River Surfing Vs. Ocean Surfing

SUP River Surfing Expert, Dave Gavere - Check out Dave's Tips For River Safety 

For people who live on the coast and got into SUP through surfing, lifeguarding or another sea-related sport, the concept of 'river surfing' seems foreign at times. Especially to people who haven't traveled too far inland or been to a country, state or town where there is a thriving river culture. One of the most common questions newbies want to know is what a river wave feels like - is it different to ocean waves? Here to answer this question is our community assistant and always-stoked river surfer, Alex Mauer. 

Words by Alex Mauer

What Is A River Wave?

There are two main types of river waves:

• Tidal bores: these are formed by an ocean swell being forced up a river mouth.
• The standing wave: (my favorite) these are formed by a sudden increase in the river bed. There is a lot of science and potamology behind it all, but I will just stick to surfing.

The Differences: River vs Ocean

Wave Speed

River waves don't always have the size of ocean waves. This doesn't necessarily mean they don't have the same power. Sometimes the river is moving a lot faster than the ocean. It's amazing to feel all that power rushing Beneath your board.

What's different about river waves?

River surfing is much like surfing ocean waves, except your not moving and the wave never breaks. This means you can surf the wave as long as you want. This makes the learning curve for tricks much faster. Plus you have more wave time than the ocean.  

If you haven't done so already, you should try river surfing - you will never worry about sharks again!