You Won’t Believe What Happened at Our River Permit Party!
And it had almost nothing to do with permits...
A Recap of Our River Permit Party with Go Paddle Utah
If you missed our River Permit Party at Woodbine Food Hall, you missed a splash of a good time! Hosted by Utah Whitewater Gear in partnership with Go Paddle Utah, this event was the perfect kickoff to the upcoming rafting season. With amazing prizes, engaging games, and a buzzing community of river enthusiasts, it was a night to remember—and we’re here to give you the inside scoop on all the fun, as well as what’s coming up next. Spoiler alert: you won’t want to miss our future events!
Big Prizes and Bigger Smiles
One of the main highlights of the night was the raffle, which had everyone on the edge of their camp chairs. We gave away some epic prizes, including a Tributary Tomcat Max, an AIRE Landing Pad, and an Astral Greenjacket PFD with a free Swiftwater Fundamentals Course by University of Utah Remote Rescue. The excitement in the air was class V as ticket numbers were called. Over 50 people purchased raffle tickets, and together, we raised over $1000 for Go Paddle Utah. This incredible nonprofit is dedicated to increasing whitewater participation in Utah through inclusion, education, activism, and community building. The funds raised will go directly toward initiatives that make our rivers more accessible and fun for everyone.
Testing the Waters with Trivia
For those who wanted to flex their river knowledge, we hosted a trivia game called "Guess That Rapid." Partygoers were challenged to identify famous rapids from photographs, testing both memory and keen observation. The winner, Hallie Eha, paddled away with a sweet NRS drybag packed with river gear and swag, while runner-ups didn’t leave empty-handed—they took home smaller drybags. The game had everyone fired up, adding a fun competitive edge to the evening.
Food, Friends, and Films
What’s a river party without good food and great company? Woodbine Food Hall offered the perfect backdrop for river runners to grab bites and brews, mingle with fellow paddlers, and chat about plans for the upcoming rafting season. Anthony and Clinton, the heart and soul behind Utah Whitewater Gear, made the rounds, chatting with guests, answering questions about the river permit lottery application process, and sharing their expert knowledge to help more Utah residents snag those coveted river permits.
To top it all off, we played two awe-inspiring films, Free Solo and Into the Wild, on the big screen. As folks came and went, they could enjoy these cinematic adventures that capture the spirit of the wild and the call of the river. It was the perfect way to wind down, connect with friends and family, and dream about upcoming river trips.
Upcoming Events: Don't Miss Out!
Missed the fun? Don’t worry—we’ve got more events lined up, and they’re sure to be current crowd-pleasers!
First up is the Paddling Film Festival World Tour, hosted at Brewvies Cinema Pub on April 17, 2025, at 6 PM. This 21+ event is a great chance to immerse yourself in inspiring paddling films while enjoying a cold brew and some good company. It’s an evening for the river-loving community to gather, get stoked, and maybe even pick up a few new ideas for future paddling adventures.
For those looking for something more family-friendly, mark your calendars for the Utah Whitewater Market on May 3, from 10 AM to 3 PM. This fair-like event will be packed with a whitewater gear swap, food trucks, lawn games, vendor booths, and live music. Bring your friends, bring your family, and maybe even bring that gear you’ve been meaning to part with!
So, whether you’re looking to catch a film, swap some gear, or soak in the river vibes, we’ve got something for everyone. We’re hosting more events this year than ever before, and we can’t wait to see you there. Come join the Utah Whitewater Gear family, and let’s make this rafting season one for the books!
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