Ecuador 2013

[kayakmamma]

I'm thinking about paddling in Ecuador Jan. 2013. If you put a deposit down and sign up by May 31st, the trip is $200 off. Paddling with the DeRiemer's would be a dream come true, check out their itinerary at DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking. I'm thinking the Class IV trip Jan 26ish.
Who wants to go??
Carol? Renee? Come on ladies, let's go paddle.
Personally, I think it will be worth the million days I will have to substitute teach between now and then to get there, lol.

[BHK Okie]

Lorraine if thought I could do class IV I would be on this in a heartbeat but .......

[kayakmamma]

Oh man Terry, it would be the best ever if you and Roy could come!

[Renee H]

I'm thinking about paddling in Ecuador Jan. 2013. If you put a deposit down and sign up by May 31st, the trip is $200 off. Paddling with the DeRiemer's would be a dream come true, check out their itinerary at DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking. I'm thinking the Class IV trip Jan 26ish.
Who wants to go??
Carol? Renee? Come on ladies, let's go paddle.
Personally, I think it will be worth the million days I will have to substitute teach between now and then to get there, lol.

So it would cost $1495 then and you buy your own airfare? I could certainly make those dates work, but will have to definitely save up some cash!

[kayakmamma]

Awesome Renee! Airfare from DFW is sitting at about $999. Other costs-some shots, and a paddle bag. Ski bags are on sale right now on Sierra Trading Post for $39. Personally, I am going to scour some yard sales while in Utah in June. You never know!

[Mark or Hayden]

I have a question.....
I am planning a trip out west this early summer and now you have me thinkin......
What is the attraction with central America class IV vs something out west? Is it just the warm water?

[kayakmamma]

Mark or Hayden...Nothing really, so may I go with you out West please?
The appeal to me of going on a trip like this is that it is guided--they know where the put ins and take outs are.
Also, it is something to look forward to and work for, and as you mentioned, warm water and climate in January! I tend to get a bit depressed post Christmas in the winter, so the last few years I have just planned a January trip and it solves the problem.
It is really fun getting to know and bond with people in other counties and cultures too.

[MaxTexan]

I can understand the appeal of being in central/south america in the winter.

I also understand the appeal of a guided trip. When I was traveling east from AR when I lived there I would at least once a year take a weekend class or private instruction on the Ocoee. It was an opportunity to learn but also an opportunity to let someone else take charge and look after me.

[okieboater]

Have not been lately but in past years made the trip down to Ecuador to boat with Phil and Mary some five times.

These two folks are expert teachers and will help you move your skill set up a level or so. While you boat some of the best kayak runs in the world.

They usually have just a small group and everyone gets a lot of personal attention.

Off river Phil and Mary are excellent hosts and will show you the best of Ecuador's places to eat or see.

The rivers they run are just excellent visually and from a boating standpoint. On a typical week boaters can do everything from creeks to big water runs. Depends on the group.

I don't know the exact specifics but they used to do class 3 runs as well as the normal class 4 schedule. Also they used to have a week of 4plus to 5 runs early in the big water season. Bottom line is they can guide you down about what ever challenge (river wise) you want. Just ask them via email.

The places they use in Quito are right in the middle of all sorts of interesting spots. Go a few days early to acclimate and especially see Quito's "old town" or take a day trip to the equator and the big time shopping town. They use a excellent small bed / breakfast setup in Quito or at least used them on my trips. The owner can set you up for extra days. Borha and Tena are great towns as well.

Phil and Mary did the research and opened up many of the rivers of Ecuador early on. They know the area, know the people and both speak Spanish as well or better than the locals. Mary was a nurse before becoming full time Adventure Travel and kayak instructor also Olympic Wild Water medalist in her younger days.

I highly recommend Phil and Mary and Ecuador as a trip of a lifetime for boating folks.

[kayakmamma]

The $300 deposit is due by May 1st! (Not May 31st). Also, airfare from DFW-to Atlanata-to Quito, Ecuador is $853 right now.

Okie Boater--I read your post to my husband and he said "that sounds like a trip you should definitely do". Yay! Thanks so much for your awesome post!

[kayakmamma]

I called Mary DeRiemer to clarify on WHEN the $300 deposit is due, because their website says both May 1st and May 31st, and she stated that it will be due May 31st. So that is great!

[okieboater]

Please give my best regards and a Arkie / Okie hug to Mary for me.

Both Mary and Phil have been extremely influential in helping me develop my kayak skills.

Great folks to hang with. Wish I was going with you but not able this time.