RIO GRANDE  FUNYAKS   

Whitewater Half-Day Pilar Race Course River Trips

WHAT IS A FUNYAK?
Funyaks are canoe shaped inflatable rafts.  In a funyak you sit on the floor and paddle with a double bladed paddle like a kayak. Funyaks take some strength and skill to use, but they are very stable and forgiving craft, and allow beginners to challenge some pretty good whitewater. 

SEASON:  April 15-October 15
These trips are only available when river  flows are less than 1000 cfs. 

PARTICIPANTS:
We welcome funyakers of all ages and abilities. Running the Racecourse in funyaks is more difficult and challenging than in a raft. It takes more skill and strength to negotiate the boulder strewn drops of the Rio Grande in your own personal boat. Our guides will teach you how to paddle your funyak and what to do in case of a capsize. They will show you the line through the rocky maze.

COST:
per adult. A per person deposit confirms your reservation. Groups of 12 or more are eligible for our group discounts.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
This two and 1/2 to three hour tour begins at 8:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. each day at the Pilar Yacht Club and Cafe, at the junction of State Highways 68 and 570, 16 miles south of the Taos Plaza, Mile Marker 28.5. Check in at our kiosk 10 or 15 minutes before departure. You’ll read and sign the waiver form assuming the normal risks of participation in a guided outdoor activity. We’ll have you park at the BLM-provided public parking lot. Please stow and lock all valuables in your trunk.

At the river, Personal Floatation Device (lifejacket) will be fitted to you. Instruction in river safety and paddling techniques will be given and then you’re on the river where we’ll navigate Class I to Class III rapids (easy to moderately challenging) with names like: Big Rock, the Narrows, and Souse Hole.

We’ll take a "snack and stretch" break about two thirds of the way along. Then we’ll run some more rapids! At the end of the trip we’ll return you to your vehicle and dry cloths!

 
SAFETY :
All River trips contain an element of risk, especially when you are driving your own boat.  Far Flung Adventures is thoroughly equipped and prepared to minimize the risks. We use quality manufactured self-bailing funyaks. Your river guides are all experienced professionals, many are instructors. Guide qualifications include wilderness first aid, CPR, and Swiftwater Rescue training.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO PILAR: From Taos, 16 miles south of the Taos Plaza on NM Highway 68, at mile marker 28.5, you’ll find the Pilar Yacht Club on the west side of the highway. Allow 30 minutes driving time.  >From Santa Fe, take U.S. Highway 285N to Espanola, then NM Highway 68 toward Taos. Just past the BLM Visitor Center, you’ll come to mile marker 28.5 and the Pilar Yacht Club. Allow an hour and a half from Santa Fe.

You need to bring:
Cap or hat
Water bottle
Sunscreen                                                         Sunglasses with retaining strap
Personal clothing:
Quick dry Shorts and t-shirt                                   Sweater or polypro top (in early season)
Sneakers with wool socks 
Dry clothes in your car for after the trip!

Far Flung Adventures will provide:
 Rainsuits
 Snacks and beverages
 All safety equipment, including lifejackets*

*We can normally fit persons weighing between 100-200 pounds.  Smaller or larger folks should notify us of their sizes so that we will be prepared to accommodate you.

FOOD:
Pilar Yacht Club offers burritos, sandwiches, fresh baked goods, snacks and drinks.  You may also purchase boating accessories, eyewear retainers, or sunglasses. 

PICTURES:
Southern Exposure will shoot you in the rapids and you may view your photos and order on line at your convenience.

Remember:  All weather conditions are quite variable.  The morning sun will likely turn to afternoon showers and vice versa.  We cancel only during the most extraordinary weather or water conditions.

TOLL FREE RESERVATIONS 1-800-359-2627  or e-mail  farflung@laplaza.org 
Your major credit card is welcome.