There is nothing better than seeing a huge line at the local river wave. More surfers means that the sport is progressing. As the sport progresses so do the riders. It is so fun to see surfers getting longer rides and having fun. How long of a ride is too long? If there is a line on both sides of the wave and one is shorter how do you rotate rides? What do you do if someone loses a board in the eddy?
Being able to surf the wave for as long as you want is a great feeling! Taking long rides is perfectly fine if it is just you and a few buddies surfing. When the line starts to get long 1 min rides are a maximum to keep the line flowing. Hack some turns and once you reach your time limit try a trick. This will keep everyone in the lineup happy as well as progress your surfing at the same time!
If your wave has a line on both sides you should rotate riders from each side. If one side has twice as many riders than the other you should rotate 2 riders from the long side to 1 rider from the short side. This will keep things even and keep the lines on both sides flowing.
If someone loses their board in the eddy and it flows back up toward the line whoever is closest should grab it for them. You can put it to the side or if they are on the other side of the river you can toss it over to them. If you are going to toss a board to the other side of the wave please make sure no one is in the wave surfing or swimming in the water around the wave. Let everyone know you are going to toss the board so no one gets hurt.
Lets all work together to progress the sport, keep each other safe and maintain good vibes in the water.
I use to be so scared of the foil. The first time I foiled behind the boat I was able to get up on the first try. Learning to balance the foil was easy. However, the first time I tried to pull into the boat wave the foil bucked out and flipped up. Seemed like the foil had a mind of its own. This left me scared, because the reaction of the foil was unpredictable and it seemed like I would never be able to control it.
It took about 8 sessions behind the boat to feel more comfortable with how the foil acts in the water and on the wave. Here are a few tips that helped me finally surf the wave without a rope and get a better feel for the foil.
IMPORTANT WARNING | NEVER FIGHT THE FOIL
IF IT WANTS TO POP UP. JUST LET IT AND BAIL OFF THE BOARD. THIS WILL HELP YOU AVOID BEING STRUCK BY THE FOIL!
Step 1.) Getting Comfortable On The Foil
Spend some time in the glassy water outside the boat wake playing with your foot position and learning how to balance the foil as close to the water surface as possible. Front foot pressure will lower the foil and back foot pressure will raise the foil out of the water. If the foil breaches the water surface, it will slam the board back into the water. If you hear a gurgle sound coming from the foil this means the foil is about to breach the surface. Apply front foot pressure to avoid the board slamming.
Something that helped me feel like I had a little more control with how the foil reacted is playing with my foot position. I am using a little wider of a stance that I would normally use while I surf. This is helping me gain more control of how the foil reacts in different water current and flow. Learning to shift my weight with the water is also helping. For example when I pull into a wave I apply a massive amount of pressure on my front foot to keep the foil in the water.
Step 2.) Pulling Into The Wave
Once you are comfortable balancing on the foil it is time to pull into the wave! You will be surprised at the amount of energy the foil generates even on the smallest waves. An easy way to pull into the wave, is to cut to the outside of the wake zone as soon as you are up on the board. From the outside of the boat wake slowly swing into the wave applying front foot pressure until you adjust to how much lift the foil will generate from the wave.
If you are pulling into the wave from behind you will need to put a massive amount of foot pressure on the front foot while you pull over the top of the wave. If you try and pull over the wave without massive front foot pressure. The energy will throw the foil into the air!
I have been having so much fun surfing the 2nd wave back. I have even been able to transfer from on side of the boat wave to the other. It is my goal to be able to fly across from one wave to another super easy. I am slowly working on getting my pumping skill down and want to SUP flat water and some downwind races next year!!!
Stay loyal to the foil and I will see you on the water!!!
As a global crew of Land Locked Surfers, one of our goals is to build an archive of Community Leaders passionate about helping others discover the stoke of surfing outside of the ocean. This will help accomplish our vision of having an accessible point person for each surf community, location, and discipline. For example, if you live the United States, especially in the Colorado region, and you are trying to get into inland surfing then Alex Mauer is our recommended resource for you. His inland surfing network runs deep in Colorado and he is passionate about sharing with others the stoke he finds out on the water!
For questions about surfing in Colorado it’s best to contact Alex through his Instagram: @alexandermauer
Let’s get to know Alex, your Colorado surf connection!
Q: Give us some background, who is Alex Mauer?
Alex: I’ve always been drawn to the water. I grew up doing every sport you can imagine. I’m addicted to having fun!
Q: How and when did you get into Surfing in Colorado?
Alex: When I was like 12 or 13 my dad got me and my brother a boogie board and told us to go play down by the river. I saw a kayakers surfing river waves and I knew it would be possible to surf the same waves on a surfboard. After catching my first river wave I was hooked! I would travel around and surf waves the kayakers told me about. I started getting in the stand-up paddling because I could surf smaller waves and paddle down the river to find new waves. I have been helping pioneer the surf and stand up paddle scene here in Colorado ever since.
Q: Through your eyes describe the surf scene in your area, what are you doing to help it grow?
Alex: When I first started river surfing, people looked at me like I was crazy when I tried to explain it to them. Years later, people are starting to recognize the sport in my area. To try and grow the sport I’m always sharing my stoke with whoever I run into you. I help new surfers when I see them on the river. I also, invite new people to come out with me and try the sport for the first time.
Q: In Colorado, what are a few types of inland surfing riders are taking advantage of, which is your favorite, and why?
Alex: In Colorado there are plenty of ways land locked riders take advantage of the surf CO has to offer. We river surf, stand up paddle, wake surf, skim board flat water, and even surf the powder when it snows. We also skateboard.
Q: As a Locked Surfing Community Leader, what are your areas of expertise new riders should ask you about?
Alex: I love anything on the water. I try to be well-rounded when it comes to water sports. You can ask me just about anything and I can help you out!
Q: What drives you to get better everyday?
Alex: Progressing the sport keeps me motivated. I want to push the sport as far as I can and do as many tricks and innovations as possible. I’ve never felt like I’ve hit my potential as a surfer. I think that’s what is cool about surfing, there is always something new to do or try.
Q: What are your surfing/life goals for this year?
Alex: This year I am most stoked for a road trip I’m taking to hit up some river waves I’ve really been waiting a long time to surf. I’m just excited to see where the sport goes in the next year!
Q: In your world of surfing, who do you look up to most and why?
Alex: I look up to John John Florence, Austin Keen, Kai Lenny and Laird Hamilton. All those guys are pushing the limits of the sport that’s exactly what I want to do for river surfing!
Q: Outside of river surfing what are your other passions?
Alex: Family is really important to me.
Q: What is something funny very few people may know about you?
Alex: I love goofing around in the water. I will try and surf anything no matter what shape it is! Watching that stuff is always good for a laugh or too!
Closing Thoughts: I’m honored to be a landlocked surfing Community Leader. I just want to thank Kirk for this opportunity. I look forward to helping many of you on the river and in the water!
Questions about surfing in Colorado? Best to contact Alex through his Instagram: @alexandermauer
