Whether you choose The Lower Mountain Fork River, the Kiamichi River, the Glover River, The Washita River or the Spring River in the far northeast, plan for great fun paddling the Oklahoma outdoors. Despite the cold winters here in Oklahoma, Dianne and I manage to find decent weather for kayaking about 11 months out of the year.

During times when the water conditions on Oklahoma's rivers seems less than perfect for paddling, try paddling some Oklahoma lakes or heading South.  Our  Oklahoma Kayaking Blog just did a post on Southern kayaking destinations for Okie Paddlers.

The Oklahoma Road Trips site has added a couple new pages that offer some paddling alternatives for Ozark area kayak and canoe enthusiasts.  The first new page describes several paddling trips in the Okmulgee, Oklahoma area.  Kayak trips on the Deep Fork River, Dripping Springs Lake and Lake Okmulgee.  The second new page describes paddling trips and outfitters in nearby Eureka Springs, AR.  Prefer Kayak Photography to paddling trip reports? Check the Oklahoma Road trips home page for links to slideshows for waterways all around the Sooner State.

Looking to meet other Oklahoma paddlers?  Try the new Yahoo Group for Flatwater Paddlers.  Got some tips to share?  Leave a comment on our Oklahoma Kayaking Blog.

Lower Mountain Fork River June 2006

Canoeing, kayaking and rafting (AKA Paddlesports) are clearly flourishing in Oklahoma. Since my wife and I started kayaking last summer we have spoken to hundreds of Oklahoma folks who are trying their hand at this exciting and healthy sport.

Since Oklahoma doesn't offer much in the way of elevation, many Oklahomans are flatwater kayakers. Although, there are a few outstanding whitewater holes in the state, like the Tulsa Wave, recreational kayakers have a wealth of lakes, rivers and reservoirs to paddle throughout the year. In fact, the newly named Oklahoma River in Oklahoma City is quickly becoming a favored venue for competitive rowing championships!

OKC Kayak Rental - Paddle the Oklahoma River

Kayak Rental is now available in Oklahoma City at the new Chesapeake Boathouse.  It's open to everyone ages 8 and older. Boathouse members have access to their fleet of kayaks during open rowing times, and even if you're not a member, you can rent a kayak through a program sponsored by Oklahoma City University.

Kayak rentals are available March through October during daylight hours, Monday– Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. The last rental of the day is one hour before boathouse closing check the calendar for current hours at the Chesapeake Boathouse. Cost is $10 per hour for a single, $15 for a double. No reservation is required for kayak rental on the Oklahoma River.

The Chesapeake Boathouse in OKC also offers a full complement of kayaking lessons and trips.   To learn about more Oklahoma kayaking spots visit OklahomaRoadTrips.com and the Kayak Oklahoma Blog.

You can read about some of the kayaking my wife and I have enjoyed by visiting our blog: PaddleTales or you can see some pictures of our Oklahoma area adventures on our Flickr pages. We are also members of the Oklahoma Flatwater Paddlers Group. Join up and maybe we can go kayaking together someday.

If the kayaking the Lower Mountain Fork River, sounds to heavy for you, Oklahoma Water Parks are a no-brainer for summertime Oklahoma fun. 

Tulsa Water Park

Big Splash Water Park
4707 East 21st Street
Tulsa, OK 74159
918-749-7385
http://www.bigsplashwaterpark.com/
Open until September

Enid Water Park

Splash Zone
1122 Trails West
Enid, OK 73703
http://www.splashz.com/

Ponca City Water Park

Sun' n Fun Water Park
8900 Lake Road
Ponca City, Ok
(580) 762-3152
1-888-768-0106

Oklahoma City Water Park

Whitewater Bay Water Park
Located just off I-40 in OKC. Take the Meridian Avenue exit, then go north to Reno. Turn right on Reno and travel 1/2 mile. Call 405-943-9687 for more information.

Ardmore Community Waterpark

506 3rd St. NE
580-223-2147
www.ardmorecity.com

Once a fifty year old swimming pool, the Ardmore Water Park is now the city's newest recreational attraction with all the elements of a major water theme park. The new Water Park features twisting slides, water basketball, and a zero-depth entry pool for young children.

More Oklahoma Gift Ideas.