The Global Paddling Community

Playspot: USA, Colorado, Denver, South Platte River, Hepatitis Waves (Confluence Park)

What's it like

A few one to four foot waves, which vary in character from fun spinners to parking spots.

Everybody in the Denver area knows about this place and it is very popular after work, not because it is in any way fantastic, just very convenient. If you are from out of town, it isn't really something that you need to see, but it is interesting.

The river goes through a very commercial area of Denver first. The water often smells bad and is "sticky". There is a dump for hazardous chemicals upstream that is currently being investigated for leakage. There is often "stuff" floating in the eddies with you.

Paddle day or night: a strange glow aids in night paddling; shower quickly after getting home :-)

How to get there

The downtown kayaking playspot is located just north of the new aquarium and Elitches, a very large amusement park which is very easy to see from the highway. The aquarium is across the river from Elitches. These are some big landmarks.

Exit I-25 at 20th or just south of Speer and sniff your way, i.e. follow the river. The parking situation is currently bad. There are only a few places to park. There is an REI (outdoor store) being built in the area that may let people use their underground parking.

Locals

It is usually crowded on nice days. Many rollerblading spectators. Be careful of beginners (aka strainers).

Events

Frequent "decontaminations" by men in white suits :-)

Info sources

Eric Princen

Nearest weather station (°C): Arvada, CO, United States Daily Hourly Apr 06 15 -2 8 0 Partially cloudy Apr 07 18 1 9 0 Clear Apr 08 22 6 14 0 Partially cloudy Apr 09 20 6 13 0 Clear Apr 10 19 6 12 0 Clear Apr 11 24 6 15 0 Partially cloudy Apr 12 27 10 18 0 Partially cloudy Apr 13 24 11 17 0 Partially cloudy Apr 14 16 8 10 0.8 Partially cloudy Apr 15 17 6 11 0 Clear Apr 16 23 8 16 0 Partially cloudy Apr 17 21 11 15 0.3 Partially cloudy Apr 18 10 4 7 9.7 Snow, Partially cloudy Apr 19 15 1 8 0.1 Clear Apr 20 23 7 16 0 Partially cloudy Apr 21 24 13 18 0 Overcast Credit