Grand Rapids Whitewater

Rapid Magazine, an international paddling publication, recently picked up our story. Stay tuned for the article.

Listen to this! 5662_0125101 Chris Muller and Chip Richards were joined by WGVU’s Lindsey Smith as we walked the Grand River with representatives of the Michigan DNR and local engineering firm FTC&H. Afterward, we had lunch 50 paces from the water, at Tommy Fitzgerald’s Cafe Stella www.tommyfitzgeraldgroup.com. Outstanding river, outstanding food. Keeping it local, bringing it Downtown!
http://www.wgvu.org/wgvunews/index.cfm?id=sdetail&sty=5662

Richards, 49, and Muller, 38, both Grand Rapids residents and kayaking enthusiasts, are leading the charge to revitalize the river for the benefit of the local economy, environment and their fellow paddlers. “Chip and I are passionate about the idea, but it’s going to take lots of people investing a lot of time,” says Muller. “This will change the landscape of the city.”

Read the story http://www.rapidgrowthmedia.com/features/012110whitewater.aspx

It seems almost every one in our community is enthusiastic about the idea of returning rapids to the Grand.  Rapids will improve our economy, better the water quality, enhance fish populations, provide more diverse outdoor recreation and just plain look better than the existing “Industrial Ditch,” flowing through our otherwise, gorgeous downtown. Over the past year we have been asked by the community, “How can we help?”  You can help, right now, by moving your cursor over the donate button and clicking.

We are currently working toward a near term goal of $25,000.00.  The Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority has Read the rest of this entry »

Seven student teams from Grand Valley State University enrolled in Mr. John Rumery’s Sports Marketing 361 class presented their ideas to Chip Richards and Roger Starring, board members of GRWW, on Dec 16, ‘09. The presentations were the Read the rest of this entry »

Sunday October 25, two kayakers nearly lost their lives on the Grand River. They were warned of the dangers of the low head dam by the very fishermen that would later save their lives. Watch this video to learn why these hydraulics are so dangerous. By the way, a properly engineered whitewater project would mitigate these hazards and create a safer, more beautiful resource for everyone.

41 was the final count. 41 paddlers gathered on the Grand for the 1st Annual Art Prize Paddle. Pretty good turnout considering the short notice and marginal weather. It truly was spectacular to appreciate the art from the river. Thanks to Fox 17 for showing up to help us spread the word about putting rapids in the Grand for everyone. Christian Frank even got in a boat with us!
 

Art Prize Paddle in the Grand. It’s a Nessie Float. This Sunday, paddles wet at 2:00 pm. Be at Ah-Nab-Awen Park early, early to off load your sea, recreational or whitewater kayak, canoe or raft. We’ll watch your stuff while you park your car down river at the Amtrak over flow lot on the SW corner off Market and Wealthy. We’ll all figure out the shuttle. No worries. Rain or shine. Tell everyone, spread the word.

Edit;  We may change the take out.  A decision will be made at a later time.  Wear foot protection!