GoPro Down River Kayak Sprint

A COLD WET BURN

Due to low water flows this year, the GoPro Down River Kayak Sprint is moving to the Upper Colorado River, from Pumphouse to Radium, for a fast 4–4.5-mile stretch of Class I–III whitewater.

UPDATED May 2026: Paddle your heart out as you race against the clock from the Pumphouse put-in to the Radium take-out. If you sprint down the chilling Colorado River fast enough, you may even find yourself on top of the pack!

SATURDAY, JUNE 6
10:00 AM

IMPORTANT:

Registration for this event closes Friday, June 5 at 6:00 PM.
MANDATORY – CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY: ALL river gear must be cleaned of plants, mud, and debris; drained of all standing water; and fully dried prior to participation in the GOPRO DOWN RIVER KAYAK SPRINT Compliance is required before competing. Colorado Parks and Wildlife will have a mobile cleaning unit onsite to assist. These steps, along with proper watercraft inspection, help protect our waterways from aquatic invasive species. Learn more at www.cleanboater.org
Athletes must arrive at the put-in no less than 45 minutes before the race start time to go through a gear check, attend mandatory safety meeting, receive start times, and pick up their competition bib.
River conditions will be continually monitored, and these events are subject to change as the event draws closer. Download the Mountain Games app and turn on notifications to receive the latest updates.

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Event Overview

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

It’s 4-4.5 miles of fun, moving Class I–III water on the Colorado River.

Expect steady current, wave trains, and a handful of spots where picking the right line can make all the difference. From the put-in at Pumphouse to the take-out at Radium, it’s fast, forgiving, and built for a smooth, continuous run.

With staggered starts, everyone gets their own space on the river—so whether you’re racing for time or just want a great lap, you can paddle it your way.

Times

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

10:00 AM

Rules

CATEGORIES:

Open – Men
Open – Women
Longboat Division – Men
Longboat Division – Women
Youth – Boys (12-17)
Youth – Girls (12-17)
Nonbinary

*Athletes can only register to compete in one category.
*Minimum age to compete is 12 years old based on the athlete’s age on event day, June 6, 2026.

mandatory EQUIPMENT:

BOATS/KAYAKS
- Open – Men & Women, Youth – Boys & Girls, Nonbinary: Boats may not exceed 9’ in length. All boats will be measured at the start of the race.
- Longboat Division – Men & Women: Boats may not exceed 12’5” in length. All boats will be measured at the start of the race.
- Whitewater-specific plastic kayaks only. Sit-on-tops are allowed, but only if they are robust whitewater models worthy of the conditions. 
- No after-production modifications of the exterior length, dimensions, or hull shapes of boats allowed.
- If in doubt about your boat, ask Race Directors at least 24 hours in advance of the competition.
Unsafe or excessively used equipment (such as: excessively worn PFDs, unsuitable helmets, damaged boats, spray skirts with holes, inadequate footwear, etc.) may be deemed unsuitable.
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
- Athletes must wear their competitor bib outside their PFD at all times.
  - Bibs will be collected at the end of the race.
- Foot Rudders
- Hand paddlers are allowed
- PFD
- Helmet
- Protective footwear
- A dry-top, paddling jacket or wetsuit
- Equipment will be reviewed at check-in. The Race Director has the right to refuse any non-conforming equipment (e.g. bicycle helmets, nylon spray skirts, etc.).
THE FOLLOWING BOATS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED:
- Motors or mechanical assisted drive boats
- Inflatable kayaks
- Sea kayaks

COURSE:

The Kayak Down River Sprint is for Class II-III kayakers.
The course is on the Colorado River and is approximately 4-4.5 miles long.
All athletes should be aware that all competitions take place in mountain rivers which may have challenging conditions such as underwater obstacles, unseen hazards, rocks, debris and vegetation.

FORMAT, RULES & INFORMATION:

Athletes must arrive at the put-in no less than 45 minutes before the race start time to go through a gear check, attend mandatory safety meeting, receive start times, and pick up their competition bib.
Paddlers who lose their equipment and require a rescue of any kind and/or appear to be excessively struggling and/or swimming will be pulled from the course by the safety team. Paddlers who lose their gear and exit the river will receive a DNF.
If a paddler is being overtaken by another “faster” paddler from behind, they must yield to the faster/overtaking paddler in a safe and respectful manner. This will not affect a penalty or DQ unless the paddler being overtaken uses blocking or any kind of unsporting conduct.
The race is run in time trial format.
Final race rules and format will be available during the safety meeting.  
Event organizers and whitewater rescue teams are not responsible for equipment rescue and/or equipment removal from the GoPro Mountain Games whitewater courses should athletes lose their equipment during practice or competition.
Athletes are encouraged to use reef safe sunscreen during all competitions.

DIRECTIONS TO PUT-IN:

From Vail, take I-70 West to Exit 157 at Wolcott, then head north on CO-131. Continue to State Bridge, turn left onto Trough Road (CR 1), follow for approximately 10 miles, then turn left into the Pumphouse Recreation Site.
Please allow 60–75 minutes to reach the race start.

parking:

Ample parking is available at the Pumphouse Recreation Site and Radium Recreation Area; however, athletes are encouraged to carpool. Daily parking fees apply at both locations, and participants are responsible for all associated costs.

GoPro Mountain Games shuttles will operate between the two parking areas, allowing athletes to park in either lot. Athletes who drop boats at Pumphouse and then drive to Radium to park may take the shuttle back to the put-in. Those who park at Pumphouse may take a shuttle at the end of the race to return to their vehicles.

Athletes are encouraged to arrive early and allow extra time for parking and shuttle logistics. Please note that cell service in this area is limited.

*River conditions will be continually monitored, and these events are subject to change as the event draws closer. Download the Mountain Games app and turn on notifications to receive the latest updates.