Laserfiche WebLink
challenge to expert boaters nor does it represent an attraction sufficient to lure out of town <br />boating traffic. <br />As the quantity of water passing over a structure increases the force of the water <br />becomes more powerful and the depth of the water increases. This allows kayakers to begin to <br />execute more difficult whitewater maneuvers. For slalom boaters the increased velocity, <br />increased definition in the features and increased size of the features creates a competition <br />venue that is commensurate with national level slalom competitions. For freestyle boaters the <br />increased power, speed and water depth make vertical and aerial maneuvers possible. It <br />should be noted that in freestyle competitions points are awarded for the execution of tricks of <br />varying difficulties. The lowest scoring classes of tricks are those done when the boat is level <br />with the surface. The highest scoring points are awarded for maneuvers where the boat is <br />vertical and often bobs in and out of the water. These high scoring maneuvers are only possible <br />in deep powerful water. It is therefore necessary for the course to have high flows in order to <br />attract top -level slalom and freestyle competitors away from similar venues in the Gunnison <br />region. <br />The course also provides a more effective learning environment for intermediate <br />kayakers and more attractive venue for rafters at higher flow rates. The additional flows allow <br />developing kayakers to develop their skills in powerful whitewater while remaining in a <br />familiar environment. This can help prevent local boaters from testing their skills in unfamiliar <br />and possibly dangerous stretches of river away from the Gunnison Whitewater Park. These <br />additional flows will also increase wave size, speed of the water and power of the hydraulics. <br />The flows will therefore provide a more dynamic ride for commercial or private rafters and will <br />serve as a tourist attraction for the region. <br />Similar Projects. <br />Many of the conclusions reached in this report are based on past experiences at similar <br />projects. Similar modifications have been made at a number of Whitewater Parks including <br />In <br />