Saturday, May 30
Canoe & Kayak Slalom (Saturday · 8:00 – 10:00 AM)
Test your precision, boat control, and race-day focus on the Santa Rita Park whitewater course. The Canoe and Kayak Slalom will follow American Canoe Association standard rules and penalties, challenging athletes to put down clean, fast runs through the course.
All athletes must attend the mandatory safety meeting 15 minutes prior to the start of the event. This meeting will cover key race information, course details, and event safety expectations.
Required equipment includes a PFD, helmet, protective footwear, and paddling attire appropriate for spring runoff conditions, such as dry gear, a paddling top, wetsuit, or similar cold-water protection. Equipment will be reviewed at check-in, and the race director reserves the right to refuse any non-conforming gear, including items such as bicycle helmets or nylon spray skirts.
This is a race for paddlers who can stay sharp, stay clean, and move fast when it counts.
All athletes must attend the mandatory safety meeting 15 minutes prior to the start of the event. This meeting will cover key race information, course details, and event safety expectations.
Required equipment includes a PFD, helmet, protective footwear, and paddling attire appropriate for spring runoff conditions, such as dry gear, a paddling top, wetsuit, or similar cold-water protection. Equipment will be reviewed at check-in, and the race director reserves the right to refuse any non-conforming gear, including items such as bicycle helmets or nylon spray skirts.
This is a race for paddlers who can stay sharp, stay clean, and move fast when it counts.
Downriver SUP Race (Saturday · 10:00 – 10:45 AM)
Ready to test your speed, balance, and river skills? The Downriver SUP Race is a time trial event from Santa Rita Park to the bridge at the 4Corners take-out, where competitors will race the clock for a shot at the podium in their class. Racers will start at timed intervals from the ramp below Ponderosa Wave and paddle hard through the course, with final standings based on fastest overall times. Whether you are in it to chase the win or just want to put down a solid run, this event is a fun way to throw down with the SUP crew on race day.
All participants are required to provide their own SUP, paddle, PFD, helmet, and protective footwear. A leash is strongly recommended. Competitors should be comfortable paddling in moving water and be responsible for using equipment appropriate for river conditions. ARD will provide a shuttle from 4Corners take-out to Santa Rita Park at the conclusion of the event.
All participants are required to provide their own SUP, paddle, PFD, helmet, and protective footwear. A leash is strongly recommended. Competitors should be comfortable paddling in moving water and be responsible for using equipment appropriate for river conditions. ARD will provide a shuttle from 4Corners take-out to Santa Rita Park at the conclusion of the event.
Raft Slalom (Saturday · 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
It is time for Durango’s local raft teams and brave amateurs to show what they have got. In this whitewater park slalom event, teams of four rafters will take on a technical course featuring 6 to 8 upstream and downstream gates, battling for the fastest adjusted time and a shot at the podium.
Teams will complete two timed runs, with the faster run counting toward final placement after penalties are assessed. No oar rigs are permitted. A pre-race course walk with the race coordinator will be held before the competition begins to review the course, rules, and penalties. Once the slalom course is set, practice runs on the course will result in disqualification.
One bib will be provided per team at registration and must be worn by the paddler in the front left position. Teams are responsible for supplying their own raft. A 14-foot raft is recommended, though other raft sizes will be allowed.
Penalty Overview
This event is equal parts boat control, teamwork, and clean execution under pressure. Bring your crew, paddle hard, and keep it tidy.
Teams will complete two timed runs, with the faster run counting toward final placement after penalties are assessed. No oar rigs are permitted. A pre-race course walk with the race coordinator will be held before the competition begins to review the course, rules, and penalties. Once the slalom course is set, practice runs on the course will result in disqualification.
One bib will be provided per team at registration and must be worn by the paddler in the front left position. Teams are responsible for supplying their own raft. A 14-foot raft is recommended, though other raft sizes will be allowed.
Penalty Overview
- A 5-second penalty will be assessed if any gate is touched by a paddler, paddle, raft, or other equipment. Repeated contact on the same gate is only penalized once.
- A 50-second penalty will be assessed for:
- Crossing the finish line without all team members in the raft
- Negotiating any gate without all team members in the raft
- Passing through a gate upside down
- Failing to have each team member’s full head cross the gate line during an attempt
- Having a team member’s full head cross the gate line in the wrong direction
- Skipping a gate before negotiating a higher-numbered gate or finishing
- Intentionally displacing a pole to make gate negotiation possible
This event is equal parts boat control, teamwork, and clean execution under pressure. Bring your crew, paddle hard, and keep it tidy.
BoaterX (Saturday · 1:15 – 2:45 PM)
This is your chance to battle boat-to-boat for the fastest line through the whitewater park. In BoaterX, kayakers will go head-to-head down the course, navigating upstream and downstream gates while racing their fellow competitors for a spot on the podium.
Athletes will be placed into heats, with heat size determined by the race coordinator based on registration. Each heat will race through a slalom-style course, and the top one to two paddlers will advance to the next round. The course will extend from the top of the whitewater park to below Ponderosa Wave, with a downstream gate marking the finish line.
Clean lines matter. Missing a course gate will result in disqualification, so racers will need to balance speed, boat control, and smart moves under pressure.
All participants are required to provide their own appropriate whitewater kayak, PFD, and helmet. Gloves, full-face helmets, and additional protective equipment are strongly recommended. This event involves close racing, fast decisions, and plenty of contact, so competitors should be comfortable paddling aggressively in moving water around other athletes.
Athletes will be placed into heats, with heat size determined by the race coordinator based on registration. Each heat will race through a slalom-style course, and the top one to two paddlers will advance to the next round. The course will extend from the top of the whitewater park to below Ponderosa Wave, with a downstream gate marking the finish line.
Clean lines matter. Missing a course gate will result in disqualification, so racers will need to balance speed, boat control, and smart moves under pressure.
All participants are required to provide their own appropriate whitewater kayak, PFD, and helmet. Gloves, full-face helmets, and additional protective equipment are strongly recommended. This event involves close racing, fast decisions, and plenty of contact, so competitors should be comfortable paddling aggressively in moving water around other athletes.
SUP Surf Competition (Saturday · 3:00 – 4:30 PM)
Bring your balance, style, and best river surf game. In this event, SUP surfers will compete on a designated wave, using flow, control, and creativity to put together the strongest rides of the day.
Athletes will surf with paddles and will be scored on style, flow, length of ride, and tricks. Highest score takes the win. Whether you are laying down smooth, controlled lines or pushing for bigger moves, this event is all about making the most of the feature and standing out on the wave.
The competition wave will be selected by the race coordinator the morning of the event based on flow conditions. Corner Pocket Wave is the preferred location.
All participants are required to provide their own appropriate board, paddle, leash, and protective gear. Helmets and flotation vests or PFDs are highly encouraged. Competitors should be comfortable surfing in dynamic river conditions and responsible for using equipment appropriate for the feature and flow.
Athletes will surf with paddles and will be scored on style, flow, length of ride, and tricks. Highest score takes the win. Whether you are laying down smooth, controlled lines or pushing for bigger moves, this event is all about making the most of the feature and standing out on the wave.
The competition wave will be selected by the race coordinator the morning of the event based on flow conditions. Corner Pocket Wave is the preferred location.
All participants are required to provide their own appropriate board, paddle, leash, and protective gear. Helmets and flotation vests or PFDs are highly encouraged. Competitors should be comfortable surfing in dynamic river conditions and responsible for using equipment appropriate for the feature and flow.
River Surf Competition (Saturday · 3:00 – 4:30 PM)
Style, flow, and wave control take center stage in this surf showdown. Athletes will compete on a designated feature, throwing down their best rides for a chance to take the top spot on the podium.
Surfers will compete without paddles and will be scored on style, flow, length of ride, and tricks. Highest score wins. Whether you are linking smooth lines or going big for bonus points, this event is all about making the most of the wave and putting on a strong performance.
The competition wave will be selected by the race coordinator the morning of the event based on flow conditions. Corner Pocket Wave is the preferred location.
All participants are required to provide their own appropriate board, leash, and protective gear. Helmets and flotation vests or PFDs are highly encouraged. Competitors should be comfortable surfing in dynamic river conditions and responsible for using equipment appropriate for the feature and flow.
Surfers will compete without paddles and will be scored on style, flow, length of ride, and tricks. Highest score wins. Whether you are linking smooth lines or going big for bonus points, this event is all about making the most of the wave and putting on a strong performance.
The competition wave will be selected by the race coordinator the morning of the event based on flow conditions. Corner Pocket Wave is the preferred location.
All participants are required to provide their own appropriate board, leash, and protective gear. Helmets and flotation vests or PFDs are highly encouraged. Competitors should be comfortable surfing in dynamic river conditions and responsible for using equipment appropriate for the feature and flow.
River Parade Viewing Party (Saturday · 4:30 – 6:30 PM)
The River Parade Viewing Party is a crowd favorite at Animas River Days. As the day’s competitions wrap up, the focus shifts from racing to pure river fun, with a parade of paddlers floating through the whitewater park in costume.
This is a community-driven float where kayakers, rafters, SUPers, tubers, and river enthusiasts of all kinds join in. Expect absolute chaos and intentional carnage!
Spectators line the riverbanks around Santa Rita Park to watch people float through the whitewater park. The beer garden is open, the music and cheering will be loud, and the vibe is all about celebrating the river community.
There is no official start time for the parade - participants start anywhere along the Animas River and end up at the whitewater park between 4:30 and 6:30 pm.
Reminder: no dogs, cats, or pet raccoons allowed at Santa Rita Park.
This is a community-driven float where kayakers, rafters, SUPers, tubers, and river enthusiasts of all kinds join in. Expect absolute chaos and intentional carnage!
Spectators line the riverbanks around Santa Rita Park to watch people float through the whitewater park. The beer garden is open, the music and cheering will be loud, and the vibe is all about celebrating the river community.
There is no official start time for the parade - participants start anywhere along the Animas River and end up at the whitewater park between 4:30 and 6:30 pm.
Reminder: no dogs, cats, or pet raccoons allowed at Santa Rita Park.
Sunday, May 31
Downriver SUP Race (Sunday · 9:00 – 10:00 AM)
Ready to test your speed, balance, and river skills? The Downriver SUP Race is a time trial event from Santa Rita Park to the bridge at the 4Corners take-out, where competitors will race the clock for a shot at the podium in their class.
Racers will start at timed intervals from the ramp below Ponderosa Wave and paddle hard through the course, with final standings based on fastest overall times. Whether you are in it to chase the win or just want to put down a solid run, this event is a fun way to throw down with the SUP crew on race day.
All participants are required to provide their own SUP, paddle, PFD, helmet, and protective footwear. A leash is strongly recommended. Competitors should be comfortable paddling in moving water and responsible for using equipment appropriate for river conditions. ARD will provide a shuttle from 4Corners take-out to Santa Rita Park at the conclusion of the event.
Racers will start at timed intervals from the ramp below Ponderosa Wave and paddle hard through the course, with final standings based on fastest overall times. Whether you are in it to chase the win or just want to put down a solid run, this event is a fun way to throw down with the SUP crew on race day.
All participants are required to provide their own SUP, paddle, PFD, helmet, and protective footwear. A leash is strongly recommended. Competitors should be comfortable paddling in moving water and responsible for using equipment appropriate for river conditions. ARD will provide a shuttle from 4Corners take-out to Santa Rita Park at the conclusion of the event.
Big Balls (Sunday · 10:00 – 10:30 AM)
If boatercross and river carnage had a giant inflatable child, this would be it. Big Balls throws teams into a fast, chaotic whitewater battle where the goal is to drive a massive yoga ball downstream and across the finish before anyone else. Teams are randomly assigned, so bring your boater instincts, quick reactions, and willingness to embrace the chaos.
You will be battling boat-to-boat, working angles, throwing blocks, and trying to keep your team’s ball moving downstream while sending everyone else’s mission sideways. It is part race, part strategy, part absolute nonsense. Teams will compete in heats, with heat size and format determined by the race coordinator based on registration. Winning teams will advance through a bracket-style format.
This event involves close-quarters paddling, boat contact, and full-commitment river chaos, so participants should be comfortable maneuvering aggressively in moving water around other competitors. It is weird. It is rowdy. It is exactly as dumb and fun as it sounds. NOTE: Registration is $5 and no t-shirt is included in the registration fee for this event.
You will be battling boat-to-boat, working angles, throwing blocks, and trying to keep your team’s ball moving downstream while sending everyone else’s mission sideways. It is part race, part strategy, part absolute nonsense. Teams will compete in heats, with heat size and format determined by the race coordinator based on registration. Winning teams will advance through a bracket-style format.
- All participants must provide their own boat (whitewater kayak, small raft, packraft all count).
- PFD and helmet (required).
- Gloves, full-face helmets, and other protective gear are strongly recommended.
This event involves close-quarters paddling, boat contact, and full-commitment river chaos, so participants should be comfortable maneuvering aggressively in moving water around other competitors. It is weird. It is rowdy. It is exactly as dumb and fun as it sounds. NOTE: Registration is $5 and no t-shirt is included in the registration fee for this event.
Animas Fly Casting Contest (Sunday · 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Calling all anglers: fly casting is back at Animas River Days. This accuracy-based event gives competitors the chance to put their skills on display by targeting a series of land-based casting stations, with the highest scores earning a spot on the podium.
Each competitor will have the chance to cast against each target on the course three times, with individual point values assigned based on difficulty. Each target can award points once. Success will come down to control, consistency, and making every cast count.
Rods, reels, leader, and line will be provided for all competitors. Anglers who prefer to use their own equipment may do so.
Targets will be set the day of the event, and no practice casts will be allowed on the course.
A cast counts when the fly lands within or on the edge of a ring or target. Judging will be based on the first point of ground contact only. Casts that bounce, shift, or move into a target after landing will not count.
In the event of a tie for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place, tied competitors, and any others within podium standing, may be advanced to a finals round at the discretion of event organizers.
Each competitor will have the chance to cast against each target on the course three times, with individual point values assigned based on difficulty. Each target can award points once. Success will come down to control, consistency, and making every cast count.
Rods, reels, leader, and line will be provided for all competitors. Anglers who prefer to use their own equipment may do so.
Targets will be set the day of the event, and no practice casts will be allowed on the course.
A cast counts when the fly lands within or on the edge of a ring or target. Judging will be based on the first point of ground contact only. Casts that bounce, shift, or move into a target after landing will not count.
In the event of a tie for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place, tied competitors, and any others within podium standing, may be advanced to a finals round at the discretion of event organizers.
Freestyle Kayak Competition (Sunday · 12:00 – 2:00 PM)
Big waves, big tricks, and some of the sport’s top athletes—this is freestyle kayaking at Animas River Days. Held in one of the country’s best whitewater parks, this event gives competitors the chance to throw down their best moves in front of judges and battle for the top spot on the podium.
Athletes in each division will compete in a jam session format in an assigned start order. Only competitors within that division will be allowed in the eddy during competition. Each athlete will have 30 seconds on the feature to show the judges their best tricks and build their score. If a competitor flushes off the wave, that turn is over and the next paddler goes. The heat will continue until the judges signal the end, and all athletes will receive the same number of turns on the feature.
Point values will be assigned to each unique trick, and cumulative scores will be calculated for each athlete at the end of the heat. Style, variety, and execution all matter, so competitors will need to make every ride count.
All athletes must attend the mandatory safety meeting 15 minutes prior to the start of the event.
Required equipment includes a PFD, whitewater helmet, paddling attire appropriate for river conditions, and protective footwear.
The final competition wave will be selected by the race coordinator the day of the event based on flow conditions. Smelter Wave, located near the midpoint of the whitewater park, is the preferred feature for adult classes. Junior competitors may choose to compete at Clock Tower Wave at the bottom of the whitewater park or at Smelter Wave alongside the adult divisions.
Athletes in each division will compete in a jam session format in an assigned start order. Only competitors within that division will be allowed in the eddy during competition. Each athlete will have 30 seconds on the feature to show the judges their best tricks and build their score. If a competitor flushes off the wave, that turn is over and the next paddler goes. The heat will continue until the judges signal the end, and all athletes will receive the same number of turns on the feature.
Point values will be assigned to each unique trick, and cumulative scores will be calculated for each athlete at the end of the heat. Style, variety, and execution all matter, so competitors will need to make every ride count.
All athletes must attend the mandatory safety meeting 15 minutes prior to the start of the event.
Required equipment includes a PFD, whitewater helmet, paddling attire appropriate for river conditions, and protective footwear.
The final competition wave will be selected by the race coordinator the day of the event based on flow conditions. Smelter Wave, located near the midpoint of the whitewater park, is the preferred feature for adult classes. Junior competitors may choose to compete at Clock Tower Wave at the bottom of the whitewater park or at Smelter Wave alongside the adult divisions.
All Day Events
Hot Dog Relay
New Event! A delicious take on whitewater relay racing. Kayaker teams and rafter teams of two or four race a short course through the Animas. At the bottom, each paddler must land, speed walk to the announcer's booth, eat a hot dog, and then speed walk back to the top to tag the next teammate. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. This will be a mass start event, all crafts welcome, so chaos will ensue. Register on the day of at the pavilion.
Smelter Slam — “Raftball”
New Event! Basketball meets whitewater mayhem. In this all-day event, rafting teams of at least two people launch themselves out of Smelter Rapid and take a jump shot into a floating hoop placed just downstream.
No dunks here—just style, timing, and a little chaos. Each team gets two attempts to score. Make the shot, etc., and you could win beer tickets and other random prizes. This event runs all day during the festival, popping up between other events and moments of madness.
Participants must get their swimmer back in the raft before the corner pocket to count. Each group gets two chances.
Register on the day of at the pavilion.
No dunks here—just style, timing, and a little chaos. Each team gets two attempts to score. Make the shot, etc., and you could win beer tickets and other random prizes. This event runs all day during the festival, popping up between other events and moments of madness.
Participants must get their swimmer back in the raft before the corner pocket to count. Each group gets two chances.
Register on the day of at the pavilion.