River surfing – surfing on standing waves

The history of surfing goes back a long way. And waves are essential for surfing. In the sea they are created by swell – but how is that supposed to work in a river? Unlike waves in the sea, river waves – or standing waves – are constant. This means that, ideally, they could be surfed 24 hours a day!

Instead of swell, the current of the river is used to create the wave. When the masses of water flow over natural obstacles or through narrow sections of the river, waves can form. That is why the phenomenon of standing waves often occurs during floods or in raging rivers – even if only temporarily. With clever installations by dedicated surfers, the natural conditions can be improved – and river waves can be optimised or even created.

One of the main differences for the surfer is that the water comes from the front rather than from behind. While in the sea you have to paddle to build up enough speed to get into the wave, in river surfing the take-off is done on the spot without the water moving you forward. At suitable spots, the drop-in – hated in the sea – can also be done. In river surfing, however, this means the board is deliberately thrown into the wave and the surfer jumps in after it. Normally there is only ever one surfer on the wave – so there are crowded line-ups while waiting, but crowded waves are rather rare =)

Main differences between river surfing and surfing in the sea:

• In river surfing, the water flows under the surfer, who stays on the spot (no forward movement)
• The surf technique is a little different from the sea
• Surfboards are mainly shortboards – even for beginners
• Usually no paddling needed to get into the wave
• Pressure comes from the front – you have to withstand it
• Usually enormous currents that are easily underestimated

With the guys in Hawaii you can see quite well how a standing wave can form.

However, good river surfers are not necessarily good surfers in the open sea at the same time – or vice versa! Even if the feeling on the board and the board control are the same, they are still two different kinds of surfing! Above all, the river lacks paddling and an understanding of the sea and the waves. But it is still fun. And it is definitely good practice for surfing during landlocked times!

Some well-known river surf spots worldwide

• Africa: Zambezi Wave: in January and July there is a barrelling river wave here (caution, dangerous!)
• Canada: Saint Lawrence River – Bunny Wave, Habitat 67
• USA: Snake River (Wyoming), Barber Park Wave (Boise)

1,3: Daniel Hummer
2,4: Philipp Siefken