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Articles
Tulsa, Arkansas river, Tulsa wave
Playspot: USA, Oklahoma, Tulsa, Arkansas river, Tulsa wave
What's it like
NB: Big flows (100.000+ cfs) in November 1998 have caused major changes in Tulsa. Critical rocks on the riverbed have shifted and the jetty above the wave has eroded further, diverting more water to middle and left channels.
Descriptions at various recent levels:
10.000 cfs: There's one sweet breaking wave at the top, where Skyline wave was previously
(Skyline was the first wave in the rapid - a glassy surfing wave with an unobstructed view
of downtown Tulsa. Now it's a 5 foot breaking wave with about 3 feet of foam). It's rodeo
hole 101 - sweet surfing, spinning, cartwheels and much more, with no penalty below. It's
the only surfing wave in the rapid, there's nothing below (previously at this level, there
were 6 - 8 such surfing waves). In the middle slot of the jetty, there are 2 - 3 nice
rodeo waves/holes, similar to the wave described above. Nothing is currently known about
potential hazards on the riverbed, but the holes look good.
20.000 cfs: There is one surfing wave with some breaking foam. It cycles between a nice
wave and almost nothing. There also are nice big surfing / rodeo waves in the middle slot
of the jetty, with again uncertainty about riverbed hazards.
25.000 cfs: One very cyclical breaking wave; low fun factor. 3 big and meaty holes in
middle slot.
30.000 cfs: Nothing on the river right channel (compared to 10 ft waves before). Big
action in the middle.
So, there's no more traditional hole in front of the benches, unless it exists somewhere
between 10.000 - 20.000. It's sad to see the demise of a beautiful wave train.
The water here is still as dirty as before. Don't drink it and check for open wounds before jumping in....
How to get there
Leave your car at the parking lot at the Riverside Drive in Tulsa. This is near the flag pole at the opposite side of the road. Take your boat to the cement ramp and paddle across the Arkansas river towards the 'Public service company' building.
More info
Locals
Most of the locals are there around 13:00H on weekends when the water is up and around 17:30H during week days in the summer. Doesn't mean you're not welcome as well of course....
Info sources
Petteri Kuuskoski, Jeff Simmons
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