Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Rapid CA Class III

Surf City

Stanislaus - Goodwin Dam to Knights Ferry (CA)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
Oakdale CN near Knights Ferry CA Upstream Primary
Runnable: ? – ? CFS

Approximate - nearest available gauge. Use as general reference only.

Data from American Whitewater & USGS
CDEC Flow Data California
STANISLAUS RIVER NML Primary Dam Release
Elevation: 1,135 ft
STANISLAUS RIVER TUL Primary Dam Release
Elevation: 515 ft
Data from California Data Exchange Center (CDEC)
Photo
Surf City
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description
Surf City is a technical Class III rapid featuring a series of diagonal waves and a prominent mid-river boulder that creates a challenging split channel. Paddlers need to navigate carefully between the rock and the stronger right-side current, with potential for catching eddies or getting pushed into hydraulic features if the line is missed. At moderate to high water levels, the rapid can develop more complex wave trains and requires precise boat positioning to avoid potential keeper holes near the central obstruction.
Location
Type
Rapid
Difficulty
Class III
Mile Marker
0.4 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
Goodwin Dam to Knights Ferry
Stanislaus
III-IV+ 3.8 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater