My brother Mike has been living in Edmonton for the past two years. He recently told me about a friend who is apparently a founding member of the Alberta River Surfing Association. They find standing waves on the rivers and ride ’em. They’re planning an outing to Manitoba, which is likely still ignorant of its status as a prime surfing province. Apparently there are other older chapters in Italy and Munich, too.
I’m Mike’s river surfing buddy. If you’re ever in Cowtown you’re welcome to come out with us. We go every week 52 weeks a year. Paul Barrett, another founding ARSA member, tried the trip to Manitoba but falling on the wave resulted in him being swept into the middle of the lake. Not so fun. We now are planning trips to Lochsa Pipeline in Idaho, Brennan’s Wave in Missoula, Montana and a trip out to Tofino, BC. Your other bro, Paul … I didn’t know there were three of you … is designing our website which is almost done. Check it out at http://www.riversurfing.ca/forum
Later,
Negs
Wow, that would hardcore – 52 weeks a year? But then, I guess it’s easy to stay out of the water when the river freezes over…
Ah, but that is part of the beauty of this river. It is the runoff from a hydro electric dam so at night, when electrical demand is low there is barely and water flow. In the day, there is a torrent that creates solid standing waves for kayakers and surfers alike. That daily water changes washes away any ice coverage. The low flow results are ice sheets hanging on the river banks 3 – 7 feet above the low flow water level. It looks pretty cool.
Later,
Negs