Wave Description

The Poudre River Whitewater Park in Fort Collins was completed in late 2019. The project was started in 2014, so it’s been a long time coming. A couple of man-made holes/waves are the center of the action. It doesn’t have much going on during winter fish flows, but it’ll give you a surf on a SUP if you’re in the area:

Historically, the park should see a couple months of decent water:

The park “works” at a fairly wide variety of flows, though the wave certainly changes over the spectrum. Generally, higher-volume boards tend to have the most success. The park’s upper feature is more of a kayak play hole; the lower feature is the surf wave.

300-700 cfs seems to give up pretty good rides, with a playful and forgiving wave. Eddy service and access from shore/rocks are both pretty good.

Over 700 cfs, the wave gets pushier. Over 1,000 cfs, eddy service gets difficult and most surfers start catching the wave from above.

500 cfs

1500 cfs

2000 cfs

Thanks to Ian Connor for some of the beta and photos.

Recommended Quiver

Generally, higher-volume boards tend to do better here. People have been having good luck with the Hala Miligram and Peno, and the Badfish Cobra, Sk8, and IRS.

Gauge Information

The Poudre River at Fort Collins gauge gives an accurate measure of the flow. Don’t use upstream gauges, since agricultural diversions upstream siphon off a fair amount of water from the flow in town. You can float a board down to 50 cfs or so, but generally look for 300 cfs or more.

Want flow alerts for this gauge? Sign up here.

Directions

The main section of the park is just east of where College Avenue crosses the Poudre. The easiest places to park are just to the north of the park, off of Vine Drive.