River surfing is a sport that combines the thrill of surfing with the tranquility of floating down a river. It’s perfect for people who want to experience an adrenaline rush without the dangers associated with other extreme sports. If you are interested in trying out this new activity, read on for everything you need to know about it.
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What is River Surfing?
River surfing is the act of riding a wave on a river. This can be done using either an inflatable tube, kayak, or surfboard.
Getting Started
To get started, you’ll need a few basic items: a surfboard, wet suit, and life jacket. It’s also important to know the area you plan to surf in and understand the hazards associated with that particular stretch of river.
Next, you need to find an appropriate location. Not all rivers are suitable for surfing; some have too many rocks or other obstacles, while others are simply too dangerous. Generally speaking, the wider and flatter the river, the better it is for surfing.
You’ll also need to think about your timing; many rivers are too strong in spring and early summer when water levels tend to be very high. The best time of year depends on where you live but generally speaking September through December tends to offer calmer waters with lower water- levels.
Before you go, make sure to check the weather and water conditions. You don’t want to be caught up in a thunderstorm or have too much rainfall just before you go out on the river as this can cause dangerous currents that are difficult to predict.
In general, it’s best not to surf if there is lightning nearby, if the water is very cold or too warm for your wet suit, or if there are large waves.
It’s also important to understand that river surfing can be dangerous and should not be taken lightly! It’s a good idea to take along some friends who know how to do it as well.
How to Spot a Good Day for River Surfing
The best time to go river surfing is when the water level is high and the current is strong. You can check the water level online or at a local bait shop. The best way to find a good spot for river surfing is by scouting out locations ahead of time. Look for areas with big waves and plenty of obstacles to ride off of.
Be aware of the weather conditions and always check for updates before heading out. High winds and thunderstorms can be dangerous, so make sure to pack a safety kit including a cell phone, first-aid supplies, and water. River surfing is a fun and exhilarating experience, but it’s important to stay safe while enjoying it.
Safety Tips when River Surfing
- Remember that you are surfing on a river and not the ocean. The currents can be unpredictable and dangerous.
- Always check with local authorities to find out about the water conditions and any potential hazards.
- Never surf alone. Make sure there is someone else around who can help if needed.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Look for submerged logs, rocks and other obstacles.
- Wear a life jacket. It could save your life if you get into trouble.
- Be prepared for the unexpected. Bring along a first aid kit, cell phone and some cash in case of an emergency.
- Do not drink and drive. You should be sober when surfing to make good decisions on the water.
- Never surf without a safety leash attached with your board at all times when you are near obstacles or other people who could get hurt by it.
- Make sure there is no one else in the river before attempting to get in. It is not a good idea to surf while people are swimming or playing around the water.
- When surfing, you must know where your board will end up if it gets away from you. You don’t want to get too close to the crashing waves and be caught by them unexpectedly.
How to Pick Up a Wave
Picking up a wave is the first step to river surfing. You want to be in the right spot and time your takeoff correctly. Look for a wave that is breaking close to shore, has enough power, and is the correct size for you. As you get closer, make sure to get into a good position by pointing your board downstream and getting your weight over the fins.
When you’re ready, take a big step forward and paddle hard to get up on the wave. If you start to fall off, don’t worry – just tuck and roll like you would in ocean surfing. Remember to keep your knees slightly bent to absorb the impact of landing.
Now that you’ve picked up a wave and landed, what do you do?
How to Ride the Wave
Now that we know how to pick one up, it’s time for some fun. First things first: make sure your leash is on before getting into position. Once your board (and body) are attached to the line by your ankle strap, push off the bottom and paddle hard.
Of course, you’re going to fall a few times before getting it right. It’s okay! You’ll get back up on top of your board or tuck into a roll again if you lose control. Once you have a good balance, spend some time working on turning sharply so that you can cut back and forth through the wave.
Once you’ve got your balance, it’s time to start riding! Remember not to go too deep – going down toward the bottom of a river wave will reduce its power. Balance is key, so make sure that you’re standing up tall with your feet shoulder-width apart for maximum control over speed and direction.
Gear you Need for River Surfing
When it comes to gear, you can get away with a lot less than on ocean surfing. Most of the time all you need is:
- A good riverboard
- Wet suit (or at least a rash guard and board shorts)
That’s it! Of course, there are other things you can bring depending on the conditions:
- Booties to keep your feet warm and protect them from rocks
- Paddle if you want to help yourself along
- Helmet if you’re worried about hitting your head
- Life jacket if the water is especially dangerous
That’s it for gear!
Where to buy a River Surfboard?
There are a few places you can buy a river surfboard. You can buy them online, or at local sporting goods stores. You may also be able to find used boards at garage sales or on classified websites like Craigslist.
Make sure to do your research before buying a board. There are many different types of boards available, so you need to decide what exactly it is that you are looking for.
What Type of Board should I get when River Surfing?
There are a few different types of boards you can choose from when river surfing. The most popular type is the stand-up paddleboard (SUP). These boards are around 11 feet long and have a lot of stability, making them perfect for beginners. If you’re looking for something more advanced, consider a surfboard or bodyboard.
SUPs can be used in a variety of different ways. Some people use them as traditional paddleboards, while others use them to ride the waves like a surfboard. If you’re looking to get more air, try using a tow-in rope to get pulled into the wave by a boat or jet ski.
Terms Associated with River Surfing
- River surfing: Surfing on a river. This can be done on any type of river, but is most often done on a white water river.
- Whitewater: The section of a river that has the highest flow and is therefore the most dangerous for surfing.
- Rip current: A fast-moving current in the water that can carry you away from the river quickly.
- Boofing: Jumping off a ledge into the river. This is often done to get over a rapid or large wave.
- Paddleboarding: Using a paddleboard to navigate the river. This is a good option for beginners as it is more stable than surfing.
- Play boat: A kayak or canoe that is customized for surfing waves on the river. These are often used by experts who want to go down rapids and get back up again quickly with no problems.
- Creeking: This term refers to moving through very technical water in a playboat. This can include going through rapids and over rocks.
- Hip surfing: This is a term used for river surfing on a standing wave. This can be done on any type of river, but is most often done on a white water river.
- Stance: The stance you take when river surfing will depend on the type of wave you are riding. As a general rule, the more vertical your body is, the steeper and faster it will be moving downstream.
- Surf: A stand up wave that provides good surfing opportunities for river surfers.
Other Notable River Surfing Terms
Tidal Bores
Tidal bores are also known as tidal rivers, and they’re waves that travel up coastal areas. The best place to catch one is in the Amazon river in Peru where it can reach speeds of over 30 mph.
Standing Waves
Standing waves are a common occurrence on rivers and can be surfed in the same way that ocean waves are. The best place to find standing waves is near a bridge, where the water flow is constricted. To identify a good spot for surfing, look for a wave that is heading upstream and has enough power to create a large curl.
Upstream River Waves
The best place to start surfing is upstream where the waves are smaller and easier to catch. As you get more comfortable, you can move further downstream.
Severn Bore
The Severn Bore is a tidal bore that forms in the estuary of the River Severn in England and Wales. It is the largest bore in the world and can reach up to 11 meters (36 feet) high. The best time to see it is during the early morning or late evening when the tide is at its highest.
Petitcodiac Bore
The Petitcodiac River is a river in southeastern New Brunswick, Canada. It has one of the highest tidal bores in the world reaching up to 15 feet (45ft) high and traveling at speeds as fast as 35mph.
Pororoca Bore
The Pororoca is a tidal bore that forms on the Amazon River in Brazil. It is one of the largest and most powerful bores in the world, reaching heights of up to 30 feet (90ft) and speeds of up to 50mph.
As you can see, there are many different types of river waves that you can surf. The key is to find the right one for you and practice, practice, practice!
What are the Benefits of River Surfing?
There are many benefits to river surfing, including:
- It’s a great workout! River surfing is an excellent way to get in a good workout and improve your fitness level. Surfing the rapids requires a lot of energy and stamina, so you’ll feel the burn after a session.
- It’s a fun activity! River surfing is one of the most fun ways to stay active and have a good time.
- It’s great for team building! If you want something new and different to do together as a group or company outing, river surfing makes for an excellent activity. There’s nothing like riding the rapids together to build camaraderie and excitement.
- It boosts your confidence! River surfing is a great way to gain self-confidence because it requires strength, balance, endurance, coordination, and courage. After you go river surfing once or twice, you’ll feel more confident about yourself.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start surfing the rapids! You’ll be glad you did.
Conclusion
Now that you know all about river surfing, it’s time to give it a try! Head to your nearest river and get started. Remember to always be safe and have fun.