St. Joseph (L.Michigan trib)

East Race Whitewater Course (0.35 mile)

Difficulty	II+
Length	0.43 mi
Avg Gradient	12 fpm
Reach Info Last Updated	February 8, 2025

River Description

A cement-lined whitewater course (run by South Bend Parks & Recreation) was built in the old millrace on the east bank of the St.Joseph river at a large dam (hence the name, the East Race). There is just about 12 feet of drop down its 1900' length, which (if it went a mile) would equate to about 30 feet per mile. Various fiberglass pylons, partial walls, and stop-blocks bolted to the cement bottom create a series of whitewater features. The drops are generally not large, and width stays quite uniform, so the current is pretty fast all the way down.

The best play spots all have eddy service, though most eddies are small and pulsating. Sidewalks and bridges along the race allow spectators to walk the whole course to observe, as well as providing boaters an easy walk to the top for repeat runs. This is a good place to learn and practice skills for running natural whitewater rivers.

During the summer, just show up and pay your money (cash only) to paddle one of few places which have rescue people always ready to help you if you need it. There are lots of good paddlers at the race and most are more than willing to help out the new boaters if they want it.

The Race is open to the public on weekends during the summer months.

For 2023, the East Race Waterway website webpage lists 'The East Race is open Saturdays (Noon – 5:00PM) and Sundays (Noon – 4:00PM) from June 3 – September 17.'

Times listed are Eastern Daylight Time. Paddlers coming from Wisconsin and Illinois need to recognize this is a one-hour shift from Central Time.

Rafting Fee: $6.00 per person for one ride, $10 for two rides, $15 for three rides, $20 for an 'all day' pass, or $50 for a season pass. (Using park's provided rafts and paddles.)

Kayaking Fee: $15.00 per paddler per day, or $50 for a season

...

River Features

Drainage: ~3,587 sq.mi.

Distance: -0.01 mi

Other

Drainage area at our listed put-in is approximately 3,587 sq.mi. (as calculated via USGS StreamStats Beta software). This assures adequate flow for releases every weekend all summer, plus available water for the local club to have a couple 'private' releases every week.

Put In

Distance: 0 mi

Access Point

A ramp down to a floating pier allows boaters to put in above the scissors-gate dam.

Scissors Gates

Distance: 0.03 mi

Other

Three 'scissors gates' control flow into the East Race. Generally releases will have just two of them open for boaters to slide down to enter the course.

There is usually a playable wave at the base of each gate which is releasing, though boaters (both those playing and those entering the course from the put-in) need to be aware of 'traffic' to avoid unfortunate impacts.

Biggest Drop / V-Wave

Distance: 0.14 mi

Other

The biggest drop on the course (other than the slide down the scissors gates) lies adjacent to the main parking area. From river-right, a fiberglass 'wall' blocks nearly half the channel, creating a fast flume and a dynamic eddy below it.

A slick move is to start left-of-center, charging toward the end of the wall to 'boof' into the eddy. From there, a strong ferry into the powerful flow will allow seasoned paddlers a chance to surf a powerful dynamic wave.

Play Wave

Distance: 0.25 mi

Other

The most popular spot on the run for the rodeo/surf crowd lies just upstream of E.LaSalle Avenue. Another fiberglass wall (this time from river-left) creates another dynamic eddy for paddlers to stage/queue for their first turn on the wave.

After riding/working it, paddlers must charge quickly to the river-right wall for a narrow eddy from which to stage for repeat play.

Trestle

Distance: 0.3 mi

Other

River-left at an old railroad trestle/bridge is boarded/dammed to push flow to the right, where it trips over a 'stop-block' (cemented to bottom of channel) and forms a bit of a wave.

Exit Wave

Distance: 0.41 mi

Other

Depending upon the flow in the East Race and the height of the flow in the natural channel, a final wave may form before the end of the course. When present, this can offer fine long-lasting front surfs ('soul surfs').

Take Out

Distance: 0.43 mi

Access Point

A cement ramp leads into (out of) the water at the end of the course. Sidewalks along the course allow boaters to carry back up for repeat runs. (A few who frequent 'the Race' with longer/heavier boats may even have a set of wheels they can strap onto one end of their boat so they don't have to carry the full weight of it all the way up the 'race'.)