Wisconsin may not be the obvious place to whitewater kayak, but it has plenty of whitewater rivers from which to choose. The whitewater of Wisconsin is a safer place to begin to experience whitewater kayaking and develop your skill before moving on to the serious whitewater.
Menominee River
The Menominee River is on the border of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Menominee River offers class III water and a 3/4-mile class-IV stretch called Piers Gorge. This river has some of the biggest drops in the state, including a 12-foot waterfall. Menominee is for the paddler looking for a rush.
Peshtigo River
The Peshtigo River is on the eastern side of Wisconsin and offers six whitewater hot spots ranging from class I to class III, or beginner to moderate. Each whitewater spot ranges from 5 to 9 miles long.
The Peshtigo River has the most constant flow of whitewater in Wisconsin. Paddlers will experience a series of class III rapids.
Wolf River
Also in the eastern part of Wisconsin, the Wolf River is a class II to class III. The whitewater is navigable for novices but does require some skill to paddle. Go with a guide or an experienced paddler. Never attempt to whitewater paddle for the first time without an experienced paddler to help you.
The upper half of the Wolf River is choice for whitewater kayaking and even has a few class IV "pool drops." Overall, the Wolf has about 30 miles of "runnable" water.
Artificial Whitewater Courses
The Wisconsin city of Wausau is one of the only manmade whitewater parks in Wisconsin. The park controls the water released, introducing or increasing whitewater into the course. This course holds races and Olympics trials. The park is open to the public on recreational release days with the proper equipment and an American Canoe Association membership.
Equipment
Do not attempt to paddle whitewater without the proper equipment. You need a well-fitting life jacket built for your height and build, even if you are a strong swimmer. Whitewater is rapid and the current can pound you into rocks or underneath strong water. A life jacket may help you to stay afloat in these situations. It is also very important to wear a helmet. The most exciting drops and rapids have the highest tip-over rate. Tipping over may result in a head or brain injury.
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