How to get started with bungee surfing!
Bungee surfing originates from Bern and it is not surprising that most of the clubs are located there. Due to the increasing number of clubs and course providers who want to promote the sport of bungee in Switzerland, the umbrella organization Swiss Bungeesurfing was founded in 2009, uniting all enthusiastic bungee surfers. On the homepage of Swiss Bungeesurfing (www.bungeesurfing.ch) you will find all providers and course dates. There are trained surf coaches at all courses, who are specially trained for flowing waters. Also you don't have to worry about wetsuit, boots or surfboard, this is available everywhere. If you come from the Zurich region, is www.seporsurf.ch your address. You will find weekly courses where you can test your skills in the water.
In bungee surfing, you can do various maneuvers that are not possible anywhere else and it is even possible to accelerate to over 50 km/h. And this acceleration is really breathtaking. This is the only kind of river surfing, besides standing wave surfing, where you can completely decide how you want to surf. Now you just have to dare.
What else is in the river and where can you test it?
Other options are surfing with the SeporFlow system or with a winch. The SeporFlow system needs a river to work, while the winch can be used practically anywhere and anytime. You can test both at the Swiss Riversurf Club in Zurich.
For the last two options, you just need to organize a surfboard and wetsuit at your local surf store. Either you go to the famous river wave in Bremgarten or you grab a SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) and paddle or surf leisurely down the river. If you stop at the river wave in Bremgarten, don't be afraid, there are always surfers there who will be happy to give you tips and help you with words and deeds. If you grab the SUP, be sure to check your route beforehand, so you don't run into any unforeseen obstacles, such as a lock or a water staircase.
Tip: If you want to go to the river wave in Bremgarten, visit the following link in advance: www.hydrodaten.admin.ch. If the value (blue line) is not between 230 and 380 m3/s, then the shaft is not running either.
And what's the best way to start?
That is more or less up to you. As you can see, there is a wide range of diverse options for river surfing and we welcome this. Since every river wave, every body of water and every system works differently, it is very difficult to say what is best to start with. No matter which option you choose, with practice you will be able to master each of them and the feeling of that unique floating on the water is present in all of them and just waiting to be discovered by you.
We definitely recommend you to grab a surfboard and preferably (if you want to go privately) to go paddling in the river with three people to get a feel for the river. With the course providers of bungee surfing you will also get a very good assistance, so you can get used to the river in the best way. A bungee session is anyway a very good start into the riversurfing sport, because there you can achieve a very steep learning curve and become so fast, safe on the surfboard.
Here's what else you need to know to surf the river!
River surfing is a lot of fun and not dangerous if you follow all safety instructions. No matter if natural river wave, surfing with a winch, with the SeporFlow system or on a rigid rope as well as bungee rope, the most important thing is that you never surf alone and always look at your comrades. Knowing your limits and those of your companions is the most important thing in the river. Below we have listed the bungee surfing rules that have been developed in collaboration with the Swiss Life Saving Association. They will give you a good preparation for a safe stay in and around the river. We hope we could give you a little help, so that you will also find your suitable surfing variant in the river.
Your SEPORSURF Team
