Just back from the first day on the new waves........
All I can say is WOW. This is gonna change Ozark paddlers in both
abilities and skill sets.
REP (
http://www.boaterparks.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) and the boys from TSP Environmental
worked hard to improve the upper wave and clean up the lower wave this week.
The results were dynamic.
Here is my write up on the first day.......
I arrived around 11 am. River was at 3.1 ft. aprox. 340 cfs.
Dressed out and put in at the bridge.
The first big change is a wing on river right extending into the river channel aprox. 40 ft.
This will be the launch point for any one wanting to float through the entire park. Shane
explained to me that this is shaped and positioned to deflect large debris to go through the
main channel and not get hung on the smaller drops to the river right.
Next are the large boulders placed randomly mid stream. These create great eddies for not
only playing on the way down but as of now when we have to exit the river back at the bridge
these create eddies to use on the way upstream.
When you approach the first feature there is a horizon line in the middle with a thin layer of stone
showing on both sides. At this level it was difficult to drop and stop so the best is to just run it
and eddy out either side. This drop starts with a long green tongue that ends in a 1.5-2 ft. surf wave.
Any one not wanting to run the drop can go down the fish ladder that is to the left of the drop. I know
that I have previously posted to not run the ladder but it was done successfully many times and
does not seem to present any dangers.
The first wave is about 15 ft. wide with a little bit of a pillow in the middle. Easy entrance and egress
is available from either side. River right is more common as the eddy is larger and free of the turbulence
from the fish ladder. Stones that ring the pool are stair stepped. Many of the stones have just a couple
inches of water and are great for both getting out or back in the boat. This wave will be perfect for learning
all the flat surfing maneuvers. Front surfing, spinning and back surfing. The wave is formed up the slope
of concrete too far for enders in the wave. However, the pool drops off quickly and the slab presents
no danger to the paddler. The fish ladder is a bonus as the current flowing through drops in to the pool with
more than enough force to pull enders. Sharp eddy lines make it easy to squirt, ender or cartwheel, or
attempt depending on your abilities. The pool below this wave is 3+ feet deep and 80x60 feet wide. Recovery
from a foiled surfing/squirting attempt is easy depending on your rolling abilities. A couple folks that had
no success rolling simply rock stabbed their way back to the surface. The current is directed straight to the next
wave, so if you swim you need to get to one side or the other to keep from continuing your voyage. The eddy line
is turbulent and strong. If you wash out the back of the wave pay attention until you are safely in the eddy.
As for the second wave, I have little to say as I didn't surf it. However I have watched two others that got in
and tore it up. It is more of a hole than a wave. Retentive enough to keep you in for a couple maneuvers before
spitting you out for another chance. This is a feature that will challenge the best and intimidate the rest. I look
forward to the warm weather when rolling doesn't mean as much. This feature is where we will all learn to perform
the more advanced moves. I can see a WW rodeo held here with no problems. There is a fish ladder on the left of this wave also. It has been run and seems ok to use as a chicken route around the wave.
Of course this description is at this level, at this time. When the water was diverted to tweak the waves it was
found that a lot of gravel had deposited itself below the slabs. This seemed to push the wave further downstream
and shaped it more. We will just have to wait for the next flood to see what happens.
No matter how it changes I feel it will be great. There is a beginners wave and an advanced wave, rolling pools and squirt spot. Large stones ring the pools for a great place to watch, re-hydrate and shoot pics/vid. You can eat your lunch close enough to talk to anyone surfing. I spent a few minutes rereading all the posts in this thread and I have to say all concerns and fears have been addressed and answered. Not to mention a few prayers answered.
Just to wrap this up I will say a HUGE thank you to Shane and his crew at Recreational Engineering and Planning for seeing what was needed and delivering. Todd and his boys from Michigan with TSP Environmental have executed what was planned with both class and perseverance. Both companies worked hard to make us the goto place
for year round WW fun. They had a great plan and listened to myself and others to tweak it to meet our wants and needs.
I think it goes with out saying the biggest thanks and respect go to Jim Walton and the Walton Family Foundation for not only the capitol but the desire and vision to make this happen.
If you go and enjoy the wave even once, I think you should make the time write a thank you email to these three folks that made it all possible.
rswan@tspenvironmental.com The TSP construction crew
info@boaterparks.com The REP design crew
http://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/contact" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; To leave a note to the WFF
More later as it is suppose to be 65 and sunny today with great water..............
We know that the Siloam Springs Whitewater Recreational Park (yes, that's the official name) will be utilized well before this, but we'd like to garner some attention and spotlight before summer vacations start. One thing we'd love is to have some paddlers on the river playing in the rapids and showing off some moves. (please forgive me if I sound ignorant about paddling).
