Don Dowling of Confluence Kayaking, 1611 Platte Street, suggests that a simple way to sample this Eskimo sport is to rent an inflatable kayak. The cost is $15 at Confluence, which is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; the craft allows anyone to enjoy paddling without fear of performing tricky rolls or other expert maneuvers. Dowling sends inexperienced friends and their buoyant rentals down to Confluence Park to sample the short course along the South Platte River.
For bigger thrills, novices can enjoy a day of boulder-dashing at Clear Creek Whitewater Park, 1201 10th Street in Golden, on that city's man-made, 800-foot course, which offers a range of aqua-bliss options, including whitewater drops. There are no fees in Golden -- but there are also no rentals, and the course is unsupervised.
After you get properly drenched, it's easy to go with the flow. There are some thirty man-made kayaking courses statewide, Dowling notes, not to mention natural sites. When you're ready to begin your sog story, call 303-433-3676 for rental information. -- Ernie Tucker
World-Class Heroines
Soccer moms get their due
SAT, 7/10
Clark Kent has Lois Lane to massage his crime-stopping biceps; Peter Parker gets props from his freelance-photographer day job; but who cheers for that modern superhero, the soccer mom? A dairy-industry promotional group, that's who. The Milk Mustache Campaign will drum up support for the carpool-driving, PB&J-making, snotty-nose-wiping heroines at today's Northglenn stop on the nationwide got milk? 3v3 SoccerShootout Tournament. The deadline to register for play in the three-on-three competition has passed, but the tourney definitely has spectator appeal. Families who attend the tournament -- which plays out at the Northwest Open Space, 112th Avenue and Pecos Street -- can "mominate" their significant mother for "Denver's Ultimate Soccer Mom."
And the multi-tasking action doesn't stop at 5,280 feet. The winning Denverite will compete for the title of "America's Ultimate Soccer Mom." Among other prizes, the number-one halftime-snack provider will get a new minivan.
Those watching from the sidelines can practice their ball-handling skills, sample new milk flavors and, of course, give moms props, which is a worthy endeavor. After all, sometimes finding that shin guard in the hall closet is just as hard as saving the world.
The tournament runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and tomorrow; call 1-800-989-4088 or visit www.gotmilk3v3soccer.com for more information. -- Caitlin Smith
