The 2nd annual, every man's Rio Grande multi-day kayak trip
The 1st annual, every man's Rio Grande multi-day kayak trip started last year in 2009. The Rio Grande in Northern New Mexico is an awesome multi day trip. From the Colorado Border to the Rio Arriba County line is 65 miles of class 2-5. The sections are, Ute Mountain (class 2), Razorblades (class 3-4), Upper Box (Class 4-5), La Hunta (class 2), Lower Box (class3-4), State Park (class 2), Racecourse (class 3). Last year we did the whole trip in 4 days and 4 nights. Full report on the first trip HERE. We had an absolute blast and when the time came again to do it this year, we had a few glitches. Joe was out, due to trying to build a house and and having a girlfriend hooked on Belly Dancing. Amos was in a new relationship and on a strict Vegan diet! (I didn't even ask him to partake, and yes they (as a couple) and his new diet are still together). Cougar Killer Cameron was needed badly for this second trip. He is a good buddy, but the main reason I needed him a second time around was because he stashed a large amount of booze in the basalt cliffs when he got lost for 30 hrs. Ya, he got lost for 30 hrs on class 2 and for some strange logic, stashed our entire supply of Booze. Please watch the video to fully understand!



4 days & 4 nights, A kayaking self support, 65 miles-class 2-5 from atom crawford on Vimeo.


Sooooo, I definitely need Cam Cam to show up for the trip. I called him and he was in. Amped! I also had done the Red River with this guy Murf a couple of days before. he had moved back to town after some time done in Colorado (not jail time) and I got him fired up for the multi day. So the night before our 2nd annual trip, Cameron leaves a voice-mail and bails on the trip. He mumbled something about a special seasonal hunting permit for Cougar opening up. So he flaked out once again and the hidden booze will be hidden for another year. And then it was just the Murf and I. Bottom line, this trip is an awesome multi day in the high desert for enjoying the scenery, epic camping, loaded boats, fires, drinking, good friendship and some good class 5 to deal with amongst it all. Note: Murf and I had a fantastic time and became great friends. This trip is frigging awesome! We did not pack light or simple. We went full on, all we could carry. Our kayaks for a 3 day trip weighed over 100 lbs. The 3rd annual will be next June. Please join us. It is a time to reflect, grow, drink beer, appreciate friendship and the wonders of a deep basalt canyon and the moving water that formed it...

No Country For Old Men Putin
Murf and My beautiful shuttle bunny Rach

Long Lost brothers


I'm so so ready for a good trip
The Lee's trail Skull


Murf packing 30lbs of beer

The basalt Rio grande

Basalt boogie water

Time to find a camp above the Upper Box section

We scored a good spot

Murf was all about the Margs

Our wet bar the first night

Choices

Can't beat a good friendship and the outdoors

Super camp

Sunlight cliffs in the morning above the Upper Box

Murf in the Pleasure

Buried

Some good whitewater

Exit

Scenery

Burning..

Little Arsenic

Murf correcting

On line for the eddy

Little Arsenic still going

Murf and Atom sharing a set of elbow pads

Second nights camp just below the Upper Box in the La Hunta section. It was an old Miner's campground

lots O gear

The Villain carried it all well

Old Miners dwelling

my custom Shred Ready T-Dub helmet

Murf enjoying the solitude of a great river trip


Damn Canadians..

paridise

Last Beer

Maybe there is one more in here

The paddle home, La Hunta section and the the Lower Box.

Old tractor riverside. How did it get there?

Till next year. Beers, Atom...

The new Jackson Kayak, the Villain and the New Pyranha Burn were frigging kick ass. Great boats for just regular creeking day trips. They also did awesome fully loaded down with 60 lbs of unnecessary gear, Demo them at CKS......







About Us

We're a group of whitewater kayak, raft, and stand up paddleboard enthusiasts committed to stocking the highest-quality gear and deliver it to you as quickly as possible.

Learn more about us

Don't Forget About These

What else are we up to?

View all
Rafting the Main Fork of the Salmon River

Rafting the Main Fork of the Salmon River

multi-day tripsJonathan Kahn
by Alden Kahn  If you love boating as much as we do at CKS, then you most likely agree that there is no week better spent than a week on the river....
Down and Dirty: 9 Items You Need for Your Dry Suit Repair Kit

Down and Dirty: 9 Items You Need for Your Dry Suit Repair Kit

GearCKS Team
Whitewater dry wear is the largest apparel investment any boater can make. For those who want to extend the life and use of their dry suit (or dry top), it's best to keep a dry suit repair kit on hand. Read our 9 recommendations for the best dry suit repair kit!
Whitewater Kayak Paddle Buying Guide

Whitewater Kayak Paddle Buying Guide

CKS Team
Choosing the right paddle for whitewater kayaking can be daunting with all the available paddle options to consider. We are here to help! ...