The Global Paddling Community

Artificial Whitewater Park: USA, Wisconsin, Wausau Whitewater Park

What's it like

This is a man made whitewater park in downtown Wausau Wi, USA. Although it is artificial it still holds a "real" river feel with formations from natural boulders. The park is damn released with several competitions and recreational releases throughout the spring and summer. For dates visit the official website: www.wausauwhitewater.org

The course itself starts above the damn, foot access along the river left sidewalk. Put in in the lake and run the damn (not a lowhead). There is a large crashing wave and the intial view is spectacular. from there the first (and one of the top) holes of the park is shortly downstream under the railroad bridge. There is river access just upstream of this hole for OC'ers or those who don't wish to run the damn.

Proceed downstream where there is another playable hole under the road bridge with great eddy access from both river right and left.

As you round the corner the next notable feature is "diagonal hole". Commonly underestimated, this is an extremely retentive hole and shallow to river left - best avoided by almost all paddlers as it can keep a swimmer out of their boat for a long time. This hole can be easily avoided by running the greenwater to the river right.

Shortly after that the main feature of the park is "big drop". In years past this was where the rodeo events were held but after some trial and error it has been left to just a large drop in elevation with a crashing wave at the bottom. It is a beautiful feature from the riber and for novice boaters quite a thrill.

There is one more small hole after tbig drop with a boulder garden and a good area to make attainments etc. Most novice boaters put in here and run the bottom of the course.

The bottom of the course has three main holes. After the first, there is a wave train. the first wave of the train is surfable but can be a challange to get on. Once on the wave spins ets are possible but require much skill and boat handling (no aerials possible). The next two holes are fun. Middle hole is loopable and has enough of a pool to roll up without getting flushed to far downstream.

After the last hole the take out is located on the river left side with a paved path to walk up to whichever part of the course you like.

How to get there

Tee park is located downtown Wausau by the mall. Parking by the VFW.

Locals

Local paddlers, some travel from as far as Chicago. K1, C1, OC 1 and 2. Also local residents from Wausau attend the releases to spectate.

Events

Freestyle, and Slalom events through the year, refer to website for dates and events

Info source

Laddie: GBRmedic (at) gmail (dot) com

[photos © www.wausauwhitewater.org]

Nearest weather station (°C): Aniwa, Village of, WI, United States Daily Hourly Jul 11 26 20 23 0.3 Rain, Overcast Jul 12 26 18 21 14.3 Rain, Partially cloudy Jul 13 26 15 21 0 Clear Jul 14 28 18 23 0 Clear Jul 15 26 18 22 0.8 Partially cloudy Jul 16 22 16 20 1.9 Rain, Partially cloudy Jul 17 20 14 17 0.9 Partially cloudy Jul 18 21 12 16 0.3 Partially cloudy Jul 19 23 12 17 0 Clear Jul 20 23 13 18 0.1 Partially cloudy Jul 21 24 13 18 0 Clear Jul 22 22 10 16 0 Clear Jul 23 22 11 16 0.3 Partially cloudy Jul 24 25 15 20 1.6 Partially cloudy Jul 25 23 11 16 0 Clear Jul 26 23 11 17 1.3 Partially cloudy Credit