Big Sioux

Okay folks... here is the skinny. I have spent several days speaking with local police officers and officials with the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Game, Fish and Parks and the Park Operations Manager and it IS NOT ILLEGAL to kayak the falls.

What is illegal... swimming through this stretch of river. There is an ordinance against swimming due to the inherent danger. Should you take a swim, you could be ticketed.

Important to know: South Dakota has a rule that says if you need rescue, you are responsible for any and all costs involved in providing rescue and medical assistance.

Everyone I have communicated with has tried hard to discourage the idea of running the falls but have admitted that it is not illegal. There are no records of anyone ever being ticketed for kayaking the falls.

I requested that the Parks Operations Manager please inform the park employees of the legality so that paddlers would not be hassled for pulling in and running the stretch. Should someone try to hassle you or prevent you from running the falls, simply request that they contact the Sioux Falls police department and take the issue up with them. At this point, the police officers should be aware of the recent discussions regarding my request and be able to inform the employees at the park to leave you alone.

The next step is for paddlers to show the city of Sioux Falls that we are capable of acting in a safe manner and making appropriate decisions with regard to varying water levels.

The largest waterfall in the center of the run is somewhere between 15-20 feet and there are only a couple spots that appear to provide safe routes. There are many loose, large boulders below that need to be avoided at most water levels. This is easily a class V drop so please use good judgement.

I recommend that paddlers create a campaign to petition the city to support kayaking in Falls Park and to hold an annual event at the park for paddlers. Removing some of the loose rock below the largest fall could create a much safer run and allow for the main fall to be run at a wider variety of water levels.