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 Iowa region, and you are trying to find inland surf then Hannah Ray J is our recommended resource for you. Her river surfing network runs deep in Iowa and she is passionate about sharing with others the stoke she finds out on the water!
For questions about surfing in Iowa it’s best to contact Hannah through her Instagram: @hannah_rayj
Let’s get to know Hannah, your Iowa surf connection!
Q: Give us some background, who is Hannah Ray J?
Hannah: I’m a northeast Iowa native, farm-kid, artist, river surfer, and whitewater paddler. Throughout childhood my mother told me, “Only you are in charge of your happiness”. I took that to heart and it is precisely what I’m doing today; river surfing, whitewater paddling, and sharing my passion for the river! If I can get a hold of an interested ear, prepare to have it talked off about river surfing. I’m in the river at any time of year as much as possible. Whether that’s surfing my local wave on my shortboard and sup or chasing rain and learning new tricks in my whitewater kayak. There is no start or end to the surf “season” in Iowa, just slower times!
When I’m not on the river, I bring ideas to life through graphic design, care for my border collie, Bella, who has megaesophagus, and spend time with friends and family.
Q: How and when did you get into Surfing in Iowa?
Hannah: I first got into surfing in Iowa by spotting a local whitewater paddler on the river. He was ripping a river wave in a kayak! I was stoked, and eagerly waited for him to head to the riverbank so I could inquire, “How do I learn to do that?!!” In short order, I bought my first whitewater kayak, learned to roll, and started figuring out how to surf in a kayak.
Then, Charles City put in Iowa’s first whitewater park. Game changer! An inviting place to surf and paddle your heart out! Ty Graham showed up with his custom river surfer SUP and encouraged me to try it out. Prior to this point I had only seen longer sups on flat, calm lakes and thought, “why would anyone want to paddle a sup?” After seeing Ty surf a wave and trying it for myself, I was hooked! Bonus, my whitewater kayaking experience expedited the learning curve for standing on a board. Each time I step on a board or paddle my kayak I learn something new and surfing a river wave is just FUN!
Q: Through your eyes describe the surf scene in your area, what are you doing to help it grow?
Hannah: The river surf scene in Iowa is still in it’s infancy. There’s only a handful of us around the state, so it makes for a tight-knit group of rad people. River surfing is gaining more interest; whitewater parks are being engineered with river waves and each time I’m on the water people are asking, “How do I try that?!” I assist Charles City Whitewater with their Charles City Challenge event, a weekend of family friendly whitewater fun for all. During Charles City’s annual event I host Iowa’s only SUP surfing clinic, introducing all skill levels to river surfing. Whenever I head to the river I typically have extra gear with me and impromptu surf lessons are my favorite. I’m happy to share what I know! As more whitewater is engineered here in Iowa, its just a matter of time before people discover just how much fun river surfing is.
Q: As a Land Locked Surfing Community Leader, what are your areas of expertise new riders should ask you about?
Hannah: I love surfing our river waves on a shortboard, SUP, and whitewater kayak. Sharing my passion for the river is what I strive for. I’m happy to help however I can; how to river surf our waves, when is the best time to go, which water levels work best, which equipment works well, local outfitter availability, and places to stay and eat. I have an abundance of information about surfing Iowa and I’m here to share it, just ask!
Q: What drives you to get better everyday?
Hannah: My drive is just how much FUN it is to be out there. River surfing is utterly in-the-moment, pure joy. Spending time outside on the river fills my soul and I get to meet the greatest people along the way.
Q: What are your surfing/life goals for this year?
Hannah: Simple answer; Surf Even More! Attending a few more events, learning new tricks, refining tricks, getting more people on boards, and having the most fun that I can while sharing the surf joy with those around me.
Q: In your world of surfing, who do you look up to most and why?
Hannah: I’m grateful to have close friends that support me, encourage me, and challenge me. Ty Graham has this contagious energy that pushes me to be my very best and try new tricks. Marty Colbert is my rock; he is always ready to hit the river (even if there’s ice chunks in it). Carl Neubauer has this cool, collected jive that makes trips and new rivers so smooth. The Perreault family has such bountiful excitement, spending time with them puts smiles of faces for days. There’s just too many amazing people near and far to list!
Q: Outside of river surfing what are your other passions?
Hannah: As I hinted to earlier, whitewater kayaking goes hand in hand with river surfing. Whitewater kayaking has allowed me to progress quicker in river surfing, by learning river currents, spending time underwater, practicing tricks, being in uncomfortable positions, and its so much fun! Off the river, I enjoy hiking, cross country skiing, winter camping, riding motorcycle, and finding new adventures.
Q: What is something funny very few people may know about you?
Hannah: I have a very convincing hen turkey call!
Closing Thoughts: River surfing and whitewater is pure fun for me! Whether you’re already in Iowa or passing through, give me a shout I would love to surf with you and show you around my neck of the woods!
Questions about surfing in Iowa? Best to contact Hannah through her Instagram: @hannah_rayj
