Who likes to paddle? Well I know Pokey22 does NOT! So I know she'll love this event because paddles are not required. Perhaps you will too!
READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION SO THAT YOU DON'T MISS SOMETHING!
This is a Totally Tubular event at the Manchester Whitewater Park for the whole family. Yep that's right. All you need is something to keep your head above water (because you need to breathe). Is that a tube, pfd (life jacket), noodles, kayak, boogie board, or just some arm floaties. Whatever works for you! I highly recommend a tube and a pfd, but it's up to you. They do recommend wearing a helmet. I never wore one as a kid on my bike, so my skull is used to being my only protection. To each their own. You used to be able to rent tubes here, but that went away last year with the COVID stuff. So bring your own floating equipment. You should also plan on bringing water shoes that won't fall off for ease of getting in and out of the river and the hike back to the starting location.
We will meet on the grassy knoll between the parking lot and the river (See Meeting Place - Reference Point Waypoint) between 9:30am - 10:00am so we can pump up our tubes, arm floaties, etc. and then hit the river at 10am sharp to get to the posted coordinates. The posted coordinates is between the the first "drop" in the river and the second "drop." You WILL need to get to the posted coordinates in order to claim the smiley for this event sometime during the duration of this event.
There is a changing room / restrooms nearby. So you can change back into your dry geocaching gear after the event or when you decide to leave.
I plan to keep an eye on the river levels and flow rates and may have to make adjustments, postpone or cancel this event, if necessary. If I do, I will make an announcement. Please post a 'Will Attend' so you receive these announcements and everyone is on the same page.
You can stay after the event as long as you want. Brings some beverages, have lunch, and do it all over again and again. This is my plan anyway.
There are two live webcams (unfortunately NOT geocaching webcams) that show the current conditions at the Park which is kinda fun to watch every once in a while. WEBCAM 1 WEBCAM 2
The following is all the information you need to know about the Manchester Whitewater Park:
This website has all the information below plus more: Manchester Whitewater Park
WHEN IS THE PARK OPEN? The Whitewater Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round. The City of Manchester does not close the river. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) would be the only agency allowed to close the river, and it’s not likely to happen.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Zero. Because of gracious donors, the Whitewater Park is open to the public and there is no cost or admission to ride the river.
WHERE DO I GET IN? Anywhere you want.
HOW LONG IS THE RIDE? There are 6, 18 inch drops and spans over 800 feet in length.
HOW DO I GET BACK? There is a paved trail to walk back to the start of the course, or you can continue to float along the Maquoketa River as far as you’d like and make arrangements for pick-up with friends or outfitters.
HOW HIGH IS THE RIVER? Recreational users of the river need to use their judgement to determine when the river is too much for them. Click on the following link to check out the current flow rates and water level of the Maquoketa River.
Links to River Levels and Information:
American Whitewater – Manchester Whitewater Park paddling info and River levels
NOAA site – Maquoketa River Flow Rates and River Levels
USGS site – Maquoketa River Info and River Levels
We suggest that below 250cfs (flow rate) is preferred for tubers and recreational kayaker’s interested in playing at the park, while reducing the risks that increase above that level. The river is always a wild place where there is risk. Minimize your risk by wearing proper water shoes, a properly fitted and secured pfd (life jacket), and a helmet – since the rocks are very unforgiving. Have fun – play safely!
PARK DEVELOPMENT: Reconstruction of the river began upstream of Marion Street and extended downstream toward the CN railroad bridge. Construction of the whitewater course included: removal of the existing Marion Street dam, construction of 6 “drop” features, development of spectator locations, and shoreline restoration and beautification.
The primary whitewater features are called “U structures”. These elements create waves or holes catering to recreational and freestyle kayakers and fishermen. Constructed using large, grouted rocks anchored into the bed and bank of the river, the structures have a gradual slope allowing for fish passage to the large pools located downstream of each feature. Construction of the course relied heavily on the addition of large rocks and anchor systems to channel the natural flow of the river so as to create rapid moving water in channels. The primary in-stream users are whitewater enthusiasts including kayakers, canoeists, rafters, tubers, swimmers and boogie board/surfers.
PARK ADDRESS: 300 West Main Street, Manchester, IA 52057
PARKING AND ACCESS: Public parking is available at 300 West Main Street. This is also adjacent to the Whitewater Park’s access point and 1st feature.
Hope to see you there!