A Wild and Scenic River – New Mexico Posted On: April 4, 2024 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: New Mexico, Rio Grande Tagged In: Rio Grande, Wild and Scenic Wild and Scenic Rivers of America The are more than 220 wild and scenic rivers and streams covering more than 13,000 miles in the United States. This designation protects the river’s unique characteristics and water quality. These esteemed rivers are protected for people’s use and enjoyment into the future. Each individual waterway is regulated by either the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, US Forest Service or US Fish and Wildlife Service. For instance, the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) regulate our Rio Grande here in New Mexico. Additionally, this helps protect biodiversity and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change. We are proud to have the opportunity to offer you access to one of America’s greatest treasures. To us water is sacred. The Rio Grande (big river in Spanish) is 1,896 miles long, stretching from the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico. Further information about our favorite river can be found on New Wave’s website. New Wave Rafting Book online at newwaverafting.com Or simply give us a call. 800-984-1444
June is National Rivers Month Posted On: June 23, 2022 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Nature Tagged In: june, national, Rio Grande June, National Rivers Month is celebrated around the world in over 60 countries. National Rivers Month History The month of June, National Rivers Month, is celebrated every year to showcase the importance of rivers across the globe. The idea of an international event highlighting the value of rivers was inspired by the British Columbia Rivers Day, founded by Mark Angelo. Therefore, it focuses on the Earth’s waterways and effective ways to save water for future generations. Celebrating National Rivers Month 1. River cleanups are a great way to protect the rivers from toxic pollution and make them a safer place for all. 2. For example, playing water sports is a great way to improve your mental and physical health. 3. By arranging a meetup, everyone gets a chance to explore their local river heritage and discuss ways of how to protect it from the adverse effects of climate change and urbanization. Why National Rivers Month is Important 1. In short, to stay fit and healthy, it’s important to spend time outdoors in the fresh air and open areas along rivers. 2. Protected rivers play a key role in providing water to locals that are safe to drink. 3. In addition, more than 80% of migrant species of birds and wildlife require riverside areas to survive. In conclusion, rivers are fundamental to our health and well-being. American Rivers takes a closer look. See You on the Rio New Wave Rafting LLC
Mother’s Day Whitewater Race Posted On: May 5, 2022 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: New Mexico, Rio Grande Events Tagged In: Rio Grande, rio grande gorge Join American Whitewater Staff at the 64th Annual Mother’s Day Races (NM) Posted: 04/12/2022 By: Kestrel Kunz 64th Annual Mother’s Day Races are Back in Person! Pilar, NM – May 6-8, 2022 This Mother’s Day weekend, American Whitewater’s affiliate club, the Adobe Whitewater Club of New Mexico, is hosting the 64th annual Mother’s Day Races in beautiful Pilar, NM, May 6-8. This year’s event will include down river races, slalom competition, and a freestyle or downriver rodeo and river surf competition (depending on water levels) on the 6 mile Class III whitewater section of the Rio Grande named for the race itself – The Racecourse. Racers can choose to kayak, canoe, SUP or raft down river and the Slalom course is open to kayaks, canoes and SUP. Registration starts at 9 am. Races begin at 10 am. Saturday. Friday evening May 6th there is a dutch-oven cook off at Rio Bravo group shelter. Races are held on Saturday May 7th. On Sunday Adobe Whitewater hosts community paddle trips (a perfect opportunity to go paddling with your Mom!). There is limited first come-first served, camping available at the Rio Bravo group campground.This is just a short distance from the race starting point. Additional campsites are available in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Awards, prizes, and a raffle will be held at the Rio Bravo group shelter Saturday night. American Whitewater staff will be at the event talking about our work in New Mexico. Stop by the booth and say hi. Register online at www.mothersdaywhitewater.com For questions please contact board@adobewhitewater.org attn: Michael Carney Photo credit: Britt Runyon Images In addition to the event, New Wave Rafting will be offering trips on the Racecourse both morning and afternoon as well as the No Wave Float trip through the beautiful Rio Grande del Norte Monument. The snow is melting in the high country and the river is beautiful this spring. Get out there and go rafting! Call us at 800-984-1444 today or book you trip online for a 10% discount.
The Taos Box is Up & Running! Posted On: May 20, 2021 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: River trips Tagged In: Rio Grande, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, Taos Box Yes! The Rio Grande is UP! With the river level up we’re excited to offer the Taos Box. This full-day Class 4/5 adventure travels 16 miles through a 800′ deep remote wilderness gorge, encountering demanding rapids guaranteed to get you wet. This trip is NOT for the timid. Participants must be mentally and physically prepared to paddle in earnest and assist in their own rescue, if necessary. Wet suits and/or rain gear are provided. The trip begins with moderate whitewater and some placid sections, and climaxes with four miles of solid whitewater, called the Rio Bravo section. Also, the Rio Grande Gorge High Bridge crosses overhead at a point four miles into the trip. The Taos Box is a wilderness paradise with an intact ecosystem, and the pride of northern New Mexico. Read More…
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…
Final Taos Box of 2019 Posted On: October 27, 2019 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: River trips Tagged In: Rio Grande, Taos Box The final run down the Taos Box of 2019 was an adventure for all! The final Taos Box run is always a sad moment, when we complete our rafting season but now we look forward to what winter will bring in the form of snow. The gauge was reading 645 cfs on the 31st of August which is a rare occurrence, historically speaking it is usually half that number. Ski Jump Rapid will always get you wet! Floating under the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is always a sight to behold. Does it look higher from the raft on the river or while standing on the bridge looking at the river below? Read More…
Testimonials for Orlando Pour In! Posted On: August 2, 2019 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Testimonials Tagged In: New Mexico, New Wave Rafting Co, Orlando, Rio Grande Testimonials for Orlando Pour In! Take a look at our Trip Advisor testimonials in the link below. Full day Rio Grande rafting (5 stars) “My husband and I plus our two teens (14,16) had a great day on the river with Orlando who was knowledgeable and fun, kind and helpful. He is obviously a skilled guide who knows the river well. He had a huge amount of geographical knowledge too. We were with another family on the boat and Orlando’s easy style had us working together as a team and we steered through all the rapids in style. Everyone enjoyed floating in the river when we weren’t in the rapids. Lunch was great and the morning float beforehand was a gentle float – a couple of tiny rapids. We were glad the rapids in the afternoon more than made up for it. A fantastic day out – thanks so much Orlando! (I should add my 14 year old daughter has special needs (autism and sensory processing disorder, along with slow processing speed)and he was brilliant with her. He built up her confidence and when I said I didn’t want her to paddle the rapids but just to concentrate on keeping herself in the boat he didn’t try to persuade me otherwise. She stayed at the back with him and then he sent her up front for the last few rapids which she loved!) A great day – helped by the unseasonably high river flow! Highly recommend” Orlando A link to our website. Leave you testimonial on our Trip Advisor page.
The Box, June 8, 2019 Posted On: June 11, 2019 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: River trips Tagged In: Rio Grande, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, Taos Box Taos Box, June 8, 2019. Jarod Bottinelli took this great video, on his June 4 trip. Thanks Jarod! Water level is up around 3800 cfs and rising, as summer temps begin to arrive (high of 84 degrees today). Based on the remaining snowpack, this and higher levels should persist well into July. The Box is the centerpiece of the wild Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. About the Taos Box Trip Meets At: Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center at 10:00 AM, and returns at approx. 4:00 PM (see map) This full-day river trip traverses 16 miles of wilderness gorge, encountering demanding rapids guaranteed to get you wet. This is our most exciting whitewater river trip and is NOT for the timid. Participants must be mentally and physically prepared to paddle in earnest and assist in their own rescue in the event of a “swim” or flip (Class 4/Difficult, Class 5/Very Difficult, in high water). The Box season begins in April, with the highest flows usually occurring around early June. Minimum age is 12. The first rapid, Ski Jump rapid of the Taos Box. Check reviews on Yelp. What compares to a river? Hardly anything, and that’s why we raft. The rapids, the calm stretches, the wildlife, the riverside groves and flowers – it’s all there, waiting for you and your family.
High Water Anticipation, 2019 Posted On: May 13, 2019 By: Steve Miller Filed Under: River trips Tagged In: Class IV, Class V, Colorado, cubic feet a second, irrigation, New Mexico, Racecourse, Rio Chama, Rio Grande, river runner, run-off, snow melt, Souse Hole Rapid, Taos Box, water user, watershed High Water Anticipation, 2019 High water! Various government agencies keep a close watch on snowfall, and the depth and density of snow that accumulates on the ground, throughout the winter. With this information, they can predict the amount of run-off (water from snow melt) that will likely occur. The run-off prediction is of paramount concern to farmers and cities, who obtain their supply of irrigation and drinking water from snowmelt. It is of paramount concern, also, to river runners. Here in the arid west, all water users agree that more water is always better than less water. The agencies issue reports that detail the snowpack in the various watersheds of a state. The watersheds that are of interest to us New Mexico river runners are, firstly, the upper Rio Grande, in Colorado, and secondly, the Rio Chama in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. And the Rio Grande is at 142% of average. Based on past experience, we expect that the run-off from this amount of snow will provide exciting levels of water in our two rivers. Weather, of course, will determine the exact nature of the run-off. Cooler weather slows it down, and hotter weather speeds it up. But we are supposing that the peak of the run-off will exceed 4000 cubic feet a second. What does this mean? A box 12″ on a side is a cubic foot. So imagine that, in a second’s time, 4000 such box fulls of water are passing by as you stand on the bank of the river. How much might it exceed 4000 cfs? It could go to 7000 cfs. Or not. Read More…
Hold On Tight Posted On: May 12, 2019 By: Steve Miller Filed Under: River trips Tagged In: highwater, New Wave Rafting Co, Racecourse, Racecourse rapids, Rio Chama, Rio Grande, Taos Box “Hold On Tight” is the headline, but it’s not accurate. Rafting in big whitewater is a participatory activity. The guide yells out paddle commands and the guests respond with enthusiastic strokes of their paddles. As a rule, holding on is not an option. But what keeps you in the boat, as it crashes into waves and then bucks upward? It’s your paddle that keeps you in the boat. You get support from the paddle as you pull on it. It’s your third item of attachment to the raft, along with your rear-end contact and your feet placed under a thwart. Believe me … it really works like that. And your aggressive strokes are needed to power the raft through big waves and propel the boat in the direction determined by your guide. So, don’t hold on tight! New Wave Rafting Co co-owner Steve Miller is quoted below.