Colorado might be a landlocked state, but just because the nearest beach break is a thousand miles away doesn’t mean you can’t surf every day. Throughout the state standing waves have been developed on a number of our mountain rivers. Glenwood Springs, Pueblo, Montrose, Buena Vista are all within a day’s drive of Aspen, and feature waves of various sizes and shapes. Though the water is moving the opposite direction, you can still catch an endless ride. As companies watch the sport grow, there are a few key innovations that make landlocked surfing easy and accessible to all.

Surfing and skiing seem to go hand in hand in Colorado, and there are more than a few garages with stashes of old surfboards. And while an ocean deck will do, there are several challenges including buoyancy and the fragile fiberglass. Badfish is a surf and SUP company born on the rivers, and built in Salida. Through years of testing on the standing wave right outside their office they developed a lineup that brings river surfing to a new level. And one of the most innovative is the iSK8. This is an inflatable surfboard. Inflatable means it is durable and can stand up to a thrashing in the river (there are still rocks) but don’t be fooled it is stiff as a hard board. It has enough volume to rip even the smallest waves, and when you are craving the glassy green face of a wave you will be hard pressed to remember you are just standing on air.

No matter how warm the ambient air temperatures might get, the rivers of Colorado are still snowmelt. A warm wetsuit is a must. And with recent information on how damaging Neoprene production is the environment, I looked to Picture Organic Clothing for an equally performing but more eco-friendly option. Picture Organic Clothing developed NaturalPrene to replace neoprene with a sustainable and responsible alternative made of 85% natural rubber from the hevea tree. In addition their wetsuits are solvent free and the quick dry lining is made from recycled polyester fabrics from recycled plastic bottle (one wetsuit recycles approximately 45 plastic bottles). Silicone tape around the neck, arms and ankles prevents water from penetrating the wetsuit and the built in knee pads are an added bonus. But most importantly, surfing should be carefree movement, and the fit and performance is crucial. Like ocean surfing, landlocked surfing, requires you to be able to pop up quickly, and the snug and cozy fit with ample stretch of the wetsuit makes it easy to move in.

With a board and a wetsuit, you are ready to hit the waves. But while the ocean has bigger dangers (like sharks) the river comes with its own set of hazards. It is important to protect yourself with a PFD (life jacket), helmet and releasable leash. Check river levels online because flows change with runoff cycles and water releases. No need to hop on a plane to hang ten, you can ride endless waves right here in your backyard, landlocked surfing!