Landlocked surfers, grab that board from the rafters and suit up. The waves may be as close as your nearest river.
“Everyone is aware of ocean surfing, but most people live on or near rivers,” says Neil Egsgard, the principal, wave designer, wave builder and government liaison for Surf Anywhere, a wave design and river surfing consultation firm.
Surf Anywhere helps communities build waves and, in doing so, also helps them become more invested in their rivers. Egsgard is a bit of a crusader, on a mission to bring surfing to the masses.
“Almost anywhere there is a river, you can build a really good surf wave and it provides something that is an economic [stimulator], becomes a cultural center and connects people to the environment,” says Egsgard. “All of that is changing; all you need is a river.”