Published on April 8th, 2018 | by RB Team
Photo by Flusswelle Steyr | 0Flusswelle Steyr
Flusswelle Steyr is a group of dedicated river surfers making their dream of a river wave in the city of Steyr come true. Let’s hear what they have been working on and what they are up to:
Our goal is to build one (or more) river waves in the city of Steyr. In the first feasibility study, our engineer looked at 12 potential spots in the city, of which 8 are located in the city center. In the past decades, the city of Steyr used the water of the river Steyr for industrial purpose (Steyrs’ economic history started with the production of rifles by the force of water). This led to the construction of dams and floodgates creating the drops that we need for a river wave to function. These dams and floodgates actually create plenty of possibilities for river waves in our area.
Kruglwehr in Steyr
After the first study was completed, we looked at the pros and cons of each spot and identified the most promising locations. Unfortunately, the most attractive spots in the city center turned out to be not ideal for a river wave (canalisation, too expensive, too dangerous to surf). We also wanted to create a new spot and didn’t want to rebuild an existing one.
The team behind Flusswelle Steyr
Right now our favourite is the “Kruglwehr”, located in the “Unterhimmler Au” (the meadow and recreation area of Steyr). At this spot, we can use almost the whole water of the river, there is a substantial drop, the spot is considered safe, there is existing infrastructure (a buffet, toilets, parking area), space for construction machines and an existing building in the river (a slide for boats).
The potential spot at the Kruglwehr
It is also a nature reserve area, reaching up into the city. Currently, our engineer is in touch with the responsible persons. Fortunately, the local politicians and the mayor are supportive about our wave project. So far, we spent 5,000 € (with the financial support of the “Regionalforum”) for the first study. With the support of “FAZAT” (a club for the development of Steyr), we were able to organise sufficient funding for a second study, which will focus on the potential spot at the “Kruglwehr”.
We hope that this is just the first wave project in Steyr – there is enormous potential in our city for more than one river wave!
Spot Details
Latitude: 48.0439644Longitude: 14.3774843