Colorado river runners rejoice! (And prepare for some great deals on paddlesports equipment.) Down River Equipment at 11937 W. I-70 Frontage Road in Wheat Ridge, CO, is once again hosting its annual Raftopia, one of the largest rafting gatherings in the country.
Raftopia, the company’s longest-standing event, marks the beginning of the rafting season, welcoming thousands of customers to enjoy a week of in-store discounts on new gear, followed by an outdoor exhibition, used gear consignment sale, food and drink vendors.
The exhibition is a display of the who’s-who of manufacturers and non-profits in the river business. “We’ve already filled every available booth space for the exhibition,” says Zach Svoboda, co-owner. “Many of our key manufacturers and non-profit organizations are looking forward to meeting the Colorado rafting community during Raftopia.”
Raftopia will be taking place Monday, April 6th through Saturday, April 11th. Attendees can shop for the biggest discounts of the year on new equipment all week. On Friday afternoon, the outdoor exhibition, beer garden, and used gear sale starts. Saturday is the big day, that’s the day to join Down River for the used gear sale, outdoor exhibition, food vendors, beer garden fundraiser for Protect Our Rivers, and the big prize giveaway. “We’re giving away a raft trailer from Sport Trail and a full raft package thanks to boat brand, Cataract Oars, and Down River among lots of other prizes.”, explains Phil Walczynski, co-owner.
This year’s committed sponsors and exhibitors include:
| Aire Inflatables | Mustang Survival |
| Astral Buoyancy | NRS |
| Blue River Watershed | Odell Brewing |
| Bonfire Burritos | Over It Raft Covers |
| Cataract Oars | Protect Our Rivers |
| Dragon Harness
High Country River Runners |
River Bent
River Station Gear |
| Hyside Inflatables | Rocky Mountain Rafts |
| Jack’s Plastic Welding | Sport Trail Trailers |
| Kokatat | Sawyer Paddles and Oars |
| Maravia | |
Event Schedule:
Monday – Thursday:
9:00am – 6:00pm In-Store Sale
Friday: 9:00-6:00 In-Store Sale
1:00pm – 6:00pm Outdoor Exhibition
Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm In-Store Sale/Outdoor Exhibition/Used Boat Swap
3:30pm Giveaway Prize Announcements
Info: downriverequip.com
Down River Equipment is the Source for All Your River Equipment. We’ve been manufacturing and supplying the best river equipment since 1985. Our company is owned by boaters, and we employ an experienced team of boaters to assist with all your river needs. We specialize in custom fabrication, distribution, and retail equipment for all types of river adventures. Down River Equipment is best known for our quality rowing frames that are 100% made in Colorado. Along with our frames, we manufacture dry boxes, tables, pumps, and a multitude of cargo gear. All Down River brand gear is made in Colorado. We carry all the main manufacturers in the rafting industry, which allows us to be a one-stop-shop for all your river gear. Our experience and craftsmanship are the best in the industry.
