Kayak (funyak) fleet for use on the Rio Grande.

Thanks for stopping by.

The New “Get Outside” Push!

Getting Outside Is Looking Safer During This Trying Time

Raft on the Rio Grande.

When the New Mexico shutdown started over two months ago, going outside seemed like a scary place. You had the risk of getting infected when you went outdoors by your neighbor, the gas pump, a door knob or any number of things. You were told #StayHome. As more research concerning the virus comes to light getting outdoors is looking safer. Recent studies have shown that only a very small percentage of cases have come from being out in Mother Nature. With fresh air and more space between people, the risk goes down.

Inflatable Kayak (funyak) Rental For All

Inflatable Kayak, funyak, in the monument.

Renting a Inflatable Kayak (FUNYAK) is social distancing at it’s best!

The rental trip goes from Taos Junction Bridge to Quartzite site, on our Monument Float section in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.
$60 for a single and $90 for a double. Rentals are NOT available for use on the Racecourse, or other Rio Grande runs. Please call 800.984.1444.

Note:

Rental of one of our funyaks is NOT for everyone, and requires some athletic ability. If you are over 250 pounds or in poor physical condition you may find it impossible to sit comfortably in a funyak.

A remote, outdoor experience is one of the healthier and safer places to be. We believe being out on the river away from the crowds represents a welcome refuge from the hectic nature of our day-to-day lives. Our guides and staff look forward to helping you have the best experience of your life. Additionally, nature makes us feel better emotionally. It also contributes to our physical well being, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.

This short one minute video shows Funyaks on both the Racecourse section (guided) and the Monument Float (unguided).

Lots more videos can be found on our YouTube Channel.

We are taking multiple steps to minimize health risks to all involved in our rafting adventures. Below are some of the initiatives we are taking in response to this uncertain time:

  • Participant screening
  • Vehicle and equipment sanitation
  • Enhanced active trip sanitation
  • Trip change policies

Thanks for following along.

For all the information go here.

New Wave Rafting’s New Safety Protocols

Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our patrons and staff.

New Wave Rafting is  currently tracking the progress of closures and protocols as dictated by the CDC, WHO, BLM and US Forest Service.

We are taking multiple steps to minimize health risks to all involved in our rafting adventures. Below are initiatives we are taking in response to this uncertain time:

  • Participant screening
  • Vehicle sanitation
  • Active trip sanitation
  • Trip change policies

Due to the uncertain nature of the spread of the coronavirus resulting in an increasing number of COVID-19 cases, many are understandably concerned. As you know, this is a rapidly evolving situation and our response may well change as we learn more.

new wave guests
The Gonzalez family prepares to run the Racecourse, at Quartzite put-in.

Make the Most of the Outdoors

 A remote, outdoor experience is one of the healthier and safer places to be. We believe being out on the river away from the crowds represents a welcome refuge from the hectic nature of our day-to-day lives. Our guides and staff look forward to helping you have the best experience of your life. Additionally, nature makes us feel better emotionally. It also contributes to our physical well being, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.

All things considered, we’re more excited than ever for the 2020 season—our 40th.

It’s what we live for and it’s also our livelihood.

Opening day June 1, 2020.

New Wave website.