"Why don't you sink and stay in place without drifting?" These are the two most frequent questions from passersby who observe river surfers on the Aare in Thun. "The flow speed of the water gives the surfboard buoyancy and the wave allows you to surf in place and even against the direction of the current," says Sandro Santschi, president of Verein Flusssurfen Thun. A river wave is created according to the principle of hydraulic alternating jump, when flowing water becomes shooting water due to increasing gradient or high pressure and meets flowing water again.

‍

In the water castle of Switzerland lies the origin of several rivers that are important throughout Europe: Aare, Rhone, Ticino, Reuss and Rhine. In addition, water from Switzerland flows into four different seas. Switzerland should be a river surfing paradise, however, very few known waves are constantly surfable. Almost daily, surfing enthusiasts are infected with the "river virus" and the spots are threatening to burst at the seams with their crowded lineups.

‍

Known river surf spots

Project initiatives such as the Bern River Wave or the Bannwil White Water Park pursue the goal of creating new waves that can be used all year round. Currently, the two best-known river surf spots in Switzerland are in Thun and Bremgarten (AG). In Thun, surfers can be found below the two historic wooden bridges (Scherzlig- and Mühleschleuse). The wave at the Scherzlig lock is more suitable for beginners, as it primarily offers less potential danger, while the wave at the Mühleschleuse is more demanding and dangerous and should therefore only be surfed by experienced river surfers.

‍

Learn river surfing and know dangers

The Association River Surfing Thun offers regular basic courses , thanks to which beginners get a safe start in the river surfing career. The basic movements and maneuvers of surfing standing waves in the river are similar to those of surfing in the sea. The main difference, however, is that river surfers ride in the opposite direction of the flowing water, which has an impact on the feel and balance. Thus, even experienced surfers:inside are strongly challenged when they go on a standing wave for the first time. On the other hand, timing is much less critical in standing waves because the wave is not moving. Compared to standing waves in the pool(OANA Ebikon, Urbansurf Zurich), river waves are in a natural environment and river surfers are exposed to the dangers of open water. In case of emergency a river cannot be stopped, therefore comprehensive knowledge of the river section, sufficient water competence and preventive safety measures are essential. The Swiss Surfing association has been involved in river surfing safety for years. In 2017, it launched the Riversurf Safety campaign together with the SLRG and the bfu (see PDF). Together with the kayak school Los Leones, the association Riversurfing Thun also offers rescue courses for experienced river surfers.

‍

The important thing is to know the dangers and understand them. Whether you are an experienced surfer or just curious about new adventures. Before going into the river, take a course and find out about the dangers from the regional clubs. Then nothing stands in the way - grab your board, venture into the wild waters and experience the magic of river surfing for yourself. Let the rivers carry you and feel the rhythm of the waves - river surfing opens up a world of possibilities and unforgettable experiences.

‍