Creekside Chalets guests can enjoy many adventures on the waters surrounding Salida and Buena Vista, Colorado. Over the last several years, guests have taken the traditionally coastal sport of surfing right to the waterways of Colorado. Due to the ability to ride for an extended period and the relative predictability of a river wave compared with an ocean wave, the sport of river surfing is earning more and more recognition.
Creekside Chalets guests enjoy many outdoor adventures, and the popularity of River Surfing has more guests choosing Salida, Colorado, as their vacation destination. Although rivers’ waves differ from the oceans’, there is still an adrenaline rush for surfers ready to explore some of the best waves in landlocked states like Colorado.
Salida and Buena Vista is the perfect destination for river surfing, with whitewater parks 25 miles apart and three primary waves for riders to enjoy. This allows surfers to experience a variety of waves that can be surfed at any water level year-round.
Creekside Chalets guests enjoy many outdoor adventures, and the popularity of River Surfing has more guests choosing Salida, Colorado, as their vacation destination. Although rivers’ waves differ from the oceans’, there is still an adrenaline rush for surfers ready to explore some of the best waves in landlocked states like Colorado.
The Arkansas River flows through two areas to access waves for River Surfing and Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) around Salida and Buena Vista, Colorado. The first is the largest whitewater park in Colorado, the Buena Vista Whitewater Park. Built into the infrastructure of downtown Buena Vista, this three-acre river corridor includes more than a mile of whitewater features, two rock-climbing walls, and pools and eddies to fish in. The South Main River Park offers guests of the Chalets a unique opportunity to surf Colorado rivers in the heart of downtown Buena Vista. Local business CKS Main Street provides board, SUP, Kayak, and raft rentals in addition to hosting the annual Paddlefest event every year over Memorial Day Weekend.
Since 2004, Paddlefest has marked the beginning of the rafting season in Buena Vista and surrounding communities with a schedule full of competitions, live music, and a large gear swap for everything you need to get out on the water. The festival hosts various events each year, including a River Surfing Competition for men, women, and children, a Pro Freestyle Kayak Rodeo, and the much anticipated Three Rock Splat Challenge, where competitors show off their skills to avoid a “pie in the face!” Mark your calendars to get in on all the action over Memorial Day Weekend.
Guests of Creekside Chalets can also enjoy the Salida Whitewater Park just minutes from their cabins. Located along 1200’ feet of the Arkansas River in downtown Salida. The Whitewater Park comprises four whitewater features constructed out of rock and concrete for surfing kayaks, Paddleboards, surfboards, and bodyboards. Four whitewater wave features and two large holes vary in depth throughout the season. Access to the park is adjacent to downtown Salida featuring local pubs, art, and shopping for everyone to enjoy. The oldest whitewater festival in America, FibArk, is held here every June.
Known as the oldest whitewater festival in America, FibARK features a wide array of land and sea events, including rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, and running. Must-see competitions are scheduled throughout the weekend. The Downriver Race is the weekend’s signature event and draws some of the best whitewater rafters in the state to race along the oldest, longest, and toughest of waters in America. The Hooligan Race is also open to anything that floats that’s not a boat. Competitors are encouraged to dress up in costume, and the winner is usually not just the fastest but often one of the few left standing or floating. This local tradition is a spectacle you don’t want to miss.
Creekside Chalets supports local businesses, rental shops, and guides for River Surfing in Colorado. One of them is Badfish, a local inflatable board company that has pioneered surfing and river surfing and has been vital in the local river surfing community. Rentals and lessons for all abilities are available through RMOC in Buena Vista, Colorado. Try a new Badfish surfboard, get a lesson, and see what the surfing trend is all about.
River surfing enthusiasts can find comfort in staying at Creekside Chalets since the rentals are close to river surfing destinations in the area. In addition, lessons are available nearby for guests of all ages who want a surfing experience. The staff knows all the outdoor adventures in the area and can guide guests to meet their vacation needs. In addition, Creekside Chalets is a pet-friendly company that allows guests to travel with pets during their vacations.