Rock + Roll

» Kayak School:
Our kayak instruction begins on a lake or heated pool where we learn how to wet exit, roll, paddle, read rivers, ferrying, surf waves and successfully navigate rapids. RnR is designed for first-timers and experienced paddlers. The scenery is awesome, the challenge intense, the paddling is sweet, and the class II and III rapids are ours to enjoy. A support raft carries our gear, and we camp under the stars on the banks of the Arkansas River.

» Rock Climbing Camp:
Push your limits in a safe and fun environment. RnR is the perfect place to take your first rock climbing lesson, or to master more advanced techniques. American Mountain Guides Association certified instructors teach us essential knots, basic climbing techniques and safety principles.

» Climb a classic Colorado "Fourteener":
Colorado has 54 peaks over 14,000 feet and they are visited by thousands of people each year. We set out on a backpack expedition to help protect and preserve the natural integrity of these majestic mountains. After working to build trails and restore impacted areas, we attempt a Fourteener ascent. Summiting a 14,000 foot peak is a safe and organized adventure geared to the focused individual ready for a big challenge.

» Day 1:
You will be met upon arrival at the Denver International Airport by your experienced AAVE expedition leaders. After a complete gear check to assure that you are prepared for the wide array of activities of the trip, we load up our custom vehicle and head off! During orientation we get to know each other and learn what to expect in the days ahead. Our daily routine, jobs and safety rules are explained, and the process of growing together as a group begins. We drive to our campsite outside of Salida, CO to prepare for our first adventure, whitewater kayaking! Tonight we will have a swim test and get fitted for all our gear.

» Days 2-6:
The gorgeous mountain town of Salida is our base for our first exhilarating activity, five wild days of whitewater kayaking. Our professional guides from the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center give us a safety orientation, and we begin to learn the basic paddling and exit techniques at a local pool. On our second day of kayaking, we take to the river to get a feel for the currents and practice and perfect our roll, peel outs and ins, ferries, strokes, balance and looking cool on class I and II whitewater.

The next few days will be a true river adventure. Accompanied by support rafts to carry our gear, we will practice our paddling skills on a multi-day section of the Arkansas River. We will spend our days kayaking in the midst of colossal Rocky Mountain peaks, and spend our nights under the stars on the banks of the river.

» Days 7-9:
From the rapids to the rock, we switch gears for three days of adrenaline-pumping rock climbing. Our professional instructors lead us on three days of climbing throughout central Colorado, including Bighorn Sheep and Castle Rock Canyons. Instruction includes proper equipment use and essential safety techniques, as well as belaying, rappelling and climbing skills. Participants will only climb pitches appropriate to their ability. This is a fun, focused activity which builds group spirit, and gives each individual an incredible sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.

Our first two days are dedicated to top rope climbing. Top roping is a style of climbing in which the rope runs from the belayer at the foot of the route, through a carabiner connected to an anchor at the top of the route, and back down to the climber. The climber cannot fall. This is a great way to learn the sport and perfect our skills.

For our final day of climbing, we break into smaller groups for technical and non-technical ascents of a high peak appropriate to our ability. This multi-pitch climb is designed as a challenge that allows us to put into practice all that we have learned, and let everyone walk away successful and inspired.

» Days 10-12:
We now get an opportunity to give back to the beautiful areas we have been playing and traveling in. We strap on our backpacks for an environmentally-based community service project with the Colorodo Fourteeners Initiative. We hike, camp and work in the Rockies in an effort to preserve the integrity of these majestic mountains. Two days of building trails and restoring impacted areas precedes our final adventure together, our Fourteener ascent!

Colorado has 54 peaks over 14,000 feet and they are visited by thousands of people each year. Summiting a 14,000 foot peak is a safe and organized adventure geared to the focused individual ready for a big challenge. Our ascent has special meaning and purpose after putting our sweat and time into preserving the mountain itself.
» Days 13-14:
After relaxing and recovering from our summit attempt, and cleaning our group and personal gear, we have an unforgettable last evening out, including a wonderful dinner to celebrate our new skills, new tans, and new friends! We head for the airport early on the last day to say good-bye to the best summer of our lives!