Charles City Whitewater – 2017

The surf season at Charles City Whitewater was yet another great year. We had water for most of season starting in January and lasting through July with one last high water hurrah in October. Our Double D Wave was in top form with surfing available from 750cfs to 5500cfs this season. We were fortunate to have Tew Shanez Wave appear several times too.

 

This season was one to remember in that I got a Badfish SK8, further expanding my shortboard skills. This board is so much fun! I got the 5’-6” as my waves are relatively slow. The board floats perfect and is fast enough to surf the Charles City waves with ease. After several trial and error attempts, I got some 360s on the SK8 in July. Using my paddle with the SK8 is a blast too, snappy and carvy with the extra leverage.

I also got the ISK8 later in the season. As I suspected, it’s perfect for those low water days and for beginning surfers. Bailey Ogle got her first long surfs on the ISK8 during the October high water days. The smile on her face is apparent just how much fun it is.

The River Surfer 611 and IRS continue to be surf staples at the whitewater park. The River Surfer excels at performing tricks; 360s and shove its being some of my favorties. Several novice surfers got their first surfs in no time on the IRS this season. This board works great for tandem surfing with kids too. Bailey Ogle graduated from the IRS to the River Surfer, racking up longer and longer rides. It’s smiles for days!

2017 was a great season capturing the rainfall and surfing as much as we could stand. I can hardly wait for more rain. If you find yourself in Iowa, lets surf!

-Hannah Ray J

PC: Marty Colbert