1. Rapid #11

This is perhaps the most powerful and scary tubing river wave on the planet (see featured shot above by Alan van Gysen). Only a few people, including Elijah Mack, have surfed this gnarly wave in the Zambezi River in Africa. This wave only works for about two weeks when the water level in Zambezi is dropping. In the video below, 14 x Skimboarding World Champion Bill Bryan is getting pitted in Rapid #11. Check out Scott Lindgren’s profile for some insane stills and videos of this spot. This wave is so insane, that we decided to share a second video of Rapid #11 with you, this time with Andrew Matthews taking full advantage of the tube.

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A post shared by Scott Lindgren (@scottlindgren_) on Jun 2, 2018 at 4:30pm PDT

2. Norway

This wave in Norway is Terje Hawkinson’s home break. The wave forms only under certain conditions and the exact location remains secret. Check out Phil Pope and Stanley Badger hitting this gem in the video below. Here is the full length version of this clip.

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A post shared by Riverbreak (@riverbreakmagazine) on May 17, 2018 at 8:58am PDT

3. Lochsa Pipeline

The infamous Pipeline Wave at the Lochsa River in Idaho has been surfed since a long time now and people from Idaho and Montana flock there during high flow times. The dynamic wave does not turn into a full tube, but it has a big face and you can get barrelled!

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A post shared by t a k a k o (@takocam) on Mar 25, 2017 at 8:19pm PDT

The future of barreling river waves

Chances are that there will be more barrelling river waves in the near future. Wave technology is evolving rapidly and we’re getting closer and closer to make artificial tubes in rivers a reality. Check out Tanner’s River Surf System, a wave building concept that can bring tubing waves to every town that has a river.

What’s your experience?

Have you surfed one of the three waves above or any other tubing wave? Which one would you love to surf? Leave a comment below!

The post The Top 3 Barrelling River Waves appeared first on Riverbreak.

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

The post Shaper Talk with Chris Peterson: Boards Made in Boise appeared first on Riverbreak.

“What a blast it was doing hydrofoil river surfing! Interestingly, it feels as though you’re going so fast but when you look to both side of the river everything is stationary. Never felt that much speed in my life without actually moving forward! Can’t wait to do more of it.”

Video footage will be released soon so stay tuned – Huge props to Nate Meyer for capturing this unique moment. Make sure to check out his profile!

The post Hydrofoil River Surfing appeared first on Riverbreak.

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.

Social:
https://www.facebook.com/IdahoRiverSports/
https://instagram.com/idahoriversports/

The post Idaho River Sports appeared first on Riverbreak.

For us flow, hydraulic drop, currents, eddies, obstructions and numerous other factors are the difference between driving through our next carves or not. My passion (and job) is designing waves that not only deal with these dynamic factors but optimises them to create high performance surf waves. How do we do it? One key aspect is adjustability.

Waves Are Extremely Sensitive

A wave is a single point on a spectrum. Above this point is a range of breaking waves and below this is a non-rideable green wave and below that further is a hole (see previous article The Two Types of River Waves on Riverbreak).

For a given set of flow/river conditions there is one specific wave “sweet spot”. This is why some waves only work at very specific flows. You’ve maybe looked at the micro flow effects at your local wave and perhaps noticed the delicate dance the water makes. A small boil or seam from an upstream boulder or a curved current that carries through the wave making it break more or less. Bottom line, waves are extremely sensitive.

Check out how the wave sweet spot is a single point in the video below. This sweet spot is super sensitive.

To further complicate the issue, we want to surf most of the year, at various flows, not just a few weeks a year. And, oh yeah, we surfers are pretty picky about wave shape too. Adjustability allows the wave to change in order to find the sweet spot, stay in it and create the wave shape we need to surf. I’ve designed waves that work with no adjustability but my experience has led me to include adjustability of some kind in all designs.

What Does Wave Adjustability Look Like?

I’ve used several types and have seen countless others. Adjustability typically manipulates one or more of these factors: flow, drop, angle, or bottom contour. Adjustability falls into two categories: real-time and static.

Real-time Adjustibility

Real-time allows adjustment with water flowing whereas static adjustability requires flow to be turned off or diverted around the wave. Examples of real-time systems include The Wave Shaper in Boise, Idaho which adjusts the bottom using pneumatics and hydraulics, or the Alm canal which uses a mechanical screw system to move a plate on the bottom.

In the video below, you see Ryan Richard, the Wave Shaper operator, making the adjustments remotely from the middle of the river on his laptop. Pretty cool right? Even better having Gerry and Tao from Munich in Boise slaying it.

Static Adjustability

Static systems typically attach blocks or other shapes to the river or canal bottom. Although the wave can be adjusted to changing conditions, the flow must first be turned off or diverted around the wave before. Most of the rivers however, are not designed in a way that the flow can be turned off or diverted spontaneously.

The photo below shows Columbus Georgia – this is a “static system” not a “real-time” adjustable feature. We actually never had to do anything to it after it was built worked right away (lucky or good? – who knows a bit of both probably).

Spot: Columbus Wave, Georgia

Pros and Cons

There are pros and cons to each system. Real-time adjustability is typically more expensive to construct initially but reduces costs during tuning and is a good option in rivers or other situations where flow varies (like a river) and flow can’t be turned off. It can also achieve very fine adjustments difficult to do with a static system.

A static system tends to be less expensive up front and is a slightly less complicated design but can require a lot of iterations during tuning to get the wave right. So how do you know which system is best? That’s a tough question. There isn’t a one size fits all system. It needs to be evaluated project by project based on site, budget and performance expectations.

Does Adjustability Guarantee Wave Building Success?

No, but it does improve the chances for success. You can’t compensate for a bad design with adjustability. There have been wave projects built with extensive and costly adjustability that don’t work well. Adjustability will never replace a good, fundamentally sound design that is already near that wave sweet spot.

It is usually cost prohibitive to make waves excessively adjustable or the site doesn’t allow drastic changes to the channel after the wave is constructed, so you have to be close to begin with. Knowing where waves are sensitive and which characteristics are needed is the key to successful adjustability. My approach is to design adjustable features with the precision needed for a non-adjustable wave then build in the adjustability from there at sensitive locations to dial in the wave.

River Waves are a beautiful thing. Let’s keep progressing surf wave design to bring quality river waves to a town near you. Include adjustability in your next wave project, trust me it’s worth it.

To health and high water. See you on the river!

The post The Case for Adjustability in River Wave Design appeared first on Riverbreak.

The post Big City Life – River Surfing appeared first on Riverbreak.

Full name: April Zastrow
Age: 27
Years river surfing: 1
Homebreak: Boise River Park
Favourite trick: So far all I have been able to pull off are simple ollies. I plan on progressing into more air type of moves and 360’s.
Sponsors: Peterson surfboards, Roxy

April, who’s to blame for your passion for river surfing?

A friend and I were trying to figure out something to do and they told me that they river surfed. I never knew there was such a thing, but the second they told me about it I said I was going and knew it wasn’t going to just be a one-time thing. I immediately bought gear the day after my first try at river surfing.

Do you see river surfing as a typical male or female sport?

I do see it as more of a typical male sport, simply by the amount of men that do it compared to women. But I do not consider it being a sport that is predominately more of an advantage for men compared to women. I have competed in motocross for 15 years and have found motocross to be a lot harder as a woman compared to men. MX takes way more strength being one of the most physically demanding sports out there, but surfing involves a different type of strength. As a female I have found that my style in sports is usually smooth and effortless looking and I think this translates well into surfing.

Photo: Tanya Pavlis / Sidewayz Films

Are there other girls that you’ve been surfing with consistently?

There is a small group of core girls that consistently come out and surf: Kiley, Lucy, Katie, Katy and Ciam before she just recently moved. There is a lot of skill and heart between these girls and I love watching them all surf!

What’s your advice for girls who want to get into river surfing?

There is nothing holding you back except self-doubt. I think it is far worse to not try something than the fear of failure. Failure is necessary before you can experience success and the harder you fail, the greater the success feels. And of course do not give up if it’s something you are truly passionate about.

What makes river surfing so special (compared to ocean surfing)?

One major thing about river surfing is the sportsmanship. Everyone gets a shot at the wave no matter what skill level you are or how much time you have put in at the wave and people are courteous about taking turns and keeping the flow going. When someone who has been struggling for days, weeks or even months finally gets their first turn or finally stands on their board; you will hear every surfer cheer them on.

What is the surf culture like where you live?

It is a very small culture here, but everyone is so friendly and it feels like a family. There is an interesting diverse group of people who can all get together and have the same froth over the wave. We also get together occasionally for chill parties, gatherings or events.

How large is the river surf community at your home break?

I am really bad at guessing numbers, but on a crowded night there can be about 20 and have even counted up to almost 30 people. It is somewhat of a small community, but I like it small.

Tell us about one of your river surfing highlights (scariest, greatest, funniest…)

I have had to take one trip to the hospital already. Last year the board shot up out of the water and the rail pulled an uppercut on me. I had lockjaw for about a week, but there wasn’t any major damage except maybe a small fracture or something.

Photo: Tanya Pavlis / Sidewayz Films

What is the best river wave you’ve ever ridden?

I have only had the opportunity to surf our wave. I did have a trip planned to Munich this summer, but it fell through. I do plan on hitting some other northwest waves this fall or spring though.

Best river surf tip you have personally applied?

Never give up. I went a long time before I got more than a turn or two at the wave and there were many days that I thought I would never get it, but I kept trying and eventually it clicked one day. One guy made the comment “I never would have thought a year ago that you would be one of the smoothest surfers out here.”

Have you won any contests that you’re really proud of? Tell us about them!

I have yet to compete for river surfing, I have only heard of the Payette River Games locally and will maybe compete if they make the wave more fitting for surfing rather than SUP/Kayak.

Photo: Tanya Pavlis / Sidewayz Films

What are some of your “high hopes” for the future of river surfing?

I see a lot of potential in river surfing. There are so many people like myself who have always been landlocked and dreamed of surfing, they just don’t know about river surfing yet. There are also more river waves popping up around the states, that I can only see it grow from here. Maybe one day there will be an actual river surfing championship series that people can compete in around the states, but right now it is just fun to do without being too serious about it.

Photo: Tanya Pavlis / Sidewayz Films

Besides river surfing, what hobbies do you find the most pleasure in?

I have been a professional motocross racer since I was 15, but haven’t raced the last few years due to a change in the series with it taking a major step back in our progression as professional athletes. I am also a graphic designer for a motocross apparel company, Fly Racing. I have recently started painting (my boardshaper has even let me paint all of my boards) and picked up the guitar to help keep me busy when our wave gets shut down in the winter. I will occasionally road bike or snowboard. Just love to be active and have fun as much as possible!

Final shout outs?

From the late Kurt Caselli “Do one thing every day that scares you.”

Fill in the blanks

• I’ve always wanted to ___ be as rad as possible.
• You’re not really a river surfer unless ___ you have chased your board down the river and have been held down long enough to spark some fear in you.
• My favourite river surf buddy is ___ the core group of regulars at the river, they know who they are (can’t just pick one).
• Happiness is ___ to love and be loved.

Thank you April for your time and all the best for the upcoming season!

The post Women in River Surfing: April Zastrow, Boise (ID) appeared first on Riverbreak.

The surfers present were to not only be taking part in exhibiting their surfing, but also in working as a team of surf brothers in fellowship in electing the prize winning performances of the day. The first priority for being here was to surf together in brotherhood and appreciate what each of us could contribute, proudly showing practice of the Aloha Spirit. That was, by far, the most valuable concept for us as river surfers. The chance that some of us will be awarded cash prizes was to be “the icing on the cake”.

The loudest and most jubilant cheer went to Derek Rabelo, who is blind.

As we waited for the go-ahead to commence surfing, the contestants met with me and we agreed on the details of our peer-judging system. Five of the contestants, following the Aloha Spirit, offered to abstain from the competition to form a judging panel. The other contestants showed their agreement and appreciation as they lined up to take their turns on the wave. Time was very limited, because the SUP event required extra final tie-breaking rounds, so, sensing the mandate for efficiency, the contestants jumped into wave-after-wave, at rapid intervals. The event looked like a well-oiled surfing machine. By making good use of the limited time, each of the contestants managed to surf four rounds on the wave (more than we expected). The judges rated each wave for best carving turn, best reversal/360, best aerial, and best overall. As it turned out, the contest appeared to be more of a stoked “jam session”, rather than a serious competitive. Fellow surfers hooted and cheered each other (even the wildest wipeouts!).

No Worries About Prizes, Just Aloha!

The loudest and most jubilant cheer went to Derek Rabelo, who is blind, but still surfs through his amazing combination of determination, courage, faith, and sharpness of his other senses. Derek has certainly become a true inspiration to all the rest of us. When both the Men’s and Women’s Divisions were culminated, the judges marked their highest scores, and compared their individual votes to arrive at a consensus. Agreement on the winners seemed to be universal, as the judges announced their selections to the crowd of contestants, who responded with smiles. It was obvious to all that the winning performances were well deserved. For the Men, Chris Martindale of Idaho “cleaned house” with the Best Overall, including carving turns and some airs. Cam Fuller, who hails from Montana, won his prize for a breathtaking reversal/sideslip, ending in a near-360. For the Women, the star was Anna Fischer, of Colorado, who garnered Best Overall, including some impressive carves. It is of note that the prizes to be awarded in equality between the men and women.

Surfers got to surf for the sheer enjoyment of it all … no worries about prizes … just aloha.

Following the Elite Division of the surfing event, described above, in which performance was judged and the prizes were awarded, there was the Open “Fun” Division, which was an expression-session, in which surfers got to surf for the sheer enjoyment of it all … no worries about prizes … just aloha! In this division, we each took a couple of waves to enjoy and entertain the crowd of thousands, who lined the riverbanks.

Finally, it all ended with smiles and “high-fives”, and some words of thanks. As the “Captain” of this undertaking in the Payette River Games, I was pleasantly surprised at how many of the contestants approached me to express their appreciation. Every one of them exclaimed at how much fun they had. To them, the event was really a delightful “sesh” of “bro’s” surfing together. As we all dispersed, and a dark mountain thunderstorm rumbled over the summits of West Mountain, it became clear that the Aloha Spirit was indeed shining, even above the impending clouds!

The post A Stoked Jam Session: David’s Perspective on the 2015 PRGs appeared first on Riverbreak.

Led by Cascade’s very own David Allan, who has surfed more on Kelly’s Wave than anyone, the PRGs welcome surfers to compete in their second river surfing competition.

For all landlocked surfers you will find a big glassy wave at Kelly’s in a town reminiscent of an old American Western movie. Picture a pristine and warm river (70-75 degrees) meandering through the town of Cascade, Idaho adjacent to green pasture land in the foreground surrounded by rugged snow capped mountains.

New Competition Format

All river surfing athletes will vote for the other athletes and the winner will be the one with the most athlete votes. There will be no other judges and we invite an aloha spirit to the games. There will be 2 competitions, an elite and also an open division for the less experienced surfer.

Elite Division

If you think you’ve got the skills to compete with some of the world’s best river surfers, challenge yourself with the Payette River Games Elite River Surfing competition. With $4,000 total prize purse (split evenly for men and women – see the full break down below), this should be one of the most entertaining events of the weekend for spectators and competitors alike.

Fun Division

If you’re more of a beginner but just want to get your feet wet and try surfing the river wave at Kelly’s, jump in to the novice division. This is for surfers who are confident about entering the wave and getting to their feet but perhaps aren’t ready for a 360 air just yet. Come one come all. Give it a try. The PRGs got plenty of fun prizes to give away!

Race for a Good Cause

100% of your entry payments go directly to the PRG’s non-profit host – Kelly’s Whitewater Park. Every dollar you spend will help the park remain open and free for everyone, including our special free kids clinics. So join this event for the funniest weekend on the competition calendar and support a great cause at the same time!

Prize Money and Categories

Register Now

The Payette River Games (PRGs) is a special weekend and we can’t wait to see the river surfing action. But that’s not all … Whether you’re a spectator or a competitor (or both!), come and witness the amazing Whitewater Stand Up Paddling, Beach Volleyball, Dog Fetch, Lumberjack Tournament, Beach Flags and much more. Join the games from June 19-21 in the beautiful haven of Cascade, Idaho for an event you won’t forget.

Register at: http://www.payetterivergames.com/register/

We look forward to seeing you at the 2015 PRG’s in Cascade!

If you’re a Riverbreak reader and you’re here on the grounds today please remember to tag your photos with #PRG15 and #riverbreak.

The post 2015 Payette River Games: River Surfing appeared first on Riverbreak.

You do not have to travel far distances to an Ocean to surf or to watch surfing. Come up to Cascade, Idaho and experience some of the best river surfing and surfers in the world. Led by Cascade’s very own David Allan, who has surfed more on Kelly’s Wave than anyone, all surfers are welcome to compete in the second River Surfing competition.

Competition Format

All river surfing athletes will vote for the other athletes and the winner will be the one with the most athlete votes. There will be no other judges and we invite an aloha spirit to the games. You will find a big glassy wave at Kelly’s in a town reminiscent of an old American Western movie. Picture a pristine and warm river (70-75 degrees) meandering through the town of Cascade, Idaho adjacent to green pasture land in the foreground surrounded by rugged snow capped mountains. There will be 2 competitions, an elite and also an open for the less experienced surfer.

Elite Class

If you think you’ve got the skills to compete with some of the world’s best river surfers, challenge yourself with the Payette River Games Elite River Surfing competition. With $4,000 total prize purse (split evenly for men and women – see the full break down below), this should be one of the most entertaining events of the weekend for spectators and competitors alike.

Fun Class

If you’re more of a beginner but just want to get your feet wet and try surfing the river wave at Kelly’s, jump in to the novice division. This is for surfers who are confident about entering the wave and getting to their feet but perhaps aren’t ready for a 360 air just yet. Come one come all. Give it a try. There are plenty of fun prizes to give away.

Price Money

Register Now

The Payette River Games is a special weekend so don’t miss out on it and register at: http://www.payetterivergames.com/register/

Note: 100% of the entry payments go directly to Kelly’s Whitewater Park. Every dollar you spend will help the park remain open and free for everyone, including a special free kids clinics. So join this legit river surfing comp and support a great cause at the same time!

The post 2015 Payette River Games: Registrations Now Open appeared first on Riverbreak.