Paddleboarding at WOKA Whitewater Park: SUP Adventures on the Illinois River
This past early summer, Meghan Christian and I, Paul Clark (SUPPAUL), made the trek out to WOKA Whitewater Park in Watts, Oklahoma. We were joined by local paddler Shane Talley, who gave us a full tour of this incredible whitewater playground along the Illinois River. Let me tell you—this place is a playground for paddleboarders of all levels.
Six Distinct Whitewater Features
WOKA isn’t just a river—it’s a training ground with six unique features designed for all kinds of whitewater fun:
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Ramps: Smooth entries and exits, perfect for practice laps.
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Rodeo Holes: The ideal spot for some playful tricks and experimenting on your SUP.
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Surf Waves: Catch a wave, ride it, repeat—it’s addictive.
Shane showed us how to make the most of them with training techniques like:
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Park and Play – Focus on mastering one feature at a time.
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Eddyline Training – Nail your eddy turns and current positioning.
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Ferry Training – Learn to cross currents confidently.
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Surf Training – Fine-tune your wave riding skills.
We spent hours doing laps, exploring every wave and hole. By the end of the day, we were laughing, sweaty, and stoked—exactly how a day on the river should feel. Video highlights are coming soon, so stay tuned!
Facilities & Amenities
WOKA makes it easy to spend the day without stress:
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Restrooms and changing facilities – a real lifesaver after a few rounds.
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Concessions & limited gear – grab a snack or a paddleboard essential if you forgot yours.
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Shaded viewing areas – great for friends or family cheering you on.
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Parking – $10 per vehicle, first-come-first-served, cashless only.
No Leashes at WOKA
A heads-up for fellow SUP enthusiasts: WOKA strictly prohibits leashes, including quick-release systems worn above the waist.. It’s always great training to run rapids without a leash to build the confidence to recover quickly. However, it does mean that your paddling partners have eyes-on situational awareness, because the board can quickly get away from you leaving you swimming and separated from the gear.
Planning Your Visit
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., WOKA is perfect for a morning lap session or a full day of whitewater adventures. Parking is cashless and best checked online for availability before you go. It can be very hot there in the summer and be low water. During the shoulder seasons and times of rain, the park could be very enjoyable with variable river levels.
Getting There
474986 Twin Falls Rd, Watts, OK 74964
Official site: visitwoka.com
Whether you’re new to whitewater or a seasoned paddler, WOKA Whitewater Park is a must-visit. For Meghan, Shane, and me, it was a day of laps, laughs, and learning—a true SUP adventure on the Illinois River. Video highlights will be shared soon, but trust me: you’ll want to see it in action.
Boards Used on This Adventure
