Published on June 9th, 2018 | by Alex Mauer

River Surfing Beaver Wave

Surfing a wave so close to a major city reminds me about how important it is to keep our waterways clean. The river bed at this wave is lined with trash. This trash came from all over the place and was carried into the river by wind and rain runoff. When the water level comes up it will be carried farther downstream. Eventually it will end up wherever the river ends … in the ocean!

Beaver Wave is right on the edge of downtown. It is the epitome of urban surfing. The sound of cars humming by on the highway is a soundtrack for your surf session. The water is warm and nasty. I only wear neoprene to protect myself from the shallow rocks and the trash floating around in the eddylines.

Beaver Wave is the epitome of urban surfing

You would think a species who depends on clean water for survival would be a little bit more interested in preserving our waterways. It is clear to me from the riverbed that if it is out of sight, it is out of mind. Not only do we depend on the waterways for clean drinking water but farmers downriver use this same water for crops that we eat. Personally I wouldn’t want my food watered with this sludge. I barely want to surf in it!

We need to have a positive impact on the environment to preserve the earth for future generations to enjoy. I want my kids to be able to enjoy surfing clean water no matter where they chose to catch waves (river or ocean). Just remember to try and leave a zero carbon footprint at your surf spots. Pack in what you pack out! If you have time pick up some trash at whatever location you surf. Leave your local surf spot cleaner than when you arrived.

Surf and take care of the earth.

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Alex Mauer When I was 12 my dad gave me a boogie board. He told me to go play in the river next to his apartment. I have been playing in the water and helping pioneer the river surfing scene in Colorado ever since. I have a bucket list of waves I want to surf around the world! I love to play in the water and will try and surf anything! Surfing is surfing no matter what you are riding, short board, long board, SUP, boogie board, pool toys, lunch trays ... you name it I will try and surf it!