If You Build It: 8 Great Whitewater Parks

In this feature from the Summer 2016 issue of Canoe & Kayak, we take a look at eight of the best whitewater parks in the country from Oregon to North Carolina. These parks use dam removals, adjustable play waves, and even artificial whitewater courses to bring communities together and open rivers to new paddlers.

Click through the links below to learn more and check out this C&K original video from our visit to Columbus, Georgia’s whitewater park.

8 results

Whitewater Kayak

If You Build It: Salida, CO Whitewater Park

Salida, CO, built a whitewater park that cleaned up the river bed and became a centerpiece of the small community.

Whitewater Kayak

If You Build It: San Marcos, TX Whitewater Park

Born from the remains of a decrepit dam, the Rio Vista Park includes several features and lights for night surfing

Travel

If You Build It: Charlotte, NC Whitewater Center

The USNWC pumps 12 million gallons of whitewater to create Class IV whitewater rapids for rafters, kayakers, and paddle boarders

Travel

If You Build It: Bend, OR Whitewater Park

A boom adventure town that built a whitewater park as part of a dam removal project

Whitewater Kayak

If You Build It: Oklahoma City Whitewater Park

Legendary Olympian Scott Shipley spearheaded the $45 million Riversport Rapids in Oklahoma City

Whitewater Kayak

If You Build It: Charles City, IA Whitewater Park

Charles City, IA, reshaped a seven-foot-high dam to create a world-class wave in an unlikely location

Whitewater Kayak

If You Build It: Wausau, WI Whitewater Park

A 20-year-old whitewater park that's perfect for beginner and intermediate paddling

Travel

If You Build It: Columbus, GA Whitewater Park

With features at all water levels and proximity to downtown, the Columbus Park is a centerpiece of the community