What do I do when there is little flow?
With little current in the river, it is usually difficult to surf. But not impossible. Besides, you have many other opportunities that will bring you further in river surfing.
The first thing to say is that every river has places where it flows faster and slower. Such places just need to be found. Grab your board and paddle down the river to see if it flows faster somewhere. You should check your route on Google Maps in advance to find any obstacles like waterfalls, water locks or water stairs. If you want to be a bit safer, paddle along the edge of the river so that you can reach the shore quickly if an obstacle appears. However, you must always keep an eye on the middle of the river, as it usually flows faster there. And who knows, maybe during your paddle you will discover a river wave that has not been discovered yet. As with the ocean, a wave can occur in other places at different flow rates.
Tip: In your Google Maps search, look for any narrowing of the river. This is an indication that it flows faster there.
Or you can grab a winch and the rivers are yours. With little water flow, the winch is even easier to surf and tighter turns are possible because the current does not push against your surfboard. The winch is probably the best alternative for low water flow.
And what if it has too little water?
Even with little water, there are things that are useful for river surfing. For example, obstacles are now visible that you don't see otherwise and you will see your spots in a whole new light. Be sure to make a note of those that could be dangerous and visit them again before you go surfing. There may also be spots that collect water and are always a little deeper than other spots. These places usually do not flow so strongly and if they are deep enough, you can surf there with the winch. Below such a spot there may well be a faster flow of water and there may also be enough water to surf on a bungee cord or a rigid rope. Float through the river with your legs bent to see if the river is deep enough.
Nothing helps, what now?
If none of these options are possible and you've already checked out all your spots for the summer, there is still an option. There are more and more artificial river waves coming up, which are accompanied by high energy consumption, but allow surfing all year round. In big cities like Tokyo, Tel Aviv or Zurich, such waves are open from spring to autumn and offer a good alternative to practice surfing. However, since it is usually rather cold in winter and such waves are not running then, these cities are not an option either. But there is an indoor surfing facility near Lucerne, called Oana. There you can surf even in winter, at pleasant temperatures. Swimming trunks or a shortie are already sufficient there and surf equipment can also be rented quite easily on site.
Or you dare a trip to Munich. The Eisbach wave and the beginner-friendly Flosslände wave run all year round. And if you can't find a spot there, you can also book a slot at the Jochen Schweizer Arena. There, too, you'll be able to surf on an artificial river wave in a closed, pleasantly tempered room. But even if you don't come to surf, a visit to the capital of river surfing is always an experience. We also stood at the Eisbachwelle for more than an hour and watched the surfers fascinated. You can find more information about the Eisbachwelle under www.eisbachwelle.de or in the previous chapter under www.seporsurf.ch.
We hope we could give you some ideas for the flat days and hope that there will be more water in the rivers soon.
Your SEPORSURF Team
