In a recent episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with David Russo, a key figure in the Alberta river surfing community, to discuss the rapid growth of the sport, the ambitious wave projects in Calgary, and what the future holds for river surfing in Canada and beyond.
CALGARY'S BIG MOVE IN RIVER SURFING
David and his team are spearheading an exciting new wave project that could put Calgary on the global map for river surfing. The highlight? A massive 20-meter-wide wave in downtown Calgary on the Bow River, surrounded by the city’s stunning skyline. This would be a game-changer, not just for the local surf community but for Calgary’s identity as a destination for action sports.
In addition to the downtown wave, there are plans for another wave in Passage Island and one in Cochrane, a town about 30 minutes from Calgary. These developments would create a thriving river surfing scene comparable to major spots in Germany and the U.S.
HOW DO YOU BUILD A MOUNTAIN WAVE?
The engineering behind these waves is fascinating. David explained that they use a collapsible steel structure placed at the bottom of the river, which manipulates the water flow to create a surfable wave. This technology is designed to withstand Calgary’s seasonal changes, including ice in the winter and high-water levels in the spring. Importantly, these structures are engineered to have minimal environmental impact, meeting Canada’s stringent environmental regulations.
FUNDING AND ECONOMIC IMPACT
Funding for these projects comes from a mix of community donations, government grants, and private investments. The team has already raised over half a million dollars for the Canmore wave and is confident in their ability to secure the necessary funds for the larger downtown project.
The estimated cost?
$300,000 - $400,000 for the Canmore wave.
$12-15 million for the world-class 20-meter-wide wave in Calgary.
But the return on investment is substantial. A similar project in Bend, Oregon, has generated an estimated $3-4 million annually in economic impact. The Calgary wave could easily surpass that, making it a solid business case for the city.
MARKETING, AWARENESS, AND GLOBAL EXPANSION
David and his team have been working hard to raise awareness through social media, festivals, and local events. Over the past 12-18 months, they’ve seen a shift—companies and investors are now reaching out to them, offering resources like engineering hours and raw materials.
They’re also looking at how European river surf communities market themselves. In Germany, for example, the growth of rapid surfing has been driven by high-profile competitions and sponsorship deals with major brands like Red Bull. A similar strategy in Calgary, including international events and athlete sponsorships, could propel the sport to new heights.
COULD RIVER SURFING BE IN THE OLYMPICS?
With the right push, river surfing could eventually be featured in global competitions, possibly even the Olympics. Organizations like Rapid Surf League in Europe are already paving the way by structuring competitive circuits. If Calgary establishes itself as a hub for the sport, it could play a crucial role in the movement to include river surfing in the Olympic Games.
COULD RIVER SURFING BE IN THE OLYMPICS?
The priority now is to complete the Canmore wave and use it as proof of concept for future projects. Once that’s done, attracting international interest, sponsors, and even more investment should be much easier. The team is also keeping an eye on how to expand awareness globally, particularly in surf-heavy regions like France.
FINAL THOUGHTS?
Chatting with David was an eye-opening experience into a sport that is on the verge of exploding in popularity. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just curious about this growing community, keep an eye on Calgary—it’s set to become a major player in the river surfing world.
Stay tuned for more episodes of the Beyond Reach Podcast, where we continue to explore the stories of athletes, entrepreneurs, and visionaries pushing the limits of sports and the outdoors.
GET INVOLVED
If you’re interested in river surfing or want to support these projects, check out the Alberta River Surfing Association online:
Website: albertariversurfing.com
Instagram: @AlbertaRiverSurfing
Facebook: Alberta River Surfing
David and his team are always looking to connect with passionate individuals who want to be part of this growing movement. As Calgary moves closer to having one of the world’s premier river surfing destinations, there’s never been a better time to get involved.
Comments