IRONBULL makes a splash with new paddle adventure
Paddlers have beautiful views of downtown Wausau from the water.
Paddlers pass under three foot bridges including the foot bridge to Isle of the Ferns.
WAUSAU – IRONBULL has hit the trails and roadways by offering free, on-your-own courses over the past several months and the organization will highlight Wausau’s waterways in the new Wausau Paddle Adventure. The Wausau Paddle Adventure consists of a three-mile looped paddle course that participants can complete at any time between July 1 and July 12. The loop starts and finishes at Oak Island Park’s boat landing in downtown Wausau.
The on-your-own-style event allows participants the flexibility to do the course anytime, offering them the freedom to pick the ideal time in their schedule, and even weather, for them to participate. Paddlers may complete the route as many times as they would like between July 1 and July 12 and are eligible for prizes of their choosing. Also, the event offers community members the opportunity to participate in an event without the concerns associated with a gathering of participants amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The course was largely the planned route for the Iron Paddle event, designed by Al Limberg*. Due to COVID-19, the event was cancelled earlier this month. IRONBULL is now providing the course free to the paddling community. The course is largely unmarked, except for signs at the north and south ends of the loop. Maps and GPS files may be downloaded on the event’s website.
“Paddling on the Wisconsin River around all the islands is an escape in downtown Wausau. The birds, turtles and flowers in the heart of Wausau add a richness to this area.” said Andrea Larson, IRONBULL executive director.
Participants are encouraged to register for the free event to track community impact and abide by current COVID-19 guidelines.
After highlighting running, biking, and paddling, IRONBULL’s next summer event will feature a series of duathlons / triathlons.
For more race information on the Wausau Paddle Adventure and other upcoming events go to the IRONBULL Facebook page or https://www.ironbull.org/details-wausau-paddle
*Note: The route needed to be adapted due to the Wisconsin River being closed south of the Thomas Street Bridge.