It's not a long stretch of white water, only 0.35 miles, as shown by the two yellow arrows, and it's not the roughest white water you can find, classified as Class II-III, the lower end of difficult.
But it is in downtown Wausau in Marathon County, and it is an excellent place for training --- training essential to white water rafting, kayaking, or even canoeing at higher levels. While training is a primary function, the whitewater here does host slalom races hosting competitors from around the world, and it is an excellent place in town to have some fun.
Watching the training that was going on here was most instructive for me. I clicked off lots of photos and want to present the ones I liked best to show you.
This event involved a 2-3 hour introduction to whitewater kayaking training class.
Wausau has made marked improvements to the whitewater run. A new Big Drop feature has been installed. It is a fast and dynamic spot that challenges beginners. It is designed so it can be adjusted to provide high-performance waves.
People operating the website “Wausau Whitewater” have worked hard to offer improvements to the Wausau Whitewater Park. They also provide people the opportunity to sign up for lessons and clinics.
The park has hosted a junior world cup whitewater race. Whitewater enthusiasts have come from around the world.
“The Wausau Whitewater Park is an awesome canoe and kayak park in Wisconsin located on the east channel of the Wisconsin River. This amazing space is for folks of all ages and abilities. It’s a world-class facility located right in Wausau that’s hosted world events but also welcomes the newest paddlers to experience what an awesome and exhilarating feeling it is to get out on the water. So if you’re looking for a fun-filled outdoor activity for the summer months.”
