There are two kinds of river waves, the first is a stationary wave like the Glenwood wave in Colorado. This kind of wave is formed by a sudden increase in the river depth. The second kind of wave is a tidal bore, like the wave you see traveling up the Amazon river. This kind of wave is formed from an ocean swell being forced into a small bay or river mouth. Of course there is a lot more science behind it than I explain here.

It is almost impossible to know who or when the first river wave was surfed. There are waves all over the world. Stationary waves give inlanders the possibility to surf and live a surfing lifestyle. Now for the first time I think everyone truly is Surfing but it is much larger than just the U.S.A. Some of the better waves are found in other countries for example Munich, and Zambia have really great waves.

Stand Up Paddle has an important roll to play in the river scene weather you know it or not. There are a lot more small river waves than big ones, and using a SUP will allow a lot more waves to be surfed. The SUP will also allow surfers to travel down river in search of new waves.