This downtown river experience will float your boat - or paddleboard
Have you ever wanted to spend a Saturday floating down the Arkansas River? Now’s your chance.
This summer, the Wichita Department of Park and Recreation is partnering with SUPWichita for a second year, allowing visitors to rent a kayak or paddleboard for an open float down the Arkansas River on Saturdays from noon-3 p.m. through Aug. 18. Kayaks are $10 per hour and paddleboards are $15 per hour.
SUPWichita is a paddleboard rental service that started in May 2017. The company offers stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, and paddleboard yoga, operating mainly out of OJ Watson Park.
Troy Houtman, director of Park and Recreation, said the partnership with SUPWichita began with an opportunity to supplement the city’s kayak rentals at OJ Watson Park. From there came the idea to do some activities on the Arkansas River as well.
“The activities all filled up really well and it was a great partnership,” Houtman said. “Stand-up paddleboarding is a pretty interesting activity because you have to use different parts of your body for propulsion and it really works your core muscles.”
After receiving basic technique instruction and safety, paddleboarders and kayakers are free to roam the river.
Houtman said the partnership with SUPWichita also started a series of sunrise and sunset tours on the river.
“The best time to be on the river is first thing in the morning because the water is flat and smooth or at the end of the day when it’s not so hot,” Houtman said. “It’s an hour and a half tour, so you can actually watch the sun setting and the sky turn to twilight. It’s amazing.”
Last weekend the Wichita Community Foundation celebrated Activate the Ark, educating Wichitans on why the Arkansas River is “so much more than just a body of water that runs through Wichita,” according to the Facebook event listing.
Houtman said a lot of people came out and supported the event.
“That’s what the river is for, and it’s great for people to enjoy it,” Houtman said. “It’s a great asset that we need to use a bit more of and I want to help. Everyone always says there’s not much to do in Wichita, but there are a lot of folks doing exciting things, things that are a bit off the beaten path.”
Free parking is available at the lot south of the Gander Mountain building under Kellogg at 605 S. Wichita St. The event is first come, first serve and pre-registration is not available. Guests can bring their own kayak or paddleboard, but must sign a waiver before participating.
Kayak and SUP Rentals
What: Kayak and paddleboard rentals
Where: Arkansas River at the Wichita Boathouse boat ramp near 605 S. Wichita.
When: Noon-3 p.m. Saturday July 7, 14, 21; Aug. 4, 11, 18
Cost: Kayaks are $10 per hour, paddle boards are $15 per hour. Cash only.
Sunrise and Sunset Tours
What: Kayak and paddleboard tour on the river
Where: Arkansas River, launches from the Cowtown boat ramp and guests float to the Wichita Boathouse.
When: Sunrise tours- Aug. 25 at 6:15 a.m., Sept. 15 at 6:15 a.m.
Sunset tours- July 13, 28 at 7:15 p.m.; Aug. 3 at 7 p.m., Aug. 17 at 6:45 p.m., Sept. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $30 per person. Includes equipment rental, food, beverages and transportation back to the starting point. Advance registration is required. Register online or by calling 316-268-4361.
SUPWichita
What: Stand-up paddleboarding
Where: OJ Watson Park, 3022 S. McLean Blvd.
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-8 p.m., Sundays from 1-4:30 p.m. through Sept. 2
Cost: $10 for 30 minutes, $15 for one hour, $25 for two hours
What: Stand-up paddleboarding
Where: Arkansas River near the Wichita Boathouse boat ramp.
When: Saturdays, 12-3 p.m. through Sept. 1
Cost: $10 for 30 minutes, $15 for one hour, $25 for two hours
What: Paddle Board Yoga
Where: OJ Watson Park, 3022 S. McLean Blvd.
When: July 14 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Cost: $20 per person
This story was originally published July 6, 2018 at 6:32 PM.