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Photos: Kayakers celebrate New Year’s Day on Cedar River in Waterloo

Kayakers continue a 33-year tradition.

Jim SlosiarekJim Slosiarek

Jan. 1, 2025 3:48 pm, Updated: Jan. 6, 2025 1:59 pm

Lori Neal (left) of Cedar Falls, Iowa, pilots her kayak and that of Joyce Cameron’s to the boat ramp during a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George Wyth State Park in Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Lori Neal (left) of Cedar Falls, Iowa, pilots her kayak and that of Joyce Cameron’s to the boat ramp during a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George Wyth State Park in Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Janice Derflinger of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and her son Dawson, 9, are silhouetted by the sun as they take a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George Wyth State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Janice Derflinger of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and her son Dawson, 9, are silhouetted by the sun as they take a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George Wyth State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Lynn Nefzger of Waterloo, Iowa, leans back and takes in the experience during a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George Wyth State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. This was Nefzger’s second time. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Lynn Nefzger of Waterloo, Iowa, leans back and takes in the experience during a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George Wyth State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. This was Nefzger’s second time. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Tammy Walenceus (cq) of West Gate, Iowa, smiles as she waves to friend Jean Gallmeyer of Hazelton, Iowa, during a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George Wyth State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Tammy Walenceus (cq) of West Gate, Iowa, smiles as she waves to friend Jean Gallmeyer of Hazelton, Iowa, during a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George Wyth State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Ice forms on the snow pants of Tammy Walenceus (cq) of West Gate, Iowa, during a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George Wyth State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Ice forms on the snow pants of Tammy Walenceus (cq) of West Gate, Iowa, during a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George Wyth State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Kayakers paddle upriver from the Cafield boat ramp during a New Year’s Day paddle in the Cedar River at George Wyth State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Kayakers paddle upriver from the Cafield boat ramp during a New Year’s Day paddle in the Cedar River at George Wyth State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Nine-year-old Dawson Derflinger of Cedar Falls, Iowa, makes his way to the boat launch during a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George Wyth State Park in Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Nine-year-old Dawson Derflinger of Cedar Falls, Iowa, makes his way to the boat launch during a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George Wyth State Park in Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Lori Neal (left) of Cedar Falls, Iowa, paddles upriver with her sister Joyce Cameron during a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Lori Neal (left) of Cedar Falls, Iowa, paddles upriver with her sister Joyce Cameron during a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Jamie Julius of Waterloo, Iowa, kayaks in the Cedar River during a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Jamie Julius of Waterloo, Iowa, kayaks in the Cedar River during a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Kathy Scholl of Cedar Falls, Iowa, raises her arms as she kayaks in the Cedar River during a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Kathy Scholl of Cedar Falls, Iowa, raises her arms as she kayaks in the Cedar River during a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Janice Derflinger of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and her son Dawson, 9, take a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Janice Derflinger of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and her son Dawson, 9, take a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Dawson Derflinger, 9, and his cousin during a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Dawson Derflinger, 9, and his cousin during a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Janice (left) and Dana Derflinger of Cedar Falls, Iowa, take a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Janice (left) and Dana Derflinger of Cedar Falls, Iowa, take a New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Kayakers paddle upriver during a New Year’s Day paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
Kayakers paddle upriver during a New Year’s Day paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
A New Year’s Day kayak paddle in the Cedar River at George With State Park Waterloo, Iowa, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The New Year’s Day tradition, now in its 33rd year, was started by Kip Ladage and Darrin Siefken. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

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