Editors note: I’m happy to welcome another new contributor to the blog! Bradley Hilton is a kick ass standup paddler and avid river surfer. It’s an honor to have him writing for the blog!
River surfing in Colorado has entered a new era. With the completion of the Gore Canyon Whitewater Park on the Upper Colorado River, we now have our first wave with its very own water rights. Flows ranging from 860 – 2500 CFS, if not higher, are guaranteed from April 5th – October 15th annually. This is amazing news for the paddle surf community!! Even on years with less than average snowmelt or rain, we will still have a wave to surf no matter what. Win.
But wait, there is more, much more. The Gore Wave offers us the opportunity to be a part of something greater than ourselves. First, some history. The original movement leading to the development of the park started back in 2008, when Grand County drafted a ‘Stream Management Plan’, in efforts to protect the flows of the Colorado River and it’s headwaters. A major portion of the water in the Northern Rockies is diverted east to front-range communities before it ever hits the river basin. In drought years, so little water remains, that the health of the Upper Colorado can be severely jeopardized. This encompasses the entire eco-system that surrounds the river.
Then along came the brilliant idea to build a wave, or in fancy terms, a ‘recreational in-channel diversion’. In our state, one of these man-made diversions in the river is one way to protect the flows, therefore benefitting the environment, and the economy.
So here we are, surfing our brains out, and supporting the health of the river AT THE SAME TIME. It’s a beautiful thing.
There have been reports of the river right wave at Gore holding from 2000 – 7500 CFS. This is the best side for SUP surfing. Super easy eddy access for regular footers, and an easy swim with no drops or hazards. The wave itself is really fun, and steep enough to hold shorter boards at lower flows (~2000cfs). There is no cell phone service at the park, but there is camping literally steps away from the surf wave. The perfect place for a little surf staycation, not to mention, the view upriver while surfing is incredible. It’s a great time to be a Soul SUP’er in Colorado, see you out there.
Written by | Bradley Hilton
Bradley is a Colorado Native and avid stand up paddler. If he isn’t out charging whitewater or racing on flat-water, he can be found somewhere in the high-country, growing a beard and dreaming up plans for the next big adventure.
