Love Adventure? You’ll Love WOKA!

After a few years of anticipation, I visited WOKA Whitewater Park alongside my husband and TulsaKids Web and Social Media Editor Tara Rittler for an afternoon of thrills. If you haven’t heard of WOKA, it stands for the Waters of Oklahoma and Arkansas — a premier destination for kayakers, surfers, and tubers located in Watts, Oklahoma. Though the park soft-opened in late summer 2023, this summer will be its first fully operational season, and it is already attracting enthusiasts from across the states. 

What is unique about WOKA for this area of the country are the real river conditions, which no whitewater simulation facility can match. WOKA has 8 features to enjoy time and time again. For the person wanting to sit back and watch, there are shaded viewing areas close to the water and lookout areas on top of two park buildings.

I tried a single person tube first, which was fun but a bit passive for my taste, so I got a kayak instead. I loved navigating the class 2 and 3 rapids. I also enjoyed watching friend and family groups float by in multi-person tubes. Other people opted not to rent from WOKA, but brought their own kayaks. It is important to note that anything brought from home must be whitewater rated. Tara, Peter, and I caught up at the take-out point and reflected on the fun we were having.

WOKA is a place I cannot wait to take my teenager; however, any child younger than a teen needs to be a very strong swimmer. Life vests are an absolute must for anyone at any age. You can rent them at WOKA, and they are rated down to 55 pounds. Whitewater is fun and simultaneously challenging, and WOKA is no different. This is one of the things I love about whitewater — because of the challenge it is incredibly rewarding. 

Looking for authenticity? Not afraid of something physically demanding? Then I highly encourage you and the older children in your family go to WOKA. 

Know before you go:

• There are seasonal rentals, a shop, and a concession stand at WOKA. These are open Memorial Day through Labor Day. However, the park is open year-round if you bring your own equipment.
• Rental options include solo and tandem kayaks, solo and family tubes, surfboards, body boards and paddle boards. Prices range from $15/four hours (solo tubes) to $75/four hours if you want to try some of everything.
• The park is cashless.
• Yes, there is a changing area/bathrooms!
• Mountain bike trails are nearby.
• The kayaks available for rent are quite heavy. If you are a smaller person like me, consider taking someone along who can help.
• It costs $100 for a season pass, or $200 for an annual pass. This covers parking and gets you discounts on concessions, rentals and merchandise.
• You must wear close-toed shoes.
• The 1,200-foot-long water course starts with more difficult drops, and they get easier as it goes along. You can enter at any point in the course, avoiding the harder areas if you prefer.
• Follow WOKA on social media. Although the park is open year-round, it may close due to high water.