A whitewater kayak park in the middle of downtown Reno, NV? Well why not, that’s what the Reno / Lake Tahoe area is all about – endless ways to have fun in the wild, wild west!

This Truckee River whitewater park is set smack dab in the middle of Reno’s high energy downtown, where you’ll also find plush hotels, 24-hour casinos, restaurant after restaurant of great food and a ton of cultural activities and shopping. But you’ll have a tough time pulling yourself away from waves to enjoy any of that other stuff – this kayak park boasts 11 pools and a kayak race course. The park is open year round, with a constant flow of clean, fresh water and each year is the site of the Reno River Festival (click here to learn more about the Reno River Festival on our Races and Event pages).

Here is just a sampling of what Reno’s Truckee Whitewater Park has to offer paddlers seeking a thrilling experience:

• 11 drop-pools; total of 2,600 feet in length (a half mile)
• Variety of whitewater activities for different skill levels
• Water temperature ranges between 50 and 70 degrees.
• Accommodation of low-water flows during dry spells
• Five drop pools in the north channel; six in the south channel.
• 7,000 tons of smooth flat-top rocks and boulders installed along the river
• Deep pools with continual fresh water provide good habitat for fish
• Boaters can start anywhere upstream and enjoy a great experience
• Beginners can enjoy the whitewater park, which is engineered to be safe
• Length: 2,600 feet, including 1,400 feet in the north channel and 1,200 feet in the south channel, or one-half mile.
• Class 2 to 3 course (on a scale of 1 to 6; one being a lake, six being a waterfall)
• Users: kayaks, canoes and rafts, inner tubes
• Maneuvers: freestyle, front and side surfing, cartwheeling, throwing ends, blunt moves, spoofing and splatting, flat spinning, loops, front flips, slalom racing. Random boulders in channels
• and more than we have room to mention here! So get out there and check it out for yourself!

For more information about the Truckee River Whitewater Park in downtown Reno, NV and to find other Places to Paddle in Nevada, click here to go to our Places to Paddle in Nevada page.

If You Go…Let Us Know! Click here to send us a note about the Truckee River Whitewater Park in downtown Reno, NV and we may publish your report right here on BornToPaddle.com!

For more information on kayak and canoe events, please check our BornToPaddle.com Kayak & Canoe – Races & Events Calendar pages.

Looking for paddling locations in your state?

Search our places to paddle page for places to kayak or canoe for flatwater or whitewater.  Kayaking and canoeing paddling locations are listed by U.S. State

Here are some great Kayaking & Canoeing Races and Events for May 2009!

Washington (State):
Go Wild Kayak Event, Saturday, May 2.
Inside Passage Kayak Expedition: The expedition will leave from Gig Harbor, Washington and continue on all the way up the coast of Washington, through the islands of Canada, and into the ports of Alaska.

Reno, Nevada
The 6th annual Reno River Festival, May 8-10.
This festival takes place in the heart of downtown Reno at the Truckee River Whitewater Park. Some of the events scheduled are, most extreme whitewater competition, charity raft race, open free style competition and whitewater clinics.

Michigan:
The Bushwhacker 2009 May 16 – May 21.
There are three different races. Solo or tandem teams and any type of canoe or kayak can be used. These events will start at Lumberjack Park, Riverdale, Michigan. The park is located on the pine river.
The Bushwhacker Sprint is a 10 mile paddle down the pine river to Sumner Park. Rental canoes will be available
The Bushwhacker Cruise is a 40 mile paddle. Paddle down the pine river to the town of Alma. This paddle is for boaters that do not wish to do the full 150 mile race, but want to spend a little more time on the water than the 10 mile sprint.
The Bushwhacker 150, this is a 150 mile race plus 7 miles portage. This race is on the Pine River and the Chippewa River.

New Jersey
The 37 annual Toms River Canoe and Kayak Race, Sunday May 17, 2009.
This event is held annually on the Toms River from Riverwood Park to Huddy Park. The race course is 8 miles. Categories are men’s, women’s, solo, tandem, family, youth, experienced and novice. According to their website, there will be free transportation for you & your boat to the starting point.

Maine
The 2nd Annual Aroostook River 60 mile canoe & kayak race, Sunday, May 17.
Paddlers will put in at the Ashland Boat launch area next to the Ashland Fish and Game Club. Kayaking and canoeing down the river to the finish line located at the boat loading area in Fort Fairfield. According to their website, this is the largest river race in the State Of Maine.

Click here to visit our kayak, canoe races and events page to find the links to these websites and to find many other races and events that are going on all year all over the U.S.

Do you have a kayak, canoe and paddling event you’d like us to feature on BornToPaddle.com? If so, click here to send us the info using our handy contact form.