Rio Grande provides peaceful river float
Moriah Carty | August 20Most people dream of a quiet commute as they pass the Rio Grande day to day, yet it is that body of water that offers the most peaceful ride of all. Michael Hayes, the owner of Quiet Waters Paddling, said he has always loved taking people out onto the river. His objective has been to turn people on to what the mid-Rio Grande has to offer, he said. “Whitewater is about adrenaline and thrill, whereas the middle Rio is a very serene, scenic, laid-back experience that I’ve often equated to the act of meditation,” Hayes said. Neither experience is superior; paddling is more relaxing and allows for a broader audience, he said. “The other thing — and I hear this from families all the time — is that it’s such a mellow river that families are totally comfortable (bringing) young kids along,” he said. Hayes conceived of his paddling business after staying near the river at the Coronado Campground, he said.
