Animas River Days

Animas River Days is dedicated to celebrating the Animas River's role in Durango by providing a venue for public gathering with whitewater competitions as well as community outreach about river resources and conservation. Events take place at Santa Rita Park. For more information, call (970) 259-3583.

Animas River Days includes these sporting events: river surfing, stand-up paddling, freestyle kayaking, boatercross, raft and kayak slalom, an inflatable rodeo and the local's favorite costumed river parade.

Free shuttle from transit station. No public parking at Santa Rita Park.

Event Schedule

Friday, May 29

• FREE Instruction with Jackson Team Paddlers
• Kids Clinic in the pool at 4 Corners Riversports
• Freestyle Clinic at Santa Rita Park

Saturday, May 30

Athlete meetings start 15 minutes before the start of every race.

• 8:00 - 10:00 AM: Canoe & Kayak Slalom
• 10:00 - 10:45 AM: Downriver SUP Race
• 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Raft Slalom
• 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM: Ska Beer Garden & Cocktail Tent Opens
• 12:45 - 1:00 PM: Awards for Kayak & Canoe Slalom, Downriver SUP & Raft Slalom
• 1:15 - 2:45 PM: BoaterX
• 3:00 - 4:30 PM: SUP/SURF with paddle and SURF no paddle
• 4:30 - 6:30 PM: River Parade Viewing Party at Santa Rita Park
• 4:45 - 5:00 PM: Awards for Boatercross, SUP/SURF Comp, & Floatie Rodeo
• 9:00 PM: Late Night Party at El Rancho Tavern

Sunday, May 31

Athlete meetings start 15 minutes before the start of every race.

• 9:00 - 10:00 AM: Downriver SUP Race, 29th Street to Santa Rita Park
• 10:00 - 10:30 AM: Big Balls Race
• 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Animas Fly Casting Contest
• 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Ska Beer Garden & Cocktail Tent Opens
• 12:00 - 2:00 PM: Freestyle Kayaking
• 2:00 - 4:00 PM: Wrap-Up Party & Free Outdoor Concert
• 3:00 PM: Awards for Downriver Kayak/Raft Race, Fly Fishing Contest & Freestyle Kayaking
• 6:00 PM: Online Auction Ends