Article & Photos: Alex Mauer
It has been a dream of mine to get a surf specific wave on the Front Range in Colorado. Don't get me wrong we have plenty of waves that are surf able. However none of those waves were designed with short board surfing in mind. I have been hoping for a more progressive surf wave that would allow my surfing to become more progressive and push the limits of what I can do in the river. After dreaming about this for over 10 years I am stoked to announce that my dreams are becoming reality. This project is called River Run Park (RRP).
The RRP will be located on the South Platte River in Sheridan, Colorado. When the park is complete it will contain 6 features total. All waves will be adjustable with a block system to adjust the features and dial in the waves. Three of the features will be more appealing to kayakers. The other Four features will be designed for SUP surfing and short board surfing. The City of Englewood will do wave adjustments with input from the park engineer Ben Nielsen and other local surfers who will be enjoying the park.
The Big Wave (Wave Shaper)
This is the feature that I am most excited about! This feature is going to be a three to four foot drop causing a three to four foot wave depending on the river flows. The city of Englewood owns this feature and will be responsible for changing the feature depending on flows. This wave is going to change surfing on the Front Range forever. It will be the most progressive surf wave on the Front Range. With a progressive wave we will start to see more progressive surfing.
The Deadline...
In spring of 2016 we will see the first two waves of the park complete. The Wave Shaper will be one of the two competed features we will be able to surf this runoff!!! The rest of the park will be started in Fall of 2016. So by runoff of 2017 the entire park will be completed! Forever changing and growing the surf scene in Colorado.
Special Thanks
I would like to extend a special thanks to the City of Englewood, city of Sheridan, Arapahoe county, urban drainage, state of Colorado. This project has taken over for years to be realized! The river has been part of my life for so long now I cannot believe that I will have the opportunity to surf such an amazing park everyday! I cannot wait!!!
See more from Alex: River Life