River surfing continues to grow in popularity in Alberta with competition, new projects
Surfing isn’t typically something people associate with Alberta, but one group is trying to change that as popularity of the sport grows.
The Alberta River Surfing Association (Alberta RSA) held its annual Mountain Wave Classic on the Kananaskis River in Canoe Meadows on Saturday.
Dimitra Galiatsatos was one of the roughly 30 people that took part in the surfing skills competition.
She began surfing a few years ago after seeing people do it on a wave in Calgary, and she hasn’t stopped since.
“I love the outdoors. I love the water. I love the sun and then the people. It’s always a good time; you never have a bad day when you’re on the river,” Galiatsatos said.
The event has been running since 2006 and each year, more surfers come out to put their skills to the test.
“I moved from Vancouver. I was worried I would be surfing less by moving inland, and now I surf way more than I did before and it’s been so exciting,” said Jenna Henderson, a board member with Alberta RSA.
The demand is expected to get even higher once Alberta RSA and the Alberta Whitewater Association install a new adjustable wave for both surfers and kayakers, just metres from where the current wave is located.
“It’s a game-changer for the sport and for the region. We’re going to be able to have more serious competition here and attract athletes from around the world,” said David Rousseau, a board member with Alberta RSA.
Alberta River Surfing Association members enjoy catching a wave on the Kananaskis River in Canoe Meadows on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022 (CTV News Calgary/Nicole Di Donato).
Rousseau adds that the new wave will allow more difficulty for competitions like the Mountain Wave Classic.
“The wave we have right now is fantastic, but it’s nothing compared to the new one. We’re talking about a 12-metre-across wave. The one we have right now is around three metres, so you can only imagine the amount of tricks and the flow and the styles of the surfers. That’s just going to increase.”
Over $232,000 has been raised so far to build the world-class wave. The goal is to have it finished by early 2024.
Alberta RSA also has other projects in the works. It wants to create river wave parks along the Bow River in both Calgary and Cochrane.
It also wants to build a new wave at Harvie Passage — a common spot for beginners.
“River surfing is something that people are going to talk about when they think about Alberta and when they think about Canada as well,” Rousseau said.
Those already involved in the sport hope the new projects will encourage more people to try it.
Alberta River Surfing Association members enjoy catching a wave on the Kananaskis River in Canoe Meadows on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022 (CTV News Calgary/Nicole Di Donato).
“We’re a super welcoming community. We love helping beginners, so whether or not you want to be in the water, there’s always going to be a friendly face to have a great conversation or help you out in the water,” Henderson said.
Galiatsatos added: “I think everyone should try this at least once in their life.”
For more information about the sport and safety tips for beginners, head to the Alberta RSA website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.