Animas River Surfers

Sharing the Love of the Animas River

Engaging Community, Encouraging Youth, Exploring Low Flow Wave Opportunities

Dedicated To the Growth and Vitality of River Surfing in Durango, CO

The Animas River is a precious resource that flows through the heart of Durango, Colorado. We encourage river surfing as a way to improve quality of life for our community, encourage shoulder season river recreation and tourism, and foster the next generation of river users to love and protect the river.

Our Goals The core of Animas River Surfers

At the core of Animas River Surfers is a commitment to engaging the community and improving inclusive access to river surfing, fostering a deeper connection between young people and the river. Additionally, we are actively exploring the feasibility of a low water river wave in the  Durango area, creating more opportunities for multi-season surfing and enhancing the overall river experience for everyone.

Engaging Community

We Play Well With Others

Our mission goes beyond the thrill of surfing river waves; it’s about creating a vibrant, inclusive, and safe community around our shared love for the river. We believe that fostering a deep connection between people and the river is key to ensuring its long-term health and accessibility. To achieve this, we are committed to engaging our community through comprehensive outreach and education initiatives that make the river more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Encouraging Youth

Get Kids in the Water

We believe that the future of river sports lies in the hands of the next generation. Engaging youth in river activities is not just a priority for us—it’s a core goal that shapes everything we do. By fostering a love for the river and its sports among young people, we aim to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors, encourage healthy lifestyles, and build a community of environmentally conscious individuals who will carry on the legacy of river stewardship.

Exploring a Low Flow Feature

Explore New Wave Frontiers

Our vision for the future of river sports in Durango is deeply intertwined with our goal of creating a sustainable and accessible river surfing experience. A key part of this vision is the development of a low water wave feature on the Animas River. To make this dream a reality, we are committed to conducting a comprehensive feasibility study that will assess the technical, environmental, and community impacts of introducing a low water wave to our river. This initiative is not just about enhancing river sports—it’s about improving the overall health and accessibility of the river for everyone.

Updates What's happening, events, news and more

Welcome to the Animas River Surfers Blog, your go-to source for all the latest news, updates, and events related to river surfing in Durango, Colorado. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer, a curious newcomer, or simply a community enthusiast, our blog is designed to keep you informed and engaged with the vibrant world of river surfing. From progress on our low water wave project, news about events like river clean ups and meet ups to safety and etiquette tips and stories from our passionate surfing community, you’ll find it all here. Dive in and ride the current with us as we build a thriving river surfing scene on the beautiful Animas River!

The Animas

River Levels Check current USGS Level Information

Animas River Levels at Durango

  • Streamflow: 236 ft³/s
  • Gage height: 2.40 ft
Streamflow GraphGage height Graph
USGS

What People are Saying

Public Feedback

“Writing in support of building a permanent standing surf wave on the Animas river in town. This is something that should have happened decades ago in our town. The economic boost will be massive. We need to be the leaders of positive river recreation, not reactionary to the process. Every town that has built one of these has said why didn’t we do this sooner! I will help any way possible to get this build. Thank you.” 

John Brennan

Durango, CO

“I am very excited and supportive of the potential expansion of the river community with a well designed surf wave that remains navigable to boaters and friendly to fisheries. I have a young son and anything that encourages him to engage with the river in a fun, safe way is a win to me.”

Claire C.

Mancos Rafter

I am a strong supporter of the Animas River Surfers and their goals to enhance the river’s accessibility and recreational opportunities. The low flow wave project has the potential to transform Durango into a premier destination for river enthusiasts, and I am proud to support the Animas River Surfers in making this vision a reality.

Kory S.

Animas User Since 1997

We invite you to share your ideas, questions, and inspiration with us!

Comments

Please Support

Our Community Partners

supporters

Supporting the Animas River Surfers goes beyond hitting the waves—it’s also about engaging with the generous supporters who make our vision possible. Our supporters, local businesses and organizations, play a crucial role in bringing the our projects to life. By engaging with these partners, you directly contribute to the vitality of our community and show appreciation for their commitment to enhancing Durango’s outdoor recreation scene. Every interaction helps build a stronger, more interconnected community. We encourage you to explore these fantastic businesses, whose support is integral to our mission, and enjoy the unique products and services they offer. Let’s ride the wave of community spirit together!