Wave Description

Tulsa Wave Park is a whitewater park on the Arkansas River in Tulsa, Oklahoma, immediately downstream of Zink Lake and the Williams Crossing pedestrian bridge. It is very close to the Gathering Place / Riverside area. The park opened in September 2024. It is part of the replacement of the old Zink Dam which has had a history of dangerous hydraulics and drownings. It is unique in that it has double controls. First the water flowing into the park and the adjustable waves with flaps like Denver RRP.

picture credit to Tylerr Harris

The approximately 1,000-foot-long park contains seven different play zones designed for surfing, kayaking and tubing.

The park was designed by McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group, which designed RRP and WOKA. There used to be an older kayak wave on the west side of the dam, but that has largely been washed away.

The actual wave is approx 16-20 feet across so similar to RRP 6 or half the width of Salida/New Pueblo, but it tends to be quite steep and relatively tall, making it fast and very short board friendly. Like other similar waves, entry can be suitcase drop or sit and try to stand up.

Gauge / Conditions

The best nearby river gauge is USGS 07164500 — Arkansas River at Tulsa. However, the USGS river flow by itself does not tell you whether Tulsa Wave Park is surfable.

Water entering Zink Lake ultimately depends on releases from Keystone Dam, but flow into the whitewater park is controlled through the Zink Lake gates. River Parks can adjust the amount of water entering the park and the configuration of some of the individual features.

For that reason, surfers should check both the Arkansas River at Tulsa USGS gauge and, more importantly, the Tulsa Wave Park current status before making a trip. River Parks closes the wave park when Zink Lake falls two feet below its maximum water level and posts operating-status information online.

How to know if working:

This is a bit different than most waves as the River Parks can open the gates or not to let more or less flow into the park. That’s why you have to check the site, also they do not leave it running at night. (Employees come out with iPads to adjust the flow of water in and the flaps on the feature #2). Although it can be intermittent it has a much longer season than many waves and likely can be ‘On’ sometime each of the 12 months a year.

Safety / Rules

River Parks recommends a PFD and head protection and specifically prohibits leashes or ropes attached to craft in the flume. Fishing is also prohibited in the Wave Park. Users should check current posted rules and conditions before entering the water.

Also, there tend to be lots of non-water folks wandering around on the rocks so be a good citizen and keep an eye on them. I personally think the hold downs tend to be slightly longer than most other park waves.

Directions / Access

There is a small parking lot right by the skate park. It does have a pin on Google Maps of ‘Tulsa Wave Map’. More detailed parking info on the site.