Who is team river runner?
Team River Runner is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide all Veterans and their families an opportunity to find health, healing, community purpose and new challenges through adventure and adaptive paddle sports.
Who can participate at the team river runner event?
We welcome Veterans, Active, Inactive or Retired Military and Disabled Veterans and their families/guests to join us for a weekend of learning to paddle at our Wausau Whitewater Park.
When and where is the event held?
The TRR Event is held annually the third weekend in July. Camping is open Friday evening. Kayak and equipment fitting begins promptly on Saturday at 8 am.
Wausau Whitewater Park is a 1/3 mile course, located in the heart of downtown Wausau, WI, and offers more than twelve whitewater features for paddlers of all skill levels. Click for a Google Map.
How much does it cost to participate?
This AMAZING weekend on the water is free for veterans and volunteers! Free camping is available in the adjacent park, and food, gear and instruction is also provided.
are meals provided?
Yes! Food is graciously provided, prepared and served by local volunteers throughout the weekend beginning with a continental breakfast Saturday morning.
how do i sign up?
In order to properly prepare food, equipment and volunteers Registration is Required in Advance. REGISTER ONLINE HERE. Please complete this registration link for each person planning to attend as a Veteran, Guest or Volunteer - even those who may not paddle.
In order to participate in this event, it is mandatory for each person attending to sign all three of the following waivers (adult will sign minor(s) forms). Completing these in advance will greatly speed up the on-site sign-in process:
Team River Runner Waiver | Wausau Whitewater Waiver & ACA Waiver
Where do participants stay overnight?
Join a large number of the group for fun and free camping at the Wausau Whitewater Park beginning Friday night. Tents and campers are welcome, but be aware there are no water, sewer or electric hookups. Public restrooms are available adjacent to the camping area as well as a single primitive outdoor shower post.
If you prefer hotels to camping, the greater Wausau area has a wide range of accommodations providing an array of amenities to fit modest to more robust budgets.
do i need to bring my own kayak or raft?
Whitewater kayaks, duckie kayaks, boogie boards and Dynamic Duo (2 person) kayaks will be made available and sized to participants and their guests. If you have experience on whitewater and own your own boat and/or gear, please bring it and our gear outfitters can assess it to be certain you're ready have a great experience on the water.
When completing the Registration Form, you will be asked if you have special considerations or physical requirements we should be made aware of to provide the gear and means necessary to allow you to paddle comfortably. A limited amount of specialized/adaptive paddling equipment is available, so please give as much detail as possible in your registration so we can plan properly to meet your needs.
If you wish to know more about how we can help you paddle within your ability, please reach out to LT at LTadaptive@hotmail.com.
Interested in learning more about paddling gear and how to use it before the big weekend? Learn more here.
do i need to know how to kayak?
All skill levels are welcome! If this is your first time in a kayak we will teach you the basics, or if you have previous whitewater experience we will help you advance your skills.
This is a TRR Regional one-on-one whitewater training clinic provided for you and your guests through a partnership between Team River Runner and Wausau Whitewater, and our many generous donors. Instructors, guides and safety boaters/swimmers will be on hand to get you safely down the course.
The park has something for everyone including a nice foot access along the river left sidewalk. Instruction starts downriver as new paddlers learn their paddle strokes, basic ferrying and wet exits in the wash below the course. If/when your skills are up for more challenging water, you'll move upstream.
Click to learn more about the variety of ways you can enjoy Wausau’s Whitewater course.
what do i need to bring/wear?
Wear a synthetic blend of clothing and secure footwear such as tennis shoes, water shoes or river sandals — NO FLIP FLOPS! Wear your basic swimsuit, shorts and shirt and then add layers to accommodate for the weather (100% Polyester or a wetsuit is best). Bring sunscreen, water bottle(s), towel, hat/visor and/or sunglasses. If you want to work on rolling or surfing, nose plugs might be helpful and ear plugs are also optional.
will the event be held if rain IS forecast?
Yes! Rain is just another way to get wet during this fun weekend! There is a pavilion and large tent set up for eating and gathering during the weekend.
More than 60 volunteers are needed on shore and on the river to help with a variety of tasks during the event weekend. Volunteer today!