Boathouse Row

[OKCisOK4me]

I'm getting pumped for the zipline tomorrow!

[bombermwc]

I just wish OU would get off their butts and get the freaking boathouse going. The largest university in the state with the most financial backing and it's the last to the game.....

[OKCisOK4me]

Maybe Boone can help, lol.

[NWOKCGuy]

Several years ago wasn't there talk about doing an indoor surfing venue? Did I dream that or did it get axed at some point?

[catch22]

Sandridge...

[musg8411]

I just wish OU would get off their butts and get the freaking boathouse going. The largest university in the state with the most financial backing and it's the last to the game.....

Why do they need one? From what I understand they have training facilities at OU or least that is where they will be. So the boathouse would only be for boat storage and maybe a small classroom. Nothing they need to build ASAP.

[Plutonic Panda]

I want them to build one. Is there ever any possibility of OSU building a boathouse?

Sorry if this is stupid question, but after these universities build them, what other entities might build some as well? Could OKC Public Schools possibly build one for their rowing programs? Maybe Edmond or Norman public schools? I'm not sure if they use the Devon and Chesapeake boathouses specifically though. Maybe OCCC?

[PhiAlpha]

Several years ago wasn't there talk about doing an indoor surfing venue? Did I dream that or did it get axed at some point?

According to the website it's still in the plans.


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[PhiAlpha]

I want them to build one. Is there ever any possibility of OSU building a boathouse?

Sorry if this is stupid question, but after these universities build them, what other entities might build some as well? Could OKC Public Schools possibly build one for their rowing programs? Maybe Edmond or Norman public schools? I'm not sure if they use the Devon and Chesapeake boathouses specifically though. Maybe OCCC?

OSU does have an OKC campus so I don't think it would be a huge stretch.


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[Snowman]

OSU does have an OKC campus so I don't think it would be a huge stretch.


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Most of those students are not traveling back and forth between the main campus though, their commute would be three times as long as OU's team, which might make Lake Blackwell look better if they do start a team.

[dankrutka]

It'll be cool when there are more destinations to paddle or row to in the future. Now, when you rent a paddle board or kayak you kind of just go down the river and back, right? I'm not an expert so maybe there are more options than I'm aware of. But, regardless, it'll be better if there are options with more foot traffic and activity. It would be fun to paddle over to a landing off the river to picnic, catch a bite to eat, play volleyball, or visit the Wheeler District Ferris wheel.

Maybe there's more to get to than I know about though. Are there plans to add some small docks along the river as stopping points?

[Snowman]

It'll be cool when there are more destinations to paddle or row to in the future. Now, when you rent a paddle board or kayak you kind of just go down the river and back, right? I'm not an expert so maybe there are more options than I'm aware of. But, regardless, it'll be better if there are options with more foot traffic and activity. It would be fun to paddle over to a landing off the river to picnic, catch a bite to eat, play volleyball, or visit the Wheeler District Ferris wheel.

Maybe there's more to get to than I know about though. Are there plans to add some small docks along the river as stopping points?

I heard some of the kayakers used the canal for access to restaurants in bricktown, after carrying their boat from where the river and canal meet, not sure if it was just to see if it could be done or more of a regular thing.

[UnFrSaKn]

Took some Instagram shots for NewsOK Instameet the other day. Don't really care for Instagram but had to use it for their contest.

Instagram

[Urbanized]

I heard some of the kayakers used the canal for access to restaurants in bricktown, after carrying their boat from where the river and canal meet, not sure if it was just to see if it could be done or more of a regular thing.

Not aware of that, and if it had happened between 9 AM and midnight I would almost certainly know about it. They would be subject to arrest, trespassing charges and a fine of $250 each. They would also likely have serious trouble with the Oklahoma River Boathouse Foundation, perhaps losing their privileges there. On top of that, they technically are not allowed to paddle the waterway that goes under the I-40/UP bridge. I would advise against it.

[Pete]

Moved a bunch of posts here:

Oklahoma River Zip Line - OKCTalk

[OKCisOK4me]

Moved a bunch of posts here:

Oklahoma River Zip Line - OKCTalk

I was not aware that thread previously existed. Thanks!

[OKCisOK4me]

Nm

[bombermwc]

Not aware of that, and if it had happened between 9 AM and midnight I would almost certainly know about it. They would be subject to arrest, trespassing charges and a fine of $250 each. They would also likely have serious trouble with the Oklahoma River Boathouse Foundation, perhaps losing their privileges there. On top of that, they technically are not allowed to paddle the waterway that goes under the I-40/UP bridge. I would advise against it.

You know, at some level I can understand this because you don't want it to get out of control, but it's actually a pretty neat concept. If we ever get the river developed as a destination in itself, it would actually be very cool to have it open to the public to pull up to the dock of places and eat, then get back on your boat and head out. We'd have to have some way to coordinate it with the rowing folks or have it on the next lock section upriver, but it would be pretty cool IMO. The canal, while developed, was not built to accommodate that type of traffic and you certainly don't want people riding jet skis up and down that...it's just not able to handle either the spray, the wake, noise,....really anything. But it would be cool to be able to hop in a small craft and paddle your way up the canal to eat Maybe you can work the calories off on your way back down the canal LOL

[Urbanized]

It will never happen, sorry. Too much liability and existing boat traffic in a VERY confined waterway.

[Snowman]

It will never happen, sorry. Too much liability and existing boat traffic in a VERY confined waterway.

While I do not see kayak use on the canal being very common, I believe both the boathouse staff and at least some on the council and/or city staff has made statements there is support for the idea. It might be something they only grant a temporary permit during large events where you have people unusually enthusiastic (and capable) with kayaking in town for a few days who are likely are using their own kayaks.

I would understand concern for the taxis seeing them or inexperienced/visiting kayakers following traffic rules but I do not see an issue with existing traffic or it being confined, there is enough room for the canal taxis to pass by each other, it is far easier for a taxi to pass a kayak as they are like 1/6th the width of a watertaxi, both are going pretty slow ( compared to bikes & cars in a similar situation on city roads) and kayaks can be pretty nimble to turn and clear the way if they were to be aware of a possible taxi collision. Also since both are open vehicles are more likely to hear each other propelling themselves and might even be able to give the other verbal warnings with time to spare if a situation either noticed a possible problem, signs could be posted to travel on one whichever side is proper. With there only being six taxis, the existing traffic is pretty light.

[Urbanized]

No offense, but you obviously have a limited understanding of this particular issue. It is a life-safety issue, a liability issue, an insurance issue, and a contractual issue. The City has been very consistent in its stance. It will not happen, sorry. Just because something sounds like a good idea to you doesn't always mean that it is.

[BoulderSooner]

Popcorn ready.

[BoulderSooner]

I grew up on the water as well. Not sure what that has to do with the Bricktown canal. Which is NOT a public waterway

[David]

Wow, no offense but you obviously have a very Oklahoma (limited) view for how public waterways CAN work. Hundred of boats, water taxis, Ride the Ducks, kayaks, Paddles Boards, and even planes use all of the canals, lakes and waterways around Seattle. I think perhaps Urbanized your simply unfamiliar with public waterways outside of the south where restrictions are rampant. Come join me and we will paddle board next to water taxis and ferries here in Seattle. Safety is a funny excuse considering how utterly miniscule the amount of traffic is on the water. I'm frankly appalled you think this is normal.

All of which is potentially irrelevant given that one of the core problems Urbanized listed is a contractual issue.

[Just the facts]

Maybe Uber will launch UberW.