This guide is intended for someone that wants to get on the Kansas River but doesn't know where to start. This guide is NOT intended to teach river skills. Please join an appropriate class for that!
The speed that a river is moving is measured in cubic feet per second(CFS). The current readings for the Kansas River are shown below.
You can find the full USGA website here -> Water Watch
The Kansas River has all of the natural hazards that could be found on any river, but also has additional man-made hazards. Those hazards are:
Want to see descriptions, pictures, and videos of each hazard on the Kansas River? Kansas River Hazard Information
When starting to get on the river these were the most concerning because there is little to no information out there about these. The Friends of the Kaw website states:
Sand Dredge. Watch for a cable crossing the river that connects the dredge to both banks. The cable should be lowered upon approach by boaters.
You should never ride over low head dams or weirs. There are big signs on the Kansas Rivers marking portages around the obstacles.
There are two railroad bridges that were demolished into the river. Both are located in Topeka and are about 2 miles from each other.
Deciding where to enter and exit the river depends on how much time you have. Plan on being able to travel 3 miles per hour when the river is < 5,000 CFS and 6 miles per hour if speeds are between 5,000 and 8,000.