Whitewater is a perennial favorite summertime activity in Reno. The Truckee River that runs through downtown Reno was once blocked from view with concrete walls and was mostly an eyesore frequented by the homeless community. In 2003 it received a makeover and was transformed into a high-caliber whitewater park. “Park” is a rather misleading name because it is still the natural river, but the concrete barriers were removed, specially designed “drop pools” were constructed out of rocks and natural materials and the two channels of the river now run around an island, Wingfield Park, that boasts an outdoor amphitheater and park setting.
The 11 drop pools are professional level, depending on the natural flow of the river, and kayakers spend their days practicing tricks and maneuvers in the river, just steps from the downtown casinos. The park is open year-round and free of charge.
The change in the river has enlivened the community, and inspired art galleries, wine shops, cafes, boutiques and a "wine walk" to open along the river. Wingfield Park is now a popular respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
To celebrate the river and highlight kayaking in Reno, an annual Reno River Festival takes place at Wingfield Park. The Reno River Festival, held in early- to mid-May, has become one of the top whitewater kayaking events in the world. The river event consistently draws world champions to downtown Reno for three days of fierce and fun freestyle and slalom competition. The highlight of this event is the pro freestyle competition that has brought competitors like four-time World Freestyle winner Eric Jackson in the men’s freestyle competition and World Freestyle champion and Team Reno trainer Ruth Gordon in the women’s pro freestyle competition. The current second- and third-place world freestyle champs are Stephen Wright and Andrew Holcomb, who gave Jackson a run for his money last year. You won’t want to miss the excitement and action of this popular event.
The festival also features an invitational freestyle competition, a downriver race, a hilarious and thrilling boater-cross race and free instructional clinics. These clinics run the gamut from beginner-level kayaking to advanced instruction with the pros. There’s also food, live music all day long, a movie in the park and a vendor expo.
For more information on the Reno River Festival, log on to www.renoriverfestival.com.