Wild-rivers are the preferred venue for most white water paddlers. There is nothing like a free-flowing rage of
water to lift your spirits and get your adrenaline gushing. Or is there?
Turns out a new (ok, not that new) kind of
artificial white water park is
sprouting up around the country, luring paddle enthusiasts who might not have the Gauley in their backyard. Some of
these parks can even be found in cities, bringing water sports (get your mind out of the gutter!) to your front door…or
right outside your work cube. Perhaps the country’s best-known whitewater park is in Reno, Nevada. The $1.5 million
whitewater course includes not just rapids, but also walking paths and sitting areas for the yunguns.
Another park is the Clear Creek Whitewater Park in Golden,
Colorado. There you can paddle all day, and then pop over to the Coors Brewery for some free beer (they say you have to
take the tour to get the free beer. You don’t. Just head straight for the bar. Trust me. I’ve done it.)
All very cool and so modern. Now it is time for them to build one of these parks in New York or LA or someplace like
that.