The Brazos River, the Bosque River, and Lake Waco offer an abundance of sporting activities for the competitive at heart. These local waterways regularly host events like IRONMAN events, rowing regatta, fishing tournaments, drag races, wake surf competitions, and more. Waco is also home to Waco Surf, one of the largest inland surfing and water sports facilities in the country.
Did you know Waco is the home of the first triathlon ever held in the state of Texas? The Waco Striders hosted the first triathlon in May 1980. Waco has a proud history of hosting triathlon events through the years including TriWaco, a USA Triathlon Texas State Championship Race, and multiple IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 race competitions. The city also hosts Beast of the Brazos, an open-water swim in the Brazos with 1.2 and 2.4 mile route options.
Waco is home to a number of rowable bodies of water. With stunning bluffs across the river, Brazos Park East has the potential to be one of the most scenic and iconic regatta sites in the country. There are over 17 miles of rowing water on the Brazos and Bosque rivers. This much rowing water next to a metropolis does not exist elsewhere in the United States. Tradinghouse Creek Reservoir, a short 15-minute drive from Waco, recently hosted the Texas Rowing Championships.
Brazos Park East on the Brazos River is regularly home to top drag racing events in the heart of Texas. Seasoned racers and passionate fans come witness the fastest boats in action, marvel at the skill of the drivers, and immerse themselves in the electrifying atmosphere that only drag boat racing can provide. The Southern Drag Boat Association (SDBA) hosts Duel on the Brazos each summer.
Waco Surf, in the heart of Texas, is one of the largest inland surfing and water sports facilities in the country. The resort’s 2-acre surf lake uses PerfectSwell® technology to guarantee you’re riding flawless surf. Recently hosted events include SurfAid Cup Waco, Swatch Nines All-Star Surf/Skate Showcase, Swedish Surf Championships, Texas Gulf Surfing Association Competition, and other professional surfing competitions.
Between Waco Surf and the Brazos River, Waco has become a popular U.S. destination for surfing and wakeboarding competitions. Waco Surf is one of the largest inland surfing and water sports facilities in the country and features a massive Cable Park. The resort’s 2-acre surf lake uses PerfectSwell® technology to guarantee you’re riding flawless surf. The Brazos River is a permier wakeboarding venue and has been host to the Nautique USA National Wakesurf Championships.
