Rollin' on the River
How to get out on the Arkansas River this summer.
This spring, I did something I never imagined I would ever do in Kansas: I went kayaking on the Arkansas River. Prior to then, I had rarely noticed any boats on the river. It seems few Wichitans do. “I’d say there are a lot more people getting out on the river than what most people are aware because they go out on their own and you never see them,” says Chris Collins, a member of the Arkansas River Coalition and the Kansas Canoe and Kayak Association. The two associations alone have about 150 local members, many of whom are newcomers. Collins estimates there are about 2,000–3,000 people with canoes or kayaks in Wichita.
One reason that Kansas river rats go unnoticed is that two of the city’s best launching points are at Wichita’s southern outskirts, at Garvey Park (3501 S. Washington) and at 71st Street South. Paddlers launch canoes and kayaks at these points and often float downstream and away from downtown Wichita.
The Wichita Rowing Association is another way locals get out and enjoy the river. The association offers competitive and recreational rowing programs for any age, size or gender. “It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, big or little,” says Brian Adamson, the association’s president. “If you have the grace, then it doesn’t matter how strong you are.” Members can grab a shell and oars from the BG Boathouse (301 W. Indianapolis, 316-652-8833) and launch at the nearby dock.
I can attest from personal experience that getting out on the river provides both relaxation and exercise. Although kayaking the Arkansas is a far cry from navigating whitewater rapids found in places like Colorado, the river does demand close attention and the ability to quickly maneuver back and forth. Getting the kayaks on and off the river took some effort, but I found myself exerting the most energy trying to dislodge my boat after getting stuck on underwater sandbars. This is to be expected, as the Arkansas River isn’t known for being especially deep in this region.
Those looking for a less strenuous route can launch motorized watercraft at a ramp just south of the Wichita Boathouse, near the Lewis Street Bridge. Motorized boats can operate between the Lincoln Street Dam and Lewis Street Bridge, with a maximum speed of 40 miles per hour.
Despite popular opinion, the Arkansas River is cleaner and safer than many people suspect. “I think there’s a perception that the river’s a lot dirtier than it really is,” says Ben Huie, past president of the Arkansas River Coalition. “It does have its problems, but there’s one thing you have to keep in mind when you look at a river—a prairie stream is going to be kind of murky. It’s not as bad as people make it out to be.”
Getting out on the river is one of the best ways to ensure the Arkansas River remains safe for boating, says Huie. “I’m one of those people who believe the more we use it, the more we’re going to want to go out there and protect it,” he says.
And to boaters like Huie, the river is well worth protecting and enjoying. “It’s a great way to spend quality time with your friends and family and to enjoy nature; it gets you out of your office,” says Collins.
“It probably keeps me from going totally insane,” says Huie.
Just FYI ...
Arkansas River Bike Path:
If you want to enjoy the river’s beauty without getting wet, then biking along the Arkansas River Path is a great option. The path is the longest and most popular bicycle path in Wichita, stretching approximately 22.5 kilometers along the banks of the Big Arkansas River, from 21st Street North to Galena Street. The path provides access to Exploration Place, Lawrence Dumont Stadium, Wichita Ice Center, the Sedgwick County Zoo and multiple parks.
Motor Boats:
Motorized watercraft can be on the water from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and must obtain a daily permit for $7.50 prior to using the river or boat ramp. Permits can be obtained at the Department of Parks and Recreation Office located on the 11th floor of City Hall at 455 N. Main Street.
Fishing:
Fish for a wide variety of fish on the Arkansas, including channel and flathead catfish, carp, largemouth and white bass and sunfish. Popular fishing spots are at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers, the Wichita Valley Center Floodway Low Water Dam at 21st St. North, the water near the City of Wichita Wastewater Treatment Facility at 63rd Street South and the Lincoln Street Dam.
