Fresh: Canadian River Surfing

Unbeknownst to many, nearly 1,000km away from the nearest coastline and over 1,000 metres in altitude, there is a community of landlocked freshwater surfers based in Alberta, Canada. Despite bitterly cold winters that last for months on end, these cold water surfers have made several rivers their playground, boasting one of the warmest communities around.

Ben Murphy is credited by many as being the first person to surf in Alberta after visiting Munich in 2003. The Eisbach in Munich is considered the birthplace of river surfing with a vibrant history dating back to the 1970s. Generations of local and international surfers have been inspired by the wave, including Ben. Upon returning to Canada, he connected with local rafting guides and later joined them on the Kananaskis River in search of rideable waves. To the guide's surprise, he managed to surf a feature on an oversized boogie board. Soon after he returned with his surfboard, and the rest is history.

The sport has steadily gained traction over the last 20 years in Alberta. Particularly for those who have experienced surfing in the ocean and wanted a way to continue the sport at home. In the early 2000s a wave was discovered on the Bow River under the 10th street bridge in Downtown Calgary. Many locals have started their river surfing journey here after excitedly spotting someone else on the wave.

While the 10th street wave is not presently surfable due to erosion and insufficient flow, surfers are still able to ride manufactured waves within the city at Harvie Passage Whitewater Park. I met up with local surfer Andrea here one sunny morning in August. When we arrived the river was already filled with a flurry of paddle boarders and kayakers on the wave. Andrea hopped in the water and joined the line up, each politely taking turns and giving the right of way to anyone floating down from upstream.

With a popular cycling and pedestrian pathway nearby, it wasn’t long before curious bystanders appeared questioning how they could get into the sport too. Each of which were met with Andreas' enthusiasm, even offering her own board to a stranger to have a go after they had expressed interest. While Andrea is a beacon within the community as an active volunteer and surf instructor, this welcoming attitude and camaraderie can be felt across the board.

For more adventurous and experienced river surfers there is a wave less than an hour west of Calgary. Fondly known as “The Mountain” this manufactured wave is located at the foot of the Rockies along the Kananaskis River, and relies on water controlled by a dam upstream. It was created by the Alberta River Surfing Association and Surf Anywhere, two organisations working locally and internationally to build river waves.

My first experience of “The Mountain" was during their annual surf competition. The pathway to the wave cuts through tall coniferous trees with occasional views of the mountains peeking through. Music echoed up the valley as we descended down to the turquoise water that glittered in the sun. The sheer power of the current was undeniable, while the energy of the spectators and surfers was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Dozens were scattered on the viewing platform and the riverbank to cheer on their friends and family, the air nearly vibrating with excitement. It didn’t matter if you had caught all of your waves in your heat, or none, the crowd was equally supportive of all who tried.

Unlike surfing in the ocean where waves tend to come in sets and rely more on factors such as wind, weather and tides. River surfing in Alberta occurs on natural or manufactured standing waves created by submerged rocks or structures in the water and are a constant force.

Though weather and seasons can still affect the wave and its rideability due to altered flow or movement of the riverbed, it remains rather consistent. Instead of being pushed forward by a wave like in the ocean or a tidal bore, standing waves are more static, which conveniently require minimal paddling. The style in which you carve on the wave is similar between both, though the continuous nature allows surfers to stay up for as long as their stamina allows. If there are others waiting, courtesy is to keep rides to a minute or shorter.

River surfing in Alberta is a small niche with a big heart. There is an open willingness and generosity to help newcomers fall in love with the sport. Whether that's loaning gear, giving advice, or just cheering each other on. I am keen to come back as often as I can, knowing I’ll be welcomed back as an old friend.