Charles, Massachusetts, US

Waltham Wave

Usual Difficulty	II (for normal flows)
Length	0.1 Miles
Avg. Gradient	10 fpm
Max Gradient	40 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
CHARLES RIVER AT WALTHAM, MA
usgs-01104500	1000 - 2000 cfs	II	00h34m	307 cfs (rc= -0.7 )

River Description

The Waltham Wave on the Charles River is a popular play spot located close to downtown Boston. Best levels are found in the spring and sometimes in the fall. Created by the granite block Bleechery Dam, the wave is available approximately 17 days a year when the flow of the Charles is over 1000 cfs.

Park-and-play all day, or just hit the river after work. The wave when up gives great opportunities to surf and spin, but is generally to shallow for bunts and loops. The best features are on river right and left, and there is room to roll, but be warned, it is shallow. If you fall off the wave there is a river right seam where you can get back on the wave, but its a workout

The area downstream of the dam was cleaned of shopping carts, tires, chairs and other urban junk in August of 2006 by Owen Curtin and Ed Bagdonas in coordination with DCR. There is no rebar, or other hazards other than being shallow and occasional rocks.

Technical info

Put in elevation........?'
Take out elevation......same
Total drop..............2'
Average drop/mile.......?'
Distance................0.01 miles
River width average.....?'
River geology...........tbd
River water quality.....tbd.
Scenery.................Urban/suburban.
Wildlife................Local clubs and bars.

Amenities

Gas/Convenience Stores..Many in area..
Nearest Restrooms.......Shaws supermarket next to the river.
Camping.................None, but lots of hotels..
Restaurants/Pizza/etc...Everywhere.

Regional Weather

Go here for a NOAA weather forecast.

Directions

Note that the directions below are to the Shaws parking lot on river left. You can also put in on river right 20 yards from the the DCR Charles Riverway (footpath) start; there are even steps there.

Take out - about a hundred yards down from the dam on river right. About a hundred yards up from the dam is a foot bridge - an easy walk.

From the West

Follow Route 20 (off 128) east to route 60; go to next light on route 20, take a right to River street (parallal to route 20) Shaws is straight ahead. Put in behind and slightly upstream of the supermarket where the tall fence ends.

From the South

Take the Pike to Newton Corner exit, head west on Washington Street, turn right on Walnut street, turn right on North street, go over the river and left at the first light. Turn into Shaws and park/put-in behind and slightly upstream of the supermarket.

Shaws Address

130 RIVER STREET
WALTHAM, MA 02453