There’s waves in the Midwest?! Yes!
Iowa
Charles City, IA
Charles City Whitewater Park is home to Iowa’s first whitewater park. The park is approximately 1200ft long with 3 distinct features for surfers and whitewater kayakers.
The waves at Charles City are rain dependent. Generally flows are best in spring/early summer. If fall rains prevail, flows can be good into fall/early winter too. It all depends on how much and where the rain falls. End of July, August, Sept are typically the lowest flowing months.
Riverside camping at R Campground is just downstream of the park and there are several restaurants within walking distance of the ww park.
DD Wave
DD Wave is the main surf feature at Charles City. Best river levels for this wave are approximately 1000-1400cfs and 4000-5500cfs. Check American Whitewater for flows and additional beta: AW Charles City Flows
While the ranges above are the prime levels, DD Wave has been surfed as low as 250cfs and as high as 15,000cfs. The wave changes character with flow. Below 1000cfs, the wave can be green or completely foamy and is typically pretty shallow. From approximately 1500-3800 cfs the wave gets flatter and tougher to surf. You are going to need a fast board and skillz. Above 5500cfs, eddy access disappears and you must catch on the fly. Above 15K the wave is washed out.
Full Shanez Wave
This wave at Charles City seems to have a mind of it’s own. It’s usually a foamy, rodeo hole that freestyle kayakers play in, known as Tew Shanez most of the time. But every once in a while, the wave turns totally green and its Full Shaning time that you won’t want to miss.
The best flows for Full Shanez is approximately 1700-2500 cfs. It can still be green sometimes below 1700 cfs, but the wave loses its power and becomes mushy, shallow and tough to surf. When this rare treat of a wave is in at prime flows and is green…its a must surf. It’s a wave that is unpredictable in regards to when its green and when it’s foam, you just have to keep checking it.
Manchester, IA
The Manchester Whitewater Park spans approximately 1000 feet on the Maquoketa River in downtown Manchester. This park was built for the 98%. The six features are largely designed for beginners (kayaks, SUPs, boogie boards, canoes, tubes, swimmers) and aquatic habitat improvements. On warm summer days expect the park to be filled with tubers, swimmers, and onlookers.
The waves at Manchester are rain dependent. Generally flows are best in spring/early summer. If fall rains prevail, flows can be good into fall/early winter too. It all depends on how much and where the rain falls. End of July, August, Sept are typically the lowest flowing months.
There are two features that provide some mild surf at higher flows. Best flows for High Stakes wave and #5 are approximately 500-1000 cfs. Features #1, #3, and #5 can be surfed lower with a high volume, inflatable board or SUP, but the wave is more of a foam bump and is very shallow. Check American Whitewater for flows and additional beta: AW Manchester Flows
Cedar Falls, IA
This river park has multiple features that are geared towards beginners to get an introduction into moving water. Those new to river surfing can gain some board familiarity riding these foamy features. Excellent eddy access and a beautifully terraced river bank make an inviting river park for multiple users.
The waves at Cedar Falls are rain dependent. Flows are generally high in the spring and lower in the summer/fall, but it all depends on how much rain falls and where.
Check American Whitewater for flows and additional beta: AW Cedar Falls Flows
The main multi-wave feature at Cedar Falls is Prairie Rapids. Flows and surf vary from approximately 2000-6500 cfs at this feature.
Bronco comes in at 6000-13000 cfs and Waterheater comes in 6000-10000 cfs.
Nebraska
Norfolk, NE
This river park in eastern NE features a surf specific wave at the top of the whitewater course. The wave is rain dependent and also dependent on how much water they are releasing into the North Fork. The surf wave is better at medium to high flows. While it can be surfed at low flows, it gets shallow. Access to the wave is great for beginners learning how to surf.
Below the wave the river park continues through town with mellow whitewater features designed for beginner river users and tubers.
Check out North Fork Outfitting for board rentals. For additional info check: North Fork Whitewater Park
