Pecatonica, Illinois, US

Sumner Park / Zen Wave (PnP)

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
PECATONICA RIVER AT FREEPORT, IL
usgs-05435500	600 - 1300 cfs	II	00h50m	709 cfs (rc= 0.1 )
	Reportedly 'best' play at these flows. Gauge (1,326 sq.mi. drainage) is 16+ miles upstream (Freeport). Drainage at Pecatonica ~1.29 times that at Freeport, so flow at this site may be 25-30% higher.

River Description

A playspot develops for local (Rockford area) boaters at relatively low/moderate flows.
(Don't expect too much -- In general, I wouldn't drive more than a half-hour or so for it. YMMV.)

Matthew Cooper provides (2008.10.25):

I spent a few days last week playing at the Zen wave around 970cfs -1000cfs. These levels make it possible for some good enders and cartwheels in some areas. Bring your short-playboat and your beater paddle (lots of rock in the current)! Seal launch downstream the muddy slopes to the river (it looks steep but the mud is sticky and slow).

Avoid the far river right channel with the stone building remnants. There is a lot of wood in it. Immediately after that there is some picky surf available. There is a little wave with a glassy green tongue that you can front surf in. Be careful, there are rocks everywhere and it is shallow. I suspect that at higher water that this tongue might make a fairly pushy and good bow squirt, but again rocks. Surf or ferry over, there are more little waves, a few which you can carve side to side if you keep your paddle planted in the current.

Upcoming is the main flow of the river. There are two surfable waves here. The upsteam wave is kinda tricky and a hard paddle to get to. The second wave is the biggest on the river (still tame though). Catch it on side surf and carve around. (I've been trying to do flatspins in it but keep getting washed out.) When you do get washed out, paddle hard to your left (river right) and catch a not-so obvious underwater eddy with boils all around it. The big wave will be just to your right. Here it is possible to throw some big enders and squirts without getting bashed up. Keep paddling hard right through the eddy into the current and dip your bow down, the biggest push to be had is right there. There is a very nice eddy to the right (river left) of the main flow.

After getting washed out of the wave in the main flow, paddle up this eddy. There is a smaller wave/hole to your right (river left) with a solid eddy line that makes for the best play out here. Its a good side surf and you can flat spin. But with a left side approach you can double pump and throw squirts, cartwheels, helicopters, and stalls. Aim for the lower part of the wave as the top of it has a rock that will impede you from getting very vertical. I love this little spot, and I imagine that at higher levels the wave may get washier but may allow some big squirts (even for longer boats) and maybe some mystery moves. When you either flip or get washed out here there is one rock under the water but its pretty deep, Just relax and roll downstream a bit. There is massive eddy service far river left.

This is probably the only playspot around, and only rapids anywhere around the Rockford area, its a worthwhile little trip. The drive is really simple and there are no major consequences at the playspot. If anyone would like to have someone to paddle with in the local area I'd warmly welcome a river buddy. You can contact Matt Cooper at 912 341 9009 or just leave a comment here.

Peace, Coop

The following YouTube video shows some of the play possible at Pecatonica's "Zen Wave".



See photos of this spot at Team Dirt Clod Gallery