Do you love adventure? Then you will love WOKA!

AAfter several years of anticipation, I visited WOKA Whitewater Park for an exciting afternoon with my husband and Tara Rittler, web and social media editor at TulsaKids. If you’ve never heard of WOKA, it stands for “The Waters of Oklahoma and Arkansas” – a premier destination for kayakers, surfers and tubing enthusiasts in Watts, Oklahoma. Although the park isn’t scheduled to open until late summer 2023, this summer will be its first fully operational season, and it’s already attracting enthusiasts from across the state.

What makes WOKA unique in this area of ​​the country is the real river conditions that no whitewater simulation facility can match. WOKA offers 8 features that can be enjoyed over and over again. For those who prefer to sit back and watch, there are shaded viewing areas near the water and lookout points atop two park buildings.

I tried a one-person tube first, which was fun but a little too passive for my taste, so I got a kayak instead. I loved navigating the class 2 and 3 rapids. I also enjoyed watching groups of friends and family go by in multi-person tubes. Other people chose not to rent a kayak from WOKA, but brought their own kayaks. It’s important to note that anything you bring from home must be suitable for whitewater. Tara, Peter and I met up at the pullout point and reflected on how much fun we had.

WOKA is one place I’m keen to take my teenager. However, all children under the age of a teenager must be very strong swimmers. Life jackets are an absolute must for all ages. You can rent them at WOKA and they are approved for up to 55 pounds. Whitewater is both fun and challenging, and WOKA is no exception. That’s one of the things I love about whitewater – the challenge makes it incredibly rewarding.

Are you looking for authenticity? Are you not afraid of physically demanding tasks? Then I can highly recommend a visit to WOKA for you and the older children in your family.

Things to know before your trip:

• WOKA has seasonal rentals, a store, and a concession stand. They are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but the park is open year-round if you bring your own equipment.
• Rental options include solo and tandem kayaks, solo and family tubes, surfboards, bodyboards and paddleboards. Prices range from $15/four hours (solo tubes) to $75/four hours if you want to try a little of everything.
• The park is cashless.
• Yes, there are changing rooms/toilets!
• Mountain bike trails are nearby.
• The kayaks you can rent are quite heavy, so if you are small like me, consider taking someone with you who can help you.
• A season pass costs $100 and an annual pass costs $200. This includes parking and discounts on concessions, rentals and merchandise.
• You must wear closed shoes.
• The 360-metre long water course starts with more difficult slopes that become easier as you go along. You can join at any point along the course and avoid the more difficult sections if you prefer.
• Follow WOKA on social media. Although the park is open year-round, it may be closed during floods.