Petoskey’s Hidden Sport

Whitewater Kayaking

Sept. 23, 2016

 

In the heart of the City of Petoskey is an attraction that would perhaps be more expected in the wilds of the Colorado River, the Nenana River in Alaska, or the Rogue River in Oregon: the Bear River Valley Recreation Area Whitewater Park, specifically crafted for kayaking fun and said to be the only whitewater park in northern lower Michigan.

The entire Bear River Recreation Area – a 36-acre, 1.5 mile-long valley park alongside Petoskey’s Bear River – underwent a $2.4 million facelift just a few years ago, and the river itself was part of that remodel. The park and the whitewater area both sit within a short walk of Petoskey’s downtown Historic Gaslight District, which is where the "unexpected" part comes in.

"The whitewater park is between Sheridan Street and Lake Michigan," said Al Hansen, director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Petoskey. "We basically re-engineered the river to do this, and we’re one of the first cities to do so in Michigan, although it’s common out in the western U.S. We worked with the design with [Ann Arbor] engineering firm Beckett and Raeder, and they subcontracted with a company out of Boulder, Col., to add drops and pools to the river to make it more navigable, so after the whitewater parts there would be spaces in the water to rest and rescue."

To take advantage of this recreational opportunity, you’ll need gear. If you don’t already have your own, Hansen said it’s easy to rent right in town; he recommends The Bahnhof. "What we suggest is the standard whitewater kayak, with the skirt that goes around your waist and over the kayak so it’s watertight. Inflatable kayaks are especially good, as they’re more forgiving and don’t tip as easily."

You’ll also need a helmet, gloves, and arm pads. "That’s because the bottom has lots of rocks, so it’s a pretty abrasive river. But the obstacles are what make such great white water!" Hansen said.

And, of course, you’ll need some white-water skills. But according to Hansen, the park is both friendly to beginners and a challenge for more experienced kayakers. "The lower part of the whitewater run is good for beginners or intermediate kayakers, depending on the time of year – it’s rated 1–2," Hansen said. "Then the upper section is rated 3–4, again depending on the season. During spring and fall, we get lots of water rushing through after storm events to make a pretty substantial rapids, and this is already probably the fastest-flowing river in northern Michigan. The upper rapids are really recommended only for advanced kayakers."

Hansen also added that 6 to 8 hours after a big rainstorm is a great time for those looking for a kayaking challenge. "That’s when the water’s high," he said, "so keep an eye on the weather to find out when the rapids will be wild." Spring is another great time for the white-water run as early melts and cold water make for good whitewater; Hansen mentioned that he’s even met people who have driven up from downstate just to kayak at the Bear River park. "We get a lot more people shooting the river when the water’s high," he said, "Fishermen enjoy the area, too. The re-engineered river also has created better fishing in the river, as the same conditions that aid kayakers help the fish habitat. And some people will visit not to kayak, but just to view the whitewater and the scenery," Hansen said. "It’s a gorgeous place, and what’s most neat about it is that it’s right in the middle of town."

Use of the Bear River Valley Recreation Area Whitewater Park is free and has two main entrances: one on downtown Petoskey’s Lake Street, across from the Petoskey Marina, and a second on Sheridan Street near US-31, where you’ll find a parking lot at the base of the hill. Learn more: petoskey.us (Parks and Recreation Dept.) or call 231-347-2500.

CLASSES OF WHITE WATER

aka The International Scale of River Difficulty for Whitewater Sports

CLASS 1: Very small rough areas, might require slight maneuvering. Skill Level: Very Basic

CLASS 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, might require some maneuvering. Skill Level: Basic Paddling

CLASS 3: Whitewater, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no considerable danger. Might require significant maneuvering. Skill Level: Intermediate

CLASS 4: Whitewater, medium waves, possible rocks, possibility of considerable drops, sharp maneuvers may be needed. Skill Level: Exceptional

CLASS 5: Whitewater, large waves, large volume, possibility of large rocks and hazards, possibility of large drops, requires precise maneuvering. Skill Level: Full Mastery of Rafting

CLASS 6: Considered to be so dangerous that it is effectively unnavigable on a reliably safe basis. Substantial whitewater, huge waves, huge rocks and hazards, substantial drops. Severe impact ratings on equipment. Skill Level: Full Mastery.