Parker

Wanted some feedback on Parker. Is it crazy there (family not you young whipper snappers ) or can you board and surf? Not sure about taking the boat onto the river. I've been to Laughlin but won't take the boat on the river only the lake. Looks like there are some nice places to stay.

Like any body of water, you can find a party or a place to hang out with the family. The upper sand bar across from Sundance is more family oriented. You may need to have the birds & bees talk with the kids if you plan on hitting the lower sandbar across from Bluewater lol. On a typical Saturday afternoon during the season it will be way too busy to ride or even surf. One of the benefits of Parker is that due to the available nightlife most of the party crowd are nursing hangovers and won't hit the water until after 10.

You could always stay at the North end of the strip and put the boat in at Havasu Springs for more open water. The South end of Havasu is pretty quiet. Seems like the North end of the strip by the dam is usually a little more mellow too. There are a few shallow spots but they're pretty obvious and well marked.

Thanks for the details. We're thinking of renting a house there.

I just came back from a 4 day Parker trip over 4th of July. Definitely a fun a place for the entire family and there is variety with the bars, casinos, different sections of the river, etc. There are a couple gas docks on the river as well if you don't plan to run to town for fuel. As for wakeboarding, I had to get up at 5:45 AM each morning to load the boat up and we were on the water by 6:00 AM. Got about 2 hrs of riding in each morning before all of the party animals woke up, but granted that was a holiday weekend. If you plan to go on a regular weekend, you might be able to find decent water in certain sections above Road Runner before 9:00 AM, otherwise, you could go to the cable park at the Casino if you get up later.

Tom,

We do Parker often. Other than holiday weekends, you'll be fine with the family. More lately, we've been renting houses in the Moovalya "Keys". It's the way to go as your boat is ties up 20' out the back sliding door. AND, you're not right on the riverfront so your boat is not getting beat up with waves/wakes during the rough day. Water conditions sunrise to about 10:00 are good for boarding and maybe the last hour or two of the day. We board by the reeds just north of the buoy line near the Bluewater. Middle of the day, however, the water is usually bad on weekends from all the traffic - only good for surfing. Make sure to stop in for breakfast at Badinoch's after your early morning run! If you can get any week days in on your trip, I'd advise that. Then, you'll have good water for much more of the day.

The absolute BEST time to do Parker is the fall - September, October and even into November. All the goofs have gone home, the water's good and you can board until you drop.

Any more questions, hit me up. Have fun!

I will add that as long as you stay south of Sundance or Foxes (red on-water bar), you'll have no issues at all with water depth. I've been to Laughlin staying at the Avi Resort and would NEVER take my boat in the river there. The south portion of the Parker strip is nothing (not shallow) like that.

Blue Water resort is super nice and has docks for your boat, they also just set up a small cable park. As far as boarding, go in the early morning. The water flow from the DAM in pretty low in the morning up until 11 or 12. Late afternoon seshes often aren't glassy because they open the dam to full capacity and the river water flows pretty good and has small rollers from under water features. Also, if you can, go during the week. Parker, Havasu, Needles, all those places are a kook fest on the weekends. The water is fairly deep, around 10-14ft most of the river but there's is a few shallow reefs/ sand bars up river close to the Dam. Just stay on the right going up river and left going down river.

ALSO, BRING GAS CANS!!!!!!!! if you don't pull your boat out every night. Gas is $6 a gallon on the water and $3.50 on land. As of two weeks ago when I was there.

Awesome tips. Unfortunately, most likely going to be a weekend. Was thinking of the Moovla area...like the idea of tying the boat up next to the house. A little more research and I will figure it out!

Andy, Was looking back over the thread and was thinking I know that pattern for the interior of a boat - has to be a Sanger. Have on 05 v210 myself.

Parker is awesome, if you want to ride, its dawn patrol or late evening. During the week is awesome, looks like the photos most of the time then. Except when the wind turn the river into a washing machine

Don't forget the new cable park at the Blue Water!

The little engine that could. Love my V210.

Just pulled this thread from last year was thinking about taking the same trip that's been talked about. Was going to stay in Moovalya Keys area. Just wanted to find out if water levels are still ok? Also going during the week in Aug, I think the riding should be ok? Taking the family so any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated?

Thanks

water level is fine here are a couple pics I took yesterday. Now would be the time to go water temp is 65 air temps in the high 80's and you would have the place to yourself

We do a week out there every August. During the week you should have the water to yourself and riding will be awesome as long as the wind does not kick up. We have a place in the keys, you'll love it.

Hey Dave that sounds great would love to get the details on the place you stay?

Thanks,