Hey Colorado rafters: Want to see firsthand the latest and greatest of everything in the rafting world, and also shop for some of the best deals on new gear and used rafting packages you’ll find anywhere while partying, winning prizes and sharing stories with fellow river runners? Longtime retailer Down River Equipment is hosting its annual Raftopia, one of the largest rafting gatherings in the country, April 1-6 at its headquarters at 11937 W. I-70 Frontage Rd, in Wheat Ridge, Colo.
Marking the beginning of the rafting season, Raftopia welcomes 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. Call it a Canoecopia for Colorado, mimicking the annual consumer show put on by Rutabaga in Madison, Wisc.
The exhibition is a display of the who’s who of manufacturers and nonprofits in the river business. “We’ve already filled every available booth space for the exhibition,” says exhibitor coordinator Michelle Lee. “Many of our key manufacturers and nonprofit organizations look forward every year to meeting the Colorado rafting community there.”
Once again, Sam Carter, the host of the River Radius Podcast, will be the MC at this year’s event.
Raftopia will take place Monday, April 1, through Saturday, April 6. Attendees can shop for the biggest discounts of the year on new equipment all week, Friday afternoon is the used gear check-in, and Saturday is the big day. That’s the day to join Down River for the used gear sale, outdoor exhibition, food vendors, and the big prize giveaway.
“We’re giving away a raft trailer from Sport Trail and a full cataraft package thanks to Hyside among lots of other prizes.”, explains Zach Svoboda, co-owner.
2024 Raftopia Sponsors and Exhibitors:
Aire Inflatables, Astral Buoyancy, Badfish SUP, Blue River Watershed, Bonfire Burritos, Cataract Oars, Espresso Affair Coffee, High Country River Runners, Hyside Inflatables, Jack’s Plastic Welding, Maravia, Montucky Cold Snacks, Mustang Survival, NRS, Optic Nerve, Over It Raft Covers, Protect Our Rivers, River Radius Podcast, Rocky Mountain Rafts, Sawyer Paddles and Oars.
Event Schedule:
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, Used Gear Check-In
Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm In-Store Sale/Outdoor Exhibition/Used Gear Sale; 3:30pm Prize Announcements; 5:00pm – 6:30pm Used Gear Pick Up
About Downriver Equipment: Cultivating a lifetime of unforgettable outdoor experiences for river runners by providing industry leading rafting equipment, hand-crafted gear, and connecting the river community through education, conservation, and inclusivity, 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 of 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.
Info: www.downriverequip.com
11937 W. I-70 Frontage Rd, Wheat Ridge, CO