[arkayaker326]

Hey everyone, I'm moving to Lawrence for school in a month or so and was wondering what the paddling opportunity are in KS and if i should bring my boat up from Arkansas. I'm a surfer and like the park and play spots.

I've gathered the runs in the area that are pretty consistent are Wakarusa, Bowersock Dam, and the "Kaw." Could someone give me a little more info on them?

Whats the deal with Bowersock Dam? Does it run all the time or rain dependant? The prospect of driving a few blocks from my house to go surfing is pretty awesome, esp if its always running.

Look forward to meeting you guys out there,
Greg

[k1dust]

Whats up Greg! dont have internet all the time but try to get out as much as possible. I just watch the board on waka releases. Dave from Lawrence is probably the go to guy! kaw is big!! different levels bring different features Not as much waves to surf but i hear at 20,000 or so there was some sweet ones. Its great big water practice and the "chute" is always interesting. I want to get out to the kaw so let me know. 816-446-2809. -Dustin

[3featherslanding]

Hey Greg, welcome to Lawrence a month or so early. There is a small group of us here in town that paddle Bowersock regularly year round as long as its not frozen solid. Features and level of fun vary depending on flow which can go from about 1000cfs all the way up to 40,000cfs and higher. Regular flow varies from 1000cfs to 15000cfs or so. Very rain dependent, including what is being released from upstream reservoirs. We have a pretty good idea of good levels where the various holes, waves, etc form up.

Dustin mentioned Kaw at I435 which is about a half hour or so drive from the east side of Lawrence. Usually way better than Bowersock. It is really fun in the 25000 to 35000cfs range with huge super fast surfing waves. Different every time I have been out there.

Let us know when you get into town. We usually paddle anywhere from 2 to 5 times a week. Dave 785.979.6306
_________________
Dave B

"The mountains are calling and I must go."

--John Muir

[cameron]

Hey Greg,
I would encourage you to bring your boat, there is a small group of us that paddle in Lawrence regularly, and ocassionally we will carpool to the KC spots. When we are lucky the waka is flowing at 1000 cfs then we dont have to drive for good whitewater. Anyway hit up dave or myself when you get into town and we will show you round the local whitewater.
-Cameron
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[3featherslanding]

yep I forgot to mention the 2 best spots in the area

1. Waka Wave at 1000cfs -- located here in Lawrence, half mile downstream from Clinton Lake dam. We get anywhere from a few to about 20 releases at 1000cfs per year, depending on rainfall and the lake level.

2. Mill Creek -- the jewel of the area, about a half hour drive from east Lawrence. Awesome fast surf wave, really fun in the 8.5 feet to 10 feet range on the Mill Creek stormwatch gage. Small watershed, very rain dependent, comes up and falls off quickly.
_________________
Dave B

"The mountains are calling and I must go."

--John Muir

[arkayaker326]

Well, this is awesome news! I was afraid to have to put my boat up or even sell it. I'm glad that is not the case! Look forward to meeting you guys.
-Greg