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Chris, you have long been pioneering the river surfing scene in Idaho and beyond. How did you get into river surfing, tell us a bit about your story.

I moved to Hawaii in 1987 when I was 15 years old and I met a lot of the top guys in the local crowd. I went to Wailua high school for a few years and just like the guys do now, we would wait for the big pond behind the shore break at Waimea Bay to fill up, dig it out and surf the huge river waves it would make for about an hour or two. When I first moved Idaho it was to take care of my grandmother, so I had to leave ocean surfing behind. When she passed away, I found myself lost and thinking of moving back to the ocean and I told my friend Ronny that I needed to surf. He knew about river surfing from back in the day, so he sent me a surfboard wrapped in a wetsuit regular postage with glass-on fins and that’s where it started for me in Idaho in 2010.

What led you to become a shaper and where did you learn how to shape surfboards?

Shaping is an art and there’s no room for mistakes.

The first board I shaped was in Hawaii when I was 17 with my neighbor who was a well-known shaper of the time, so I’ve always known a lot about surfboards but riding them was always my passion. I’ve ridden thousands of surfboards broken 104 last I kept count. I was always sponsored by a board company or local shaper up to this point so I had no desire to shape. I wanted to win competitions but I’m older now and times have changed. The last surfboard I bought said was made in China. As a former semi pro that disgusted me so I decided to make my own boards, because there was nothing else out there in the United States. I’ve had quite a few people copying me up to this point which is very flattering but shaping is an art and there’s no room for mistakes. I’ve done a lot of R&D and know what it takes to make that magic river board.

Chris “Crash” Peterson out in the river

What inspires you when you develop new shapes or designs? Where do you get ideas for new design concepts?

I’ve come to find out that the river and the ocean have a lot in common. Although both have their specific characteristic you can still ride a traditional surfboard at both ocean and river. Each wave in the river and in the ocean has a different quality, steepness, speed and texture, so every board has its purposes just like the ocean waves.

What is your shaping philosophy?

My shaping philosophy was always to build a community that has not existed because I felt like a fish out of the water and it seems to have taken off more than I thought it would. The philosophy remains the same as in ocean surfing even though we’re stuck miles inland. The unique, spiritual connection to the water remains the same … and there’s no sharks in rivers.

Would you agree that good surfboard designs are born from experience of surfing and building boards? Is that why river surfers love your boards?

Yeah, I have a lifetime experience of surfing and working with shapers of so many different board designs that it gave me the knowledge to design the perfect board for each wave. I’ve definitely had some help along the way with surfers who helped me find tune the craft they want to ride.

Peterson boards come in different shapes, sizes and artworks

Let’s talk about shaping technology … machine shaping has become increasingly popular these days. What do you prefer?

Machine shaping is a funny thing, the machine can only be used with years of shaping knowledge because you would still have to come up with designs that were proven and you know would work. So when you scan the board or punch the dimensions in the computer you must know what you’re going to get. Shaping isn’t as simple as it looks sometimes. I have no problem using a computer shape if needed. I haven’t been busy enough yet to justify it, but maybe one day. I have some proven designs now and it seems like river surfing is here to stay, so maybe I’ll use it one day. Right now it’s all by hand.

What parts of the board design are most important in determining the performance of a river surfboard?

I like to watch people ride my boards and seeing the stoke.

Actually everything is super critical the rocker, fin set up, bottom contour, rail design, outline, length, thickness. And of course what wave you’re going to ride it on.

What materials do you use? What role does sustainability play for you as a local shaper?

A lot of people are highly allergic to a lot of the surfboard chemicals. I don’t use polyurethane it’s very toxic, smells bad and it’s more brittle. I use traditional surfboard blanks with the stringer for durability. I use very strong glass that is still flexible so the board doesn’t feel like a brick and high-quality epoxy resin for it’s lightweight and durability.

In the shaping room …

For many river surfers durable and resistant boards are key. How resistant are your boards and what do you do to increase their durability, such as reinforcing rails with kevlar or carbon for example?

I offer a lot of durable materials but over time people tend to stick to traditional surfboard weight and feel. Today, there are so many different surfboard materials out there but through my research everyone still prefers the traditional feeling. However, I do offer tougher materials such as carbon for example, if people want it.

How do your boards differ from other boards, what makes Peterson boards so unique? What defines your style of board that you are known for?

Working with local shapers has always been better because we know where you’re going to surf.

There is only a handful of guys out there that build boards from start to finish like I do and I have a artistic background in painting and airbrushing so I’m able to integrate a lot of art into my surfboards that otherwise would add too much time to the process. And having a lifetime of surfing experience lets me identify little changes and tweaks that would take another shaper who doesn’t surf a lot much longer to work through.

How would you describe the “ultimate river surfboard”?

Just like in ocean surfing there really is no ultimate surfboard but you can come very close to it, depending where you live and what waves are your are going to be riding. That’s why, throughout history, working with local shapers has always been better because we know where you’re going to surf and sometimes we’re going to surf with you.

What advice would you give river surfers to find the perfect board?

In the beginning I would suggest you look for something that you know that work. Maybe what you see other people riding, something that fits your style. Don’t worry too much about beating it up, the first surfboard always takes a beating. Over time you learn to take care of your boards better. It’s better to get a really good board in the beginning, so you will learn faster but if all you can afford is a junker, get what you can and get started!

Getting some air time on a Peterson board in Boise

For what level of surfers are your boards suitable and why?

I’ve learned that for a lot of people who want to get into river surf it’s better to get a performance board right at the beginning. People learn quick – it’s better if you don’t have to upgrade right away.

Which ones of your shapes are the most popular right now? What are you customers’ favourite boards?

My most popular board is a 5’0 squash tail that looks like an ocean board. I worked on this shape together with Adam, an ocean surfer who turned into a river surfer. We worked hard on this design and it’s the magic all around river surfboard I think.

What is the ideal river surfboard fin setup in your opinion? Any preferences for Futures or FCS?

Yeah, a thruster set up with a smaller center fin is ideal. I have no preference on fin boxes, though a lot of people get FCS because they usually have an old box of fins laying around. I do like Futures though, they look cleaner.

What is the most challenging thing about being a shaper?

Shaping is very time-consuming and it doesn’t leave much time for other things.

Definitely the time. Shaping is very time-consuming and it doesn’t leave much time for other things like another job to pick up the slack. There’s not very much money in this business and surfboard materials are expensive. They look cool and they’re fun to ride but board builders generally don’t make much money.

What do you find most rewarding about shaping surfboards?

I like to ride them and I like to watch people ride my boards and seeing the stoke. Their lives change and they become surfers when they feel that energy.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

I’m getting older and I have a bad back, but I still try to surf as much as I can. Right now, I’m really focused on board design and building a community.

Can we find your boards in a shop, or where can they be ordered? Can we get our hands on a Peterson surfboard outside the states?

We don’t have many surf shops in the mountains, so I mostly rely on word-of-mouth and my website freshwatersouls.com. I’ll ship my surfboards anywhere in the world – FedEx is cheap.

Where do you see river surfing in 5-10 years from now?

I didn’t know things were going to go this far this quickly. So many wave pools being built, stationary waves and waves mimicking the ocean and all that. I think it’s one of those things where you just have to wait and see if a lot of these projects really happen. And if they do, yeah, things will change a lot, more waves are always better!

Anything else you want to pass on to our readers?

Yeah, the river surf community is a very cool crowd, it’s like skateboarding and surfing combined. No bad vibes, people are stoked when you get a good ride so don’t be afraid to come on down and give it a try, we’ll definitely help you out!

Contact

Use discount code RIVERBREAK for 10% off a hand-made Peterson Surfboard!

Website: freshwatersouls.com
Email: petersonboards@gmail.com
Social: facebook.com/petersonboards | instagram.com/freshwatersoul

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KB, What led you to become a shaper?

I really believe I was born to shape surfboards. It’s a calling. I see the boards finished before starting. Being an athlete that desires progression, life time in board sports plus my knowledge of river wave / river dynamics really inspired me to start. Looking back though I could feel it my entire life.

What is the shaping philosophy at Strongwater?

Leave it in the hands of the surfers.

What is it like being one of the few river surfboard shapers in the industry?

It’s sweet I have zero creative boundaries or influences. I have no idols or anything whom I’m trying to be or create. I can just create boards that work.

More and more rivers surfers are riding Strongwater surfboards. Why do your boards appeal to river surfers so much?

Strongwater Surfboards connect to surfers. Yes we started in the river but we connect to ocean surfers also. The boards start with me and for me it’s all about surfing and respect for the people and water, only reason I’m doing this period. So if you surf that is respectable and you relate to it, doesn’t matter where you surf. The design also is appealing, makes sense, simple but has lots of style. It’s been really cool to see the attention it has received here in the ocean. Just good timing with the way ocean surfing is progressing also with wave riding styles, airs and thinking outside the box.

You have been surfing and shaping in Cali all winter and learning from the industry’s best. Tell us something about your time in Cali, and why Cali?

Weather, Women and the Weed like Biggie said … No JK. I came to Cali because of progression and desire to take Strongwater Surfboards to a new level. I’m in the heart of surf industry and there is so much history here. Even though I’m doing my thing, I have ton of respect for surfing and its history. Many legends have been through the factory creating at one time. The dudes I’m working with have made a life of it, so I learn and feel inspired just being in the factory. The energy and being here progressing my craft, it’s perfect. It all starts with respect whether you are in the water or shaping bay. Thankful. Honestly I didn’t try to come here either, it just happened. Thats the cool stuff about Strongwater it’s real, it’s my life and not something I’m trying to do. It’s in my soul the universe literally called me here and I’m pretty sure I lived here in a past life.

How does the Cali series RUNT differ from the other RUNT models?

The Cali Runts come in 4 sizes. They are still hand made. However, instead of me shaping each board start to finish like in Montana, the boards are ruff cut by a CNC machine. I then finish shape the boards and pass them off to some of the best glassers and sanders in the world.

What makes the Cali RUNT the perfect river surfboard?

The design of the board makes it perfect. It performs on so many different wave types. The characteristics of the board also translate to all skill levels. If you rip and want to do big airs it does that. If you are learning and need stability it has that. The thing is trippy – slashes or toes on the nose it does it all.

The Cali RUNT river surfboard

What level of surfer would go for a Cali RUNT and why?

All levels … no joke!

What type of fin setup do you recommend with the Cali RUNT?

We put 5 fin boxes on the Runt so all options are available. For most river waves we ride thruster with a thumb drive as trailer fin. You get good speed plus balanced feel with that set-up. But really it comes down to the surfers, ability, style and wave.

Is the Cali RUNT a limited series?

No, Strongwater Surfboards all ship from Southern California now. This is where Surfboards come from. Getting started in Montana was awesome but this is the heart of surfing and were called here.

Spring is just around the corner and people will refresh their quiver for this season. How can the Cali RUNT be ordered?

Strongwater.surf or KB.strongwater@gmail.com

How can river surfers in Europe get their Cali RUNT?

Email KB.strongwater@gmail.com

What sizes and colours are available for the Cali RUNT?

Factory board models are clean and clear with black logos. Boards come in 4 sizes: 5’0 – 5’4 – 5’8 – 6’0 all the tech specs are available at Strongwater.surf. We can also custom build any size, color, materials or graphics.

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Our commitment extends to, being good neighbours, helping protect the environment as well as serving boating community. Idaho River Sports celebrates Idaho’s outdoor lifestyle with a full range of surf and SUP boards, fishing, whitewater and rec kayaks, rafts and canoes. To enhance our customer’s enjoyment and experience, we offer a full range of casual men’s and women’s clothing, footwear and an expanded swim and yoga wear department! We also offer gift baskets for every season and occasion as well as a great venue for group events!

We carry locally produced paddling and outdoor products whenever possible such as Hydrus Board Tech, Salamander, NRS, Aire inflatables and Glide SUPs as well as the finest paddling gear, clothing and accessories! Extend the boating lifestyle from the river to the office with famous brands like Body Glove, Local Honey Designs, Patagonia, Aventura, Olukai, Teva and more.

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In river surfing even a small mistake can be fatal. If you get hit by your own surfboard or if you hit a rock you can lose consciousness and drown. A helmet can help prevent head trauma and thus loss of consciousness. But what should you look for when you go shopping? In this article we cover the most important things to consider before buying a new lid for your head. Towards the end of the article you’ll find a selection of both affordable and high-end helmets.

Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice.

Helmet Types

There are three basic types of watersport helmets: half-cut, full-cut and full face helmets.

Half-cut (or half-shell) helmets are similar to bicycle helmets. They sit above the ear and protect the top, back and side of your head. They are lighter weight and often more comfortable than full-shell helmets but offer less protection. Some half-cut helmets feature removable ear flaps to add warmth and protect your ears from damage and cold water.

Full-cut (or full-shell) helmets not only protect your head but provide extra protection by also covering your ears. As helmets might dampen the sound, full-cut helmets often include ear vents to improve hearing. In cold conditions, full-cut helmets not only add protection, but can also add some warmth to your ears. In very cold weather, you can wear a neoprene skull cap under your full-cut helmet for insulation against heat loss.

In extreme cases, whitewater paddlers also use full face helmets that look like motor cycle helmets and feature a visor and chin guard.

Components and Materials

A helmet consist of different components that are made of different materials. The price of helmets often reflect material choices, especially when it comes to shell and liner materials. Every helmet consists of the same four basic components:

• Shell: The outer component of the helmet; spreads the force of an impact over a broader area and protects your head against injuries from sharp objects.
• Liner: The cushioning component underneath the shell; absorbs the impact so less energy is transmitted to your head.
• Padding: Fit pads that can be arranged on the inner liner to adjust fit and comfort.
• Retention system: The straps that keep the helmet secured to your head.

Shell: Basically, there are two kinds of shells, plastic and composite, and opinions on them differ. While composite shells are praised for their strength and light weight, plastic helmets are recognized for their better flex and impact absorption. Manufacturers use a variety of terms for plastic shells such as PE, ABS or PC and there is a wide range of composites such as carbon fibre, fibreglass or Kevlar.

Liner: The foam liner of a helmet absorbs the impact of a hit so it won’t get straight to your head. Liners for non-watersport helmets are typically made of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), which is a single impact foam and therefore not the best choice for watersport helmets. The two most popular liner materials for watersport helmets are Expanded Poly-Propylene (EPP) and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), which are not affected by moisture and can take multiple impacts. Some helmets are lined with closed-cell foam, which is softer and basically the same material that camping mats are made of.

Padding: Helmets typically come with pads in different sizes and thickness to customize fit and maximize comfort. Pads may either be self-adhesive or attachted to the liner via a hook and loop fastening system. These pads can be cut or arranged in a variety of ways to fit your head.

Retention system: The straps of a river surfing helmet must be strong and reliable and securely hold the helmet in place. Almost all whitewater helmets have a chin-strap with a quick-release buckle that connects and tightens the helmet to your head. Good helmets also have an adjustable back head strap to give a firmer fit. Some even come with a magnetic buckle to ease operation with one hand or gloves while minimizing the risk of neck pinching.

Fit and Sizing

When buying a helmet for river surfing, as for any other sport, make sure you always measure your head properly and consider different brands, models and sizes of helmets. Helmets come in different shapes and some helmets can fit one shape of head while others fit another shape. Make sure your helmet fits snugly without pressure points. If a helmet feels loose and slides when you turn your head, it’s too big. The right helmet stays put even if the chinstrap is left undone.

Helmets for River Surfing

To date, there are no helmets specifically designed for river surfing. However, helmets for kayaking, wake-boarding or kitesurfing can perfectly be used in river surfing. A growing number of manufacturers are responding to the demand for safe and stylish watersport helmets, with Pro-Tec, Gath, Bern, Predator and WRSI being among the most popular ones. We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite watersport helmets to use for river surfing. Please note that we have not tested all these helmets but the ones below reflect a wide range of designs, features and prices.

WRSI Trident Composite

WRSI Trident Composite

The WRSI Trident (#ad) is a popular half-cut kayak helmet, featuring a lightweight, high-impact carbon composite shell combined with a polyurethane sub-shell and an EVA foam liner. It comes with nine foam pads that can be adjusted to fit different head sizes and shapes. Its interconnected retention system and an adjustable O-brace harness keep the helmet firmly in place. The WRSI Trident has a visor to keep the sun or water out of your face and comes in many different colours to suite everybody’s taste.

Gath Surf Convertible (SFC)

Gath Surf Convertible (SFC)

Gath prides the Surf Convertible (SFC) (#ad) on being the lightest, coolest and lowest profile Gath. The helmet is designed for ocean surfing and features removable ear protectors and foam forehead coverage that adds additional protection. The shell is made from high impact resistant ABS plastic and a non-absorbent, molded closed-cell foam liner. Its fit can be customized with comfort fit strips. Available accessories for the Gath SFC include a GoPro camera mount.

Pro-Tec Ace Wake

Pro-Tec Ace Wake

The Pro-Tec Ace Wake (#ad) features a high-impact ABS shell and a dual-density, waterproof EVA liner. It’s equipped with 16 open vent holes for ventilation and water drainage. The cupping ear protectors are removable. The helmet’s Head Lock fit system increases comfort and fit by cupping the back of your head. Overall, the Ace Wake combines durability and ultra light protection with great adjustability.

NRS Havoc Livery

NRS Havoc Livery

The NRS Havoc Livery (#ad) – described by NRS as the “one-size-fits-most solution to whitewater safety” – is an affordable option available in a selection of colours. It has a lightweight ABS plastic shell combined with an EVA foam liner for impact protection and FIT pads to provide comfort. The helmet is equipped with drainage/ventilation ports to let air in and water out and an adjustable chin strap. Its DialFit system lets you adjust the Havoc Livery to fit your head size. With its universal fit, the NRS Havoc Limery Helmet is a great choice if multiple people share the same helmet.

WRSI Current

WRSI Current

Like the NRS Havoc Limery, the WRSI Current (#ad) is designed to fit a range of head sizes. It’s made from ABS plastic with a polyurethane sub-shell and an EVA foam liner. The WRSI Current comes with foam pads that can be adjusted for a custom fit and its interconnected retention system and an adjustable O-brace harness keep the helmet in place. The WRSI Current Helmet comes in two models with or without vents to let water drain and air in. For those looking for ear protection, a third model, the WRSI Current Pro (#ad) adds removable ear pads for extra warmth and protection and a visor.

Bern Brighton H20

Bern Brighton H20

Bern’s Brighton H2O (#ad) is a watersports helmet specifically designed for women. It has an ABS shell combined with soft moisture wicking foam (Bern’s innovation “Brock” foam) with EVA and neoprene. The helmet is equipped with an adjustable chin strap and vents for drainage and greater breathability. If you’re looking for extra protection or warmth for your ears, you can upgrade the Brighton H20 with removable neoprene earpads that can simply be attached to the helmet with press-studs. For all male river surfers, Bern’s Macon H20 (#ad) is the male counterpart to the Brighton H20.

Available at Amazon (#ad)

Keep your head in one piece

Make sure you get a helmet that you’ll actually wear. Many shops will let you send a helmet back for refund or size change if you aren’t happy with the fit or design, so buying online is low risk. Be sure to look after your head – it’s the only one you have!

Note: Riverbreak is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

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Note: Riverbreak is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

1Always Stay On Top – PFD / Impact Vest

A PFD (personal floating device) will keep you floating, when you hurt yourself or lose consciousness. Especially in high-volume rivers with unknown hazards (e.g. whirlpools that may hold you down for a while) a PFD is a good idea. When looking for a life jacket, make sure it’s not too old, properly sized and adjusted. If you fear that a PFD would restrict your movement too much, look for a low volume/profile vest or an impact vest.

2Stay Warm In The River – Booties, Gloves and Hoods

When conditions get cold and wild there’s no way around a winter wetsuit that keeps you warm. But if it gets really cold, booties, gloves and a hood are compulsory. Protecting from the cold means investing in quality gear that keeps the water out and your body warm and comfortable. In the last years, surf science has evolved and there’s a large variety of winter gear out there. If it comes to keeping your feet and hands warm and toasty get quality booties and gloves. If you want to avoid these awful “ice cream” headaches and protect against Surfers Ear, cover your head with a neoprene hood.

3Wear The River Surfing Stoke – Riverbreak Apparel

Revamp your wardrobe and wear your love for river surfing loud and proud with Riverbreak Apparel. We’ve got tees and tanks, hoodies and sweatshirts – the perfect gift for every Riverbreak fan out there! Cheers and happy holidays!

4Use Your Brain, Protect Your Head – Helmets For River Surfers

In river surfing even a small mistake can be fatal. If you get hit by your own surfboard or if you hit a rock you can lose consciousness and drown. A helmet is the best protective gear you can wear. To ease your way into becoming a responsible river surfer, we’ve compiled this buying guide for river surfing helmets for you. Be sure you look after your head – it’s the only one you have!

5The Thicker The Warmer – Winter Wetsuit

If you want to get the most out of a winter river surfing session add a quality winter wetsuit to your wish list. Or, have a surf mate who’s always cold? Gift him a thick winter wetsuit that will stand up to the job of keeping him warm. The thicker the warmer! In the winter months, most river surfers use a 5/3 or 5/4/ wetsuit, a neoprene thickness that offers warmth and protection in cold water. Leading wetsuit brands have developed wetsuits that will keep you surfing even in the deepest, brisket depths of winter. Popular winter wetsuits include the Rip Curl Flash Bomb, O’Neill Psycho, Hurley Fusion or Xcel Drylock. If you care about your ecological footprint, the Patagonia Yulex neoprene-free wetsuit is something for you. Patagonia takes renewable natural rubber from hevea trees which helps reducing deforestation and CO2 emissions in manufacturing.

6For a Safer Escape – Quick Release Waist Leash

Today, most river surfers agree that leashes should not be used in rivers. But if you absolutely insist on wearing a leash, consider getting a quick release waist leash rather than an ankle leash. Waist leashes are attached around the waist with a belt, the release mechanism is on the belt and reachable with either hand, so you can safely disengage from the leash when you are in trouble. Replacing your ankle leash with a quick release waist leash can significantly improve your river surfing safety. Here’s a selection of leashes that feature a quick release waist belt:

• Salamander Quick Draw Leash
• NRS Quick Release Leash
• Badfish Re-Leash
• Leashlok Hawaii Leash Belt

7Show Off Your Stick In Style – Surfboard Wall Rack

A surfboard wall rack is the perfect gift to display your pride and joy when you’re not in the river and want to keep your board safe. There are different types of surfboard racks: horizontal and vertical racks, racks for one or for several boards, metal, wooden and PVC racks. If you’re looking for a wooden, horizontal wall-mounted rack to show off your favorite board, something like COR’s Single Surfboard Rack or the Hawaiian Gun Rack might be your best choice. To store up to four surfboards either vertically or horizontally, the Northcore Quad Rack is one of the options. If you’re a river surfer handy(wo)man, why not building your own DIY surfboard rack? You can find plenty of inspiration online.

8A Quick Fix For Your River Surfboard – Ding Repair Kit

Having the right ding repair kit is an important part of being a river surfer because even the most careful surfer will, sooner or later, find a crack on his favorite stick. Fixing a ding early is the best way to ensure the longevity of your board, protecting it from water and humidity. To make surfboard repair hassle free, Solarez or Big Ding repair kits provide a quick and easy solution for both, polyester and epoxy boards. If you need to fix dings more often than normal and you care about your skin, nerves, lungs, brain cells and eyes – invest in safety gear: Wear a dust mask when sanding, and wear gloves and a vapor mask when working with resins.

9A Visual Explosion of River Surfing Moments – Dieter Deventer’s Book “River Surfing”

Coffee table books have long been a wonderful gift idea, but this book by Dieter Deventer, one of Munich’s first river surfers, is something special. In this book River Surfing: River Waves from Munich to the Amazonas Dieter takes us on a journey to the biggest and most scariest river waves on the planet, spiced up with interviews with iconic river surfers and early pioneers such as Elijah Mack, Björn Richie Lob, Gerry Schlegel, Petra Offermann, Quirin Rohleder, Matthias Ramoser, Stefan Hornung and Quirin Stamminger. A timeless gift that every river surfers will want to flip through over and over again.

10Build Your Own River Surfboard – Surfboard Shaping Kit

Ever thought of riding your own self-shaped river surfboard? Give (or get) the gift of shaping your river experience with Greenlight’s Surfboard Shaping Kits. Deluxe kits with all the materials, tools, instruction, and support are available as well as materials-only kits if you have already started shaping your river board style. There’s no feeling like the pride and stoke of riding your own shapes! Our readers get 15% off with discount code RIVERBREAK at greenlightsurfsupply.com

11Reincarnated Wetsuits – SUGA Yoga Mats

Are you a yogi or know a yogi in your life? SUGA yoga mats are manufactured from 100% recycled wetsuits and make an excellent gift for everyone who cares about our rivers and the environment. A great way to keep our worn-out wetsuits out of the landfill!

12Surf. Rinse. Repeat. Make your Wetsuit Last Longer – Wetsuit Shampoo

Even if you rinse your wetsuit with fresh water after every river surf session, it will benefit from an occasional wash with a wetsuit cleaner. And so will your boots, gloves, hood and other neoprene gear by the way! There is a number of different shampoos out there, all specifically designed for wetsuits. They help thoroughly cleaning away any dirt, chemicals and bacteria and remove the stink without damaging the neoprene. Two of the most popular cleaners are Rip Curl’s Piss Off Wetsuit Cleaner and McNett’s WetSuit Shampoo. Hurry up and make your wetsuit shine again!

13Good Morning! Enjoy Your Daily Dose of River Surfing with Riverbreak’s Coffee Mug

Start your day in style with this Riverbreak mug. Our ceramic mug is what you need to help fuel your stoke and get you through the day!

14River Surfing Inspired Art – Pen and Ink Shirts

Here’s the perfect gift idea for anyone who loves fine pen and ink drawings: river surfing inspired apparel, designed by Adam Baranec. Adam is a passionate river surfer, husband, father, and occasional surfboard shaper. He creates beautiful pen and ink drawings (e.g. The River Wave, The Tree Wave) that can be printed on several types of shirts, including t-shirts, hoodies, long-sleeved shirts and more. Get yours here at Northerfin Art Shop.

15Pimp Your Board – River Surfing Fins

Fins play a crucial role in surfboard performance and that’s why switching your fins can greatly enhance your river surfing. They are responsible for carving, turing, setting a rail, speeding up and slowing down and it’s worth wile to start experimenting with different fins and configurations.

At shallow river waves you want to choose smaller fins to avoid grinding your fins into the rocks below and damaging your fin box. Also, if you’re into this loose and skatey feel, pick smaller fins like the FCS Knubster, Futures Middle Finger (TMF) or HIDRO fins. If you’re looking for fins that are safe, durable and ideal for beginners go for fins that are made from a more flexible material, such as the FCS Softflex fins for instance. If you’re surfing on deeper, more powerful river waves, classic FCS Glass Flex, FCS Performance Core or Futures fins are the best bet. Picking the right fins can be difficult, but as a river surfer, you really can’t have too many sets of fins!

16Two In One – Change Mat and Wetsuit Bag

A change mat that doubles as a wetsuit bag is the perfect gift if you want to keep sand and dirt off your wetsuit and your car clean and dry after a river surfing session. Simply change on the open, waterproof mat, leave your wetsuit on the mat and pull the strings to convert the mat into a wetsuit bag.

17The Perfect Balance Trainer for River Surfing – Indo Board

Every river surfer can benefit from better balance and posture. A balance board is a fun and challenging way to sharpen your skills, get fit and improve agility, strength and coordination. Make sure your fitness and surfing doesn’t suffer because of these long lay days and add the Indo Board to your wish list!

18Spread the River Surfing Stoke – Riverbreak Sticker Pack

Wanna spread your love for river surfing and Riverbreak Magazine? Then get yourself a Riverbreak sticker pack perfect for your surfboard, bicycle, laptop, water bottle or wherever you find a cool place to share the river surfing vibe. Best of all, these stickers are there to stay. They are weatherproof and resistant to fading, scratching, tearing, and water. Get you pack here!

19Better Safe than Sorry – First Aid Kit

We hope you won’t need to use it but a first aid kit is an essential for any outdoor activity so it makes a great gift for any river surfer. Consider getting a first aid kit with a waterproof case to keep the supplies clean and dry when taking the kit to the river. There are several waterproof first aid kits on the market.

20Gift Yourself a Dry Wetsuit – Magnetic Hook for your Car and Slide Hanger

Don’t know where to dry your wetsuit on your river surfing road or camping trip? Then check out this Hook up hanger, a rubber coated magnet hanger to stick on your car’s hatchback or any other flat metal surface.

Beware of hanging your wetsuit by the neck or using conventional shoulder hangers though! The weight of your wetsuit will stretch it out of shape. Rather find an extra wide and strong coat hanger with a bar across the bottom and hang your wetsuit over the bar by the waist to prevent stretching. Alternatively get yourself a long, open ended pants hanger or a hanger specifically designed for wetsuits like the HangPro™ SlideHanger™.

21The One Must-See Movie for River Surfers – Keep Surfing DVD

Gift the surfer in your life the champion of river surfing flicks: Keep Surfing. Björn Richie Lob’s ode to river surfing tells the story of six very different characters from Munich’s legendary river surfing community. This gift is not just a DVD, it’s also a pledge to spend two hours of your life watching this flick with your river surfing mate. What a great way to spend a comfy lay day on the sofa!

22Carry your Board in an Upcycled Billboard – Rareform Surf Bags

If you need a new bag for your favourite river surfboard and like the idea of reusing what’s already here, a Rareform Surf Bag is the gift for you. Each bag is a one-of-a-kind product, made from a unique vinyl billboard. The durable eco-friendly boardbags feature corrosion resistant zippers, heat-reflective lining and foam padding. And on top of all that they look just great. And the best of it all? Riverbreak readers get 20% off with promo code RIVERBREAK20 at rareform.com.

23Treat your Ears with Protection – Ear Plugs and Hoods

Exposure to cold water can lead to ear infections and the so called surfers ear (extosis), a condition where the bones in your ear canal grow, making the ear canal narrower. Extoses develop over years and can lead to recurrent pain and outer ear infections and even require surgery. River surfers who surf in below freezing temperatures are at particular risk. So make sure you treat your ears and wear ear plugs and a warm neoprene hood in cold water.

24Last-Minute Gift Ideas

Shops are already closed and you have still no idea what to get for your river surfing mate? Don’t worry, we’ve got some great last-minute gift ideas that don’t require a stressful trip to the mall:

• Take your mate on a river surfing road trip and explore waves beyond your local spot. An old map or pages from a road atlas can easily be turned into a DIY gift card for this present. Quality stoke time guaranteed!
• We all know that there’s nothing like a handmade gift. So how about crocheting or knitting a beanie to keep your friend warm after an icy river surfing session? There are plenty of tutorials for beginners and pros online that guide you step by step.
• If you aren’t into knitting or crochet but still want to impress your mate with a handmade gift, a surf fin hanger is an alternative for you. Be inspired here!
• Print out a photo of your friend from your last session and frame it.
• Invite your friends to a river surfing movie night with popcorn and beer, zap through all these great river surfing clips on YouTube from around the globe.
• Wanna treat someone special with personalized attention but a wrapped gift is not your style? Tag a river surfing photo of your friend on Instagram with #riverbreak and make him famous!

Don’t like any of the above? Then your best and only option might be to buy your surfer friend a gift card for his or her favourite (online) surf shop.

Note: Riverbreak is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

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Recently, Joel started designing his own hand crafted epoxy/composite surfboards called “Infusion Surfboards”. After intense testing of a combination of new high tech composite materials he has designed this model that works perfect for not only the rugged Norwegian conditions but as all-round boards for small to overhead waves worldwide and in river waves. These EPS Epoxy boards are all hand crafted shapes and laminated with the most advanced high quality materials available on the international market.

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