Wild Wild West Fest Rodeo a SUCCESS!

The first Wild, Wild West Fest Whitewater Rodeo is in the books and it was a great success! Paddlers from Colorado and New Mexico took part in the event that was organized as part of a Pro Bullriders event.

(Lauren Burress shows her skills in the foam pile during one of her rides in the advanced class.)

The main event was the Cowboy Challenge. This event was designed to get PBR athletes into the river. Bullrider, Zack Brown was the only cowboy to take the challenge. He donned a Palm drysuit right on top of his jeans, got geared up and jumped into a WaveSport Habitat to do some surfing in the Pueblo Whitewater Park. Brown aggressively attacked the wave and got several good front surfs in before swimming out of the boat. Brown was awarded a buckle for his efforts. Way to go Zack! We aren't sure if he is a Bullrider who paddles or a paddler that rides bulls. Either way Zack rocks!

(Zack Brown paddles the PWP)

(Pueblo Paddler President Bob Walker presents Brown with the winner's buckle)

The Pueblo Paddlers put on a class event with all competitors and even some paddlers who didn't compete going home with some very cool boater schwag! Burgers and dogs were available under the tent and there were more spectators than boaters! Kudos to all who helped make it happen!

(Barry Kelsen puts on his game-face as well as the coolest boater helmet ever!)
Beginner winners!
Winners in the intermediate class!
Winners in the advanced class!

Boaters AND water show up at PWP!

(Lauren Burress)
Lauren Burress is in town at the Pueblo Whitewater Park preparing for the Wild Wild West Fest Rodeo. Lauren who is no stranger to Pueblo is back with her parents to start the kayaking season off by paddling in the PWP in Saturday's rodeo.

The water has topped the 2,000 cfs mark as of Thursday and may yet top 2,500! Warm weather, and warm water are expected to be the order of the day through the weekend. Bring your boats, your family and your smile because we are going to have an amazing time in the PWP Saturday.


(Zach Otte)

And new boater, Zach Otte, took to the Park Thursday after returning to Canon City for the Summer from the Peruvian jungles where he studies jungle medicine of the natives.

It is that time of year!

Let the paddling begin!The Colorado College kayak club made an early season trip to the Pueblo Whitewater Park. The air was warm, the water was up, but it was still reminding paddlers like Michele Yates (above) that it was not too long ago that it was snow.

Nothing like coming up from a roll with a numb face! Ah, the joys of spring paddling. David Spiegel (below) took the opportunity to squeeze a bit of surf and play into breaks in his instruction of new paddlers in the club during their trip to the park.



Bridge construction continues but the water has been at good levels and there is much more to come.

The Pueblo Paddlers are hosting a rodeo at the PWP on Saturday May 16th as part of the Wild Wild West Fest There will be prizes, fun, and food for paddlers and spectators alike!

The top pro will be taking home a $250 cash purse! The event is part of a festival put on by the Pro Bull Riders (PBR) who now make their home in Pueblo just up the street from the PWP. Come enjoy great entertainment and the opportunity to play in Colorado's best whitewater park!

For additional information contact Bob Walker at The Edge Ski, Paddle, and Pack 719 583-2021. See you there!