Canoe and Kayak – Wausau, Wisconsin

This July the American Canoe Association is once again holding its National and North American Open Canoe Championships in the lovely and always welcoming town of Wausau, Wisconsin. This is followed by the Midwest Freestyle Championships in August; just two of the many canoe and kayak related events held at this internationally recognised white-water location.

White Water Park – Wausau

Held on the rapids of the Wisconsin River in downtown Wausau’s White Water Park, the Open Canoe Slalom Competition draws competitors and spectators from around the world. The championships this year take place July 12-14 and features men’s, women’s and mixed class races with both tandem and solo canoes. Fans too can see and feel the thrill of the rapids as this spectator friendly park brings the white-water event up close with its riverside bleachers that allow for excellent views of the action.

Image courtesy: Philip Schwarz Photography. International Canoe Federation’s 2012 Junior Canoe Slalom World Championships Wisconsin.
Image courtesy: Philip Schwarz Photography. International Canoe Federation’s 2012 Junior Canoe Slalom World Championships Wisconsin.

Wausau has for decades played host to many world-class kayak and canoe competitions and the city’s white-water program has even been recognised as a Center of Excellence by the United States Canoe and Kayak Team who have in the past used the rapids for a U.S. training site.

Image courtesy: Philip Schwarz Photography. International Canoe Federation’s 2012 Junior Canoe Slalom World Championships Wisconsin.
Image courtesy: Philip Schwarz Photography. International Canoe Federation’s 2012 Junior Canoe Slalom World Championships Wisconsin.
Image courtesy: Philip Schwarz Photography. International Canoe Federation’s 2012 Junior Canoe Slalom World Championships Wisconsin.
Image courtesy: Philip Schwarz Photography. International Canoe Federation’s 2012 Junior Canoe Slalom World Championships Wisconsin.

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This thrilling site is not only for the experienced paddlers. There are many recreational events held throughout the year as well as lessons for beginners and those with varying degrees of skill. Wausau Whitewater is a non-profit organisation that works to advance paddle sport educational activities to kayak and canoe enthusiasts and is an excellent resource for information or events.

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For a more leisurely kayak…

For those who may prefer a more leisurely pace, Wausau has many other inviting canoe and kayak areas. Beautiful Lake Wausau is an almost two thousand acre lake and the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. Surrounded by residential areas, parks and public lands there are four public boat landings for access. Lake Wausau is the perfect fishing spot too where Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass and Panfish are common.

Wausau lies between Minneapolis and Green Bay, in the heart of Central Wisconsin and the Wisconsin River Valley. The area’s main commercial airport – Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) is located just 12 miles south of Wausau and is served by American, Delta and United.

There are lots of great things to do in this town and you won’t want to miss anything! Happy travels everyone.

About the author

An American / Australian writer, Todd Sturm contributes travel and airline related feature articles for travel brands, publications, websites and blogs. Todd has also worked in the airline industry on both sides of the Pacific, with nearly 20 years experience. His travel passions range from airlines, cruises and luxury hotels, to national parks, historic sites and off-the-beaten-track adventures.