The Rio Chama Posted On: January 10, 2023 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Rio Chama Tagged In: New Mexico rafting, New Wave Rafting, Rio Chama Our other river is the Rio Chama. It joins the Rio Grande at Española, just 20 miles to the south of our headquarters in Embudo. Additionally the Rio Grande runs through mainly volcanic scenery . Read More…
Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River Posted On: July 23, 2022 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Rio Chama Tagged In: New Mexico rafting, Rio Chama, Rio Chama rafting, Wild and Scenic The Rio Chama is 120 miles long, beginning in the southern San Juan Mountains of South-Central Colorado. It joins the Rio Grande near Espanola, NM. In 1978, the Rio Chama was designated as part of the Santa Fe National Forest as wilderness. In addition, 31 miles of the river were further protected as a Federal Wild and Scenic River in 1988. Commercial outfitters must have a special use permit issued by the Bureau of Land Management. However, private boaters float the section downstream of the Christ in the Desert Monastery without a permit, but overnight float trips on the Wild portion (above the Monastery) require permits. A float down the river offers access to many interesting side canyons, with trails leading to peaks and mesa tops. This area of New Mexico is characterized by multi-colored sandstone cliffs and cottonwood groves along the river which was made famous by the paintings of Georgia O’Keefe In addition, many bird species depend on the water and riparian vegetation. Seen along the river are various raptors as well as ducks, mergansers, Canada geese and great blue heron. Large number of Cliff and Violet Green swallows make their nests on the riverside cliffs. Also found along the river are bald and golden eagles, as well as hawks, owls, and falcons. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish regulate the fishing of the Rio Chama. Some species found in the Rio Chama include brown trout, Rio Grande chub, fathead minnow, rainbow trout, longnose dace, and carp. New Wave’s Rio Chama 1 day The Chama is a dam-release river therefore varies greatly from day to day. Thus, the duration of the trip varies accordingly. This trip is only available on Saturday or Sunday. A Buffet-style lunch, life jacket, rain gear, helmet, paddle and of course a professional guide are provided. Also, we can bring along funyaks at no extra cost in low water conditions (for those in good physical condition). Just ask. Visit Rio Chama at New Wave Rafting for reservations. See you on the Rio
Best Family Rafting in New Mexico Posted On: May 2, 2022 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: New Mexico, River trips Tagged In: best rafting, family fun, New Mexico rafting, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument “What’s the best rafting trip for my family?” The Moon family The best rafting in New Mexico can be found on the Rio Grande, near Taos. For instance, it features thrilling Class 4 rapids of the Taos Box that are demanding and not for the timid. However, there are sections providing fun for the whole family (ages 4 and up). Your river adventure will be interspersed with calm stretches to swim, rapids and a unique river canyon. The class III rapids that provide constant excitement for school-aged kids and not appropriate for toddlers is The Race Course Section. On the contrary, not all kids are ready for the rigors of standard whitewater trips. The best trip for families with toddlers 4 to 5 years of age is the New Wave No Wave. This intro to rafting is perfect for young children and their wary parents. The most challenging adventure for families with teenagers is of course the thrilling Taos Box section. This full-day river trip traverses 16 miles of wilderness gorge, encountering demanding rapids. The Rio Chama offers up a unique family experience with Class 2/3 rapids. Characterized by multi-colored sandstone cliffs and cottonwood groves along the river. This trip is an extraordinary adventure. For all the details: New Wave Trips See You On The Rio! images courtesy of BrittRunyonImages.com
How to Be a Raft Guide Posted On: March 30, 2022 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Guide Training Program Tagged In: guide training, New Mexico rafting What is a Raft Guide? Raft guides are trained professionals. They lead commercial whitewater adventures on rivers of various difficulties. Learning how to be a raft guide can be challenging. However a raft guide job with New Wave Rafting is a great way to live and work in the outdoors. If river rafting fascinates you and you want to pursue a career in rafting, you do not need a license or experience. ___________________________________________ This is New Wave Rafting’s 43nd year of offering our Guide Training Program (GTP) to the general public. It begins May 1st with an intensive 7 day session of on the water instruction and class work, followed by a period of apprenticeship in which you will both guide NWR guests in the company of a NWR instructor, and practice with other trainees. Your apprenticeship will conclude when you demonstrate an adequate grasp of guiding essentials. NWR will provide all necessary safety equipment for participation in the GTP. To reserve your space a $100.00 non-refundable deposit is required, with the balance due prior to the beginning of the GTP. The cost for the guide program is $525.00 ★ It’s FREE to those who qualify! ★ New guides that are available to work a full schedule (5 days/week) and complete the season will be refunded the cost of the program. Bring your fortitude, patience, perseverance and vigor. This program is no push over, but once completed, you will discover that guiding is The Greatest Job in the World! So feel free to call or email with any questions you may have. 1-505-579-0075 newwaverafting@gmail.com Download the details ~ Guide Training Program 2022 See You On The Rio!
Raft Perimeter Line – Yes or No? Posted On: April 5, 2021 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: River trips, Safety services Tagged In: New Mexico rafting, raft New Mexico, Rafting taos Where Do You Stand? Perimeter line use (aka chicken strap) has been a controversial topic since the early days of rafting. The above image of a New Wave raft at the put-in of our Racecourse section. A Few Considerations Some raft guides are adamant about not having a line around their raft. They’re concern of rope entrapment overrules it’s utility. So the question remains, is that one danger significant enough and outweigh the value of a perimeter line? It allows people to hold onto it for security in rapids. If in the water the swimmer can stay connected to the boat. It can help assist people when re-entering a raft. Provides a grab point from anywhere in the boat. The line can be used in conjunction with a z-drag rescue. Carrying the raft is much easier when using the line. It can be used as a self equalizing system. Now for the down side: There is always the possibility of rope entrapment. It can become caught on branches, logs or rocks. So where do you stand? Are you an avid user? Are you adamantly against? Take a look at Rafting Magazine’s article Advantages of Perimeter Line. Thanks for stopping in.
Northern New Mexico’s Rio Grande Gorge Posted On: March 22, 2021 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: River trips Tagged In: New Mexico, New Mexico rafting, raft New Mexico, Rafting new mexico, Rio Grande, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument Northern New Mexico’s Rio Grande Gorge Northern New Mexico’s Rio Grande Gorge. Escape with our unguided float. The above image shows an early season father/son duo taking advantage of our Funyak Rentals. The rental trip goes from Taos Junction Bridge to Quartzite site, on our Monument Float section in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Scheduled departure times are 10 AM and 2 PM at the Quartzite River Access point. Escape to the cooling water’s on our Monument Scenic Float. Read More…