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<br />001198 <br /> <br />Observations show that most kayakers leave before dark and that a very small number <br />remain to kayak at night. The results of the study indicate that the boating park is being <br />utilized mostly between the hours of 12:0Opm and 7:00pm. <br /> <br />II Boating Activity at the Boating Park is Weather Dependent <br /> <br />Observations show a strong relationship between weather conditions and level of activity <br />at the structures. Weather appears to be a very important factor contributing to kayaking <br />participation at the C Hole and D hole. Unfavorable weather such as cold temperatures, <br />rain or snow, limits participation even when flows are considered desirable. <br /> <br />III. Increased Flows Attracted Increased Number of Kayakers up to approximately <br />700cfs. <br /> <br />As flows increased from April 1 st, 2005, the number of people observed freestyle <br />kayaking at the C-Hole and D-Hole gradually increased. However, participation did not <br />considerably differ once flows reached approximately 700cfs. The average number of <br />freestyle kayakers at the C Hole and D Hole while flows were below 700cfs is 2.13 (108 <br />observations) and 2.18 while flows were above 700cfs (219 observations). All <br />observations conducted before 11 :00 a.m., when flows were higher than 700cfs, still <br />show no activity at the boating park. <br /> <br />IV. Most Kayakers have Advanced or Expert Skills <br /> <br />Most kayakers who freestyle kayak at the structures are advanced or expert kayakers. <br />The boating park seems to attract few novice kayakers. Over 67% ofthe kayakers <br />interviewed considered themselves advanced, expert or professional kayakers. As Figure <br />J below illustrates, the majority ofkayakers interviewed rated their level of experience as <br />being equivalent to running class N N rapids ( advanced/intermediate) (13 kayakers) or <br />class V rapids (expert) (to kayakers). The next larger group ofkayakers interviewed <br />considered themselves intermediate kayakers (running class III rapids) (9 kayakers). A <br />smaller number ofkayakers interviewed were considered "advanced" (comfortable <br />running class N) (5 kayakers). Beginner kayakers (6) also gave their opinions while the <br />minority ofkayakers were professional kayakers (3). Additional kayakers were observed <br />kayaking through the structures and continuing to float down the river, without exiting at <br />the C or D holes where interviews took place. Kayakers also float this stretch of the <br />Yampa River through town reported as class I or II (blueskywest.com) without freestyle <br />kayaking at the RICD structures. <br /> <br />6 <br /> <br />Yampa River Freestyle Kayaking Study - August 2005 <br />Vital Resources <br />