Slifer Smith & Frampton Down River SUP Sprint

GET UP, STAND UP, DON’T GIVE UP THE RACE!

Due to low water flows this year, the Slifer Smith & Framption Down River SUP 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: Somewhere between surfing and whitewater racing, this event is a thrilling SUP sprint down the Colorado River. Paddle as fast as you can while staying balanced through cold, fast-moving water—because one wrong move and you’re swimming.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6
11:30 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 SLIFER, SMITH & FRAMPTON DOWN RIVER SUP 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 should arrive at the put-in no less than 45 minutes before the race start time to go through a gear check, attend a safety meeting 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

The Slifer Smith & Frampton Down River SUP Sprint is a race against the clock on the Colorado River. Competitors take on a fast, 4-4.5-mile stretch of continuous whitewater, paddling SUP style through cold, snow-fed river flows that demand strength, precision, and endurance.

Athletes must stay sharp as they navigate a dynamic Class I–III course on this new stretch of water shaped by swift-moving water, technical lines, and rolling wave action. This is a true test of speed, control, and river-running skill from start to finish.

Times

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

11:30 AM

Rules

CATEGORIES:

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

*Minimum age to compete is 12 years old based on the athlete’s age on event day, June 6, 2026.

mandatory EQUIPMENT:

Boards must be inflatable and may not exceed 11′. Boards will be measured at the start of the race.
Athletes must wear competitor bibs outside their PFD at all times.
- Bibs will be collected at the end of the race.
PFD
Helmet
Protective footwear
Full-legged wetsuit or drysuit
Paddle
No leashes around ankles or wrists. If paddlers choose to wear a leash, it must have a release system that can be hand-activated and should also have an emergency break-away system.

The following will NOT be allowed:

Double-bladed paddles
Multi-hull boards
Foot rudder steering systems

course:

The Slifer Smith & Frampton SUP Down River Sprint is for Class II-III SUP athletes.
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 their race start time to go through gear check, attend mandatory safety meeting, receive their start time and pick up their competition bib.
Paddlers who lose their equipment and require a rescue of any kind and/or appear to be excessively falling and/or swimming will be pulled from the course by our 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 boards 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.