Places to go kayak within a day's drive

[okieboater]

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[Roger]

Interesting to say the least. The comments section is running about 90% in favor!!!

[gannon_w]

I realize that kayaking isn't all about whitewater but why would they... wait, kayaking IS all about whitewater! So why would they put a headquarters in Oklahoma??

Sorry if I offend any Okie boaters...also, I'm a Cornhusker fan!!!

[Shep]

Might have something to do with the money that is being plowed into a whitewater park by OKC. I'm not opposed to that development... I'm excited for the chance to slalom race 4 hours from home all summer... But, I think NC makes more sense for USA Canoe/Kayak from a paddling season length and variety perspective. This must be a money thing...

Shep

[Heath]

I would think that daves title, would sum up the ????

They would be more central located in the us.

and there is plenty of whitewater in OK its rain dependent and You have to want it but it is there. There is still a lot to be found and run over there as well.

[okieboater]

One good reason is location.

When we had the Tulsa ACC Dust Bowl Rodeos going on, Chris Spelious attended one of the first ones and got the word out. These rodeos were on Labor Day Weekend. The next rodeo we had the cream of the rodeo boaters calling in and had to shut off registration, if memory correct some where around 90 or so entrants.

I asked many of the entrants who drove out why. Very common answers were we are in the center between the natural play spots and timing. We had a lot of people from South East, North East and NW plus all the surrounding states.

Another reason is the citizens of Oklahoma City understand the tourist draw rivers have like San Antonio. Visit OKC down town river walk and it is just full of people having fun and spending money. Also the local business community jumped in big time to support the flat water racing scene. My bet is they will support the play park as well and there will be major spectator support. If you can visit the flat water training facility. It is better than first class. They have programs for schools, colleges and young kiddos as well.

OKC is between Nashville TN and Salida CO both areas close to quality boating. Much easier for those of us area boaters to get to than either CO or TN.

Never been to the NC site as I have problems driving past the Ocoee to boat on a man made setup. I understand the financing of the NC facility was big time. My bet is the OKC financing will be more of a local thing and more solid than the NC facility is. Nothing against the NC Facility, it is a good thing. The OKC will have a lot more folks using it (if the quality is what I think it will be) simply because of it's location.

[Eric Esche]

Most whitewater kayakers are not aware of the numbers of boaters who do flatwater racing, anymore than they are aware of the folks who sea kayak. Unless something brings them together, rarely do they mix. Their gear does not over lap much either as it is also specialized.

But the flat water racers are out there in droves all over the country and they have a lot of support as it potentially can be a spectator sport in some locations, beyond videos edited after the trip. Lots of family involvement and fund raising, sort of like band boosters or swim teams or gymnastics.

I became aware of how many flat water racers are in Oklahoma when I made a trip over for an ACC board meeting and then again on vacation when I met some folks who are really into it at two boat houses. Was hearing membership over one hundred at one with serious expected growth from a new kids program and how they might have to split off some into a separate club because they were growing so fast.

So the new location makes sense to me. Central to the whole country and lots of local support. If it was all just about whitewater, I would have picked Asheville or Atlanta.

I do not race now and can not truly say I was ever really a racer, although I knew and worked with several racers who were also river guides. Tried racing some when I was in my 20's and found that it detracted from my enjoying what little time I had to spend on the water, but met lots of nice people. Different strokes for different folks. Water does not care how you enjoy life. I consider myself lucky to have found that I can enjoy the water whether it is whitewater, moving, or just quiet and still can at age 60.

Eric Esche

[L.A.paddler]

This is very exciting news for Okc and all of Oklahoma . The flatwater Olympic team has been training on the Oklahoma river since about 2009. And when MAPS 3 was passed, a whitewater park was put on the agenda of new projects for the city. And while we are still waiting on the start of this project. To me this shows that the intention is to start more sooner than later. We will see???
I believe it does show that Okc is taking a heads on approach to doing some special things here. And for that I am appreciative.
And like Heath said there is more whitewater in Oklahoma that most of you realize. At least when we are not in a drought!

Terry DeMoe