3 minute read
ROLLIN’ ON THE RIVER
ROLLIN’ ON THE RIVER by Sandi Solomonson
With a perfect summer in the forecast, you can expect the Reno/Lake Tahoe area to be bursting with outdoor activities.
In addition to a feast of concerts, special events and farmers markets, summer sports take center stage, drawing us out of our winter dens to dust off bikes, hiking boots, and water gear.
One of the many sports popular in this region is kayaking. On any given day, you can spot a rainbow of kayakers peacefully exploring Lake Tahoe’s tranquil waters, or surfing the waves on the mighty Truckee River.
Twisting its way through downtown Reno, the Truckee River provides nature’s playground for families and sport enthusiasts alike. The Truckee River Whitewater Park, located in the heart of downtown Reno, teems with energy. In 2003, the Biggest Little City had the foresight to create this visionary water sports park.
Charles Albright, locally known as The Godfather of Kayaking, was instrumental in getting the park engineered and built. “It helped revitalize downtown Reno. People traveling across the USA stop all the time to enjoy the park; it brought more focus to the community”, said Albright. With a passion for kayaking, this charismatic 70-year old kayaked a whopping 203 days last year at the park.
The river park is open year ‘round and offers a 1/2 mile of adrenaline pumping action with 11 drop pools, class 2 and 3 rapids, slalom track, and 5 play pools. You’ll hear devotees chatting about maneuvers such as front flips, spoofing or splatting, and throwing ends. The park is an excellent place for novice kayakers to discover this wet-n-wild sport.
With over 7,000 tons of smooth flat-top rocks and boulders lining the river banks, it’s easy to be a side-line spectator or just relax in the shady grass with a picnic. Multiple river access points, including ramps for disabled sun seekers, beckon you to wade, swim, or enjoy a quick river float on a raft or inner tube.
The convenient urban location means you’re walking distance to downtown restaurants, casinos, and events. No wonder USA Today named this urban park in their “10 Best of Reno.”
As the region re-opens its doors, Reno is thrilled to welcome back the Reno River Festival (renoriverfestival. com) June 12-13th. At this community event, get ready to cheer on kayakers demonstrating their flips, cartwheels, and slalom racing in their brightly colored boats. Plus, enjoy local crafters, live music, and a bounty of delectable cuisines. The perfect outing for families, water sport lovers of all ages, and visitors alike, plan on spending a day (or two) at this lively, annual festival.
For a more zenful approach to kayaking, head over to Lake Tahoe. With 72 miles of diverse shoreline, there’s no better way to experience the legendary waters of North America’s largest Alpine lake than through the rhythmic paddling of a kayak.
At water level, you really experience the massiveness of this famed body of crystal clear water. From your kayak, view ancient underwater crystal lake beds, subsurface cliffs dropping into an abyss, or serene moments-of-absolute-peace-andquiet. Let yourself be hypnotized by the grandeur of the surrounding mountains or simply laugh yourself silly with a water fight. Afterall, what’s summer without some good ol’ fashioned fun.
The lake is speckled with public launch sites and a host of excellent rental companies ready to gear you up for a day of adventure. Or, just sign up for a guided tour for the whole family.
Picture this-paddling up to shore, savoring a leisurely lunch at one of Lake Tahoe’s beach front restaurants, groovin’ to some live music, then returning to the pristine waters for a sunset paddle. You’ll be laughing and reminiscing about your day with friends and family for years to come.
Author Lailah Gifty Akita said, “A calm water is like a still soul.” So this summer, we invite you to grab a kayak, make new memories, be awestruck and prepare to quiet and enrich your soul-one paddle at a time.
