When people think of Ohio, Im sure "surfing" is the last thing that would pop into one's head. With a pretty strong paddling community and Five Rivers Metroparks, man made whitewater features have been getting built all over. Now I have somewhere to surf locally at almost every single level. The problem is there really isnt a website or post with all the beta for the newbie paddlers or anyone traveling to Dayton. So here it is! Every whitewater park in the Dayton area with beta, links to water guages, and what levels are good to surf or playboat
Eastwood Metropark- Mad River
Beginner
How to Get There: Map
Off Harshman ave, pull into the park entrance at the light parallel with the river. The other entrance is for the lake. Follow the road into the park until it dead ends into a parking lot. River Access is on the right (river left side)
The Feature: This was one of the first features in Dayton built. Its changed several times and been rebuilt due to flood damage. The surfer's right wave is the main feature and is good to surf between 350-800 cfs. Anything over it begins to get flushy. There's not much drop so the wave isnt very big. I think it's the most fun around 500-600 cfs where the foam pile is the highest and retentive although Ive noticed changes in it lately and just a few cfs can make all the difference. This is a great wave to learn on and is very easy access for surfer left or right. There is also a 2nd drop that is fun to run but wave is more natural and difficult to surf with how small it is.
River Scape Feature - Great Miami River
Beginner
How to Get There: Map
Its about 3.5 miles down river from Eastwood so you can paddle there or just park downtown at River Scape Metropark.
The Feature: River right is the beginner canoe chute, river left is the main surf feature. Its got a quick fast drop and is more of a kayak hole but better for a SUP or short board on surfers right of the wave although at lower levels you can surf all the way across. This can be a fun feature for a SUP at lower levels. I think best is 26' or under but the levels are still being explored since this is the newest feature. (images soon)
Water Guage Link
Art Museum Feature- Great Miami
Beginner-Intermediate
How to Get There: Map
Located less than half a mile down river from River Scape just past the I75 Bridge. Parking is still being constructed but there is a gravel lot across from the art museum and dayton masonic temple. You can also park across the street near the temple. You then walk down the steep embankment to get to the bike path next to the feature.
The Feature:
River Left is the easier canoe chute and River Right is the main surf feature. Its got a long, tall and fast drop. At high levels, above 26' its great for a kayak and is more of a bouncy play hole. Once it gets under 26' its more consistent and greens out below 23.5' and is great for a short board or SUP. Eddies are great on both sides for surfers left or right. Be cautious of the whirlpools in the wave train at higher levels. You can get pulled down for a few secs but will spit you out quick. At lower flows, isnt as much of an issue. (always wear a PFD and Helmet, reguardless of the wave or conditions) It's a wide wave and probably the most fun of all the waves when its at the right level
At flood stage at around 29', the main wave gets turbulent but a huge green glassy wave forms where the canoe chute is. Eddying is difficult and often only option is backwards entry. The swim and walk back up after can prove challenging as well. Definitely only attempt if you're a skilled paddler and surfer.
Snyder Park-Buck Creek-Springfield, Ohio
Beginner-Intermediate.
How to Get There: Map
Its about a 20 minute drive from Dayton but well worth it at right levels. Follow the map for Snyder Whitewater Park and the park will be on the right side, river left. Very easy to find and parking is right next to the river. Keep an eye on your belongings, reports of theft have occurred.
The River: Buck Creek is a great run for some whitewater. If you want to run the whole creek, start at the CJ resevoir and paddle down to Snyder Park for a 5 mile stretch. All together there is about 10 drops to run and possibly surf at the right levels. After the creek combines with the tributary creek, you'll go through some splashy water before hitting some limestone shelves, stay river left at the first drop. The Stadium wave is fun and surfable at around 2.75-3.5ft. You can drive there as well and park and play. Next is the art museum which has 2 kayak holes but not very good for surfing a sup. Another 3/4 mile you will reach Snyder Park where there is the last 4 drops.
The Features:
Drop #2 is a tighter wave thats more of a hole, great for playboating and short sups. Needs to be above 3.5 ft though
Drop #3 is by far my favorite at snyder park and is surfable above 3.5 and most fun around 4-4.5 ft. It becomes very fast and rentantive with shoulders on left and right which makes it perfect for carving and short boards.
Drop #4 is better at lower levels but washes out when its above 4ft. Can still be a fun wave to learn on.
Water Guage Link (click on plum st. guage)
Ill try and update info and images as I get them to keep it current since rivers and features change over time. If you have additional info that I may not have mentioned, dont hesitate to comment. More info on Dayton paddling can be found at whitewater warehouse, www.kayakdayton.com where you can sign up for classes, rent, and buy gear!