Arkansas, Oklahoma, US

Tulsa Wave (PnP)

Wave Day at the Tulsa Wave

Wave Day at the Tulsa Wave
Photo by Juan Carlos Olaya taken 06/15/02 @ 12,500 cfs

Gauge Information

River Description

Steve Plisco posted on Boater Talk, on Mar 25 2001 and Jun 17 2001:

The Tulsa Wave is the only large-volume playspot between the Rockies and the Appalachian mountains. The Wave is used by boaters in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana and any boater traveling from one mountain range to another. With flows of 6,000 to 40,000 being constricted into a 50 yard area with a flat rock bottom the potential is fantastic.

Some repairs to the wave have been made and at this time we have several waves and one good hole at 9500 cfs. We have not seen the waves at the prime level (12000 cfs) since the repairs have been made. All indications are we will have a good-sized hole at this level. We are still waiting to launch another concrete structure to create more waves closer to shore.

The Parks Authority has already said that they like the idea but they haven't seen how many kayakers it could bring in since the numbers of boaters fell off after the wave train was destoyed by 100,000-cfs flows. By having a large number of boaters and families coming to the event we can show the city that a whitewater park in Tulsa is a good investment.

At 12,000 cfs we have a medium size hole that gives multiple ends easily. At 24,000 cfs there are several small waves to the outside of the wavetrain and a medium size wave in front of the benches. I installed a 13' by 13' awning over the benches so we will have shade during the summer. Our original shade tree is slowly dying from old age.

There is now easy access to the wave on the west side of the river. The Parks Authority just recently installed a new trail above the river. The Wave is located at the 31st and riverside area in Tulsa, west bank of the river. If you paddle across from the East side do not run the breaks in the jetty. There is rebar and rusty metal just under the water. The waves and holes look good there but don't be fooled. Go to the west bank and run down through the wave train. You can play to your heart's content along the west bank waves. I will be taking a bulldozer and removing the metal when the water goes down. I will also be building up the waves by positioning the rocks for maximum play!!

You are welcome to come over and play anytime. The locals are extremely friendly and always ready to lend a helping comment or to razz you when you get hammered :-)

"Tulsa County commissioners approved a trail Thursday that would provide access to a section of the Arkansas River favored by kayakers.

Approval of the trail is contingent on determining who will be responsible for its upkeep and liability costs.

Local kayakers call this area of the river on the west bank just below the AEP-PSO power plant at 3600 S. Elwood Ave. the "Tulsa wave."

The trail will connect River Parks' bike trail to the banks of the Arkansas River, where kayakers like to paddle."

Check out http://www.tulsawave.com/, a new (as of 7/11/02) site which should have lotsa good beta on this spot.

Juan Carlos Olaya testifies:

The Wave is best from 11,000 cfs to about 13,800. We are currently trying to fix the wave as some boulders have shifted and taken away a few waves. The hole is still fun, but if it can definately be better. We are hoping for the city of Tulsa to help, but efforts have been shut down. Currently the fix is being funded by kayaking enthusiasts in Tulsa and Arkansas.

Dan_Daniel posted on Boater Talk:

Steve Plisco of Stronghold Gear Storage deserves special mention because he is the one spearheading the effort to get the city of Tulsa to realize the potential of this spot. It's connected to downtown Tulsa by a multiuse trail. As you surf, you are looking directly into the Tulsa Skyline. The waves are located directly between Downtown and the city soccer fields, all connected by the trails.