About Us Riding the Wave of Passion and Community in Durango, Colorado
We are a dedicated all-volunteer organization, united by our passion for the river and committed to making a positive impact on our community and environment. Welcome to the Animas River Surfers, an organization born from a shared love for adventure, community, and the beautiful Animas River that flows through Durango, Colorado. Our story began with a group of passionate river surfers who envisioned creating more opportunities for river surfing in our scenic town. Today, we are a thriving community dedicated to enhancing Durango’s outdoor recreation scene and bringing the joy of river surfing to residents and visitors alike.
Beginnings The Start of the Journey
The idea for Animas River Surfers was sparked by a small but dedicated group of local surfers who saw the untapped potential of the Animas River. Inspired by the growing popularity of river surfing in other parts of the world, they dreamed of creating a standing wave that could provide consistent, year-round surfing opportunities. These early visionaries recognized that a standing wave would not only offer a new and exciting sport for the community but also boost tourism and support local businesses.
Driven by their passion and determination, these founding members began to gather support from fellow surfers, outdoor enthusiasts, and community leaders. They held meetings, conducted research, and shared their vision with anyone who would listen. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and soon, the idea of building a standing wave on the Animas River started to gain momentum.
Creating
Community Building a Community to Help Shape the Future of the Animas River
At Animas River Surfers, we are inspired by the successful river surfing waves in communities like Salida, Denver, and other parts of Colorado. These locations have set a precedent for how a well-designed low water standing wave can transform a community, providing a consistent and thrilling surfing experience year-round. By modeling our wave after these proven designs, we aim to bring the same excitement, community engagement, and economic benefits to Durango.
Our diverse group formed the foundation of the Animas River Surfers organization, blending expertise with a shared love for the river and the sport of surfing.Together, we worked on developing a comprehensive plan for the standing wave project. This involved not only designing the wave itself but also considering the environmental impact, safety measures, and long-term sustainability. We collaborated with local government, environmental organizations, and community groups to ensure that our project would benefit the entire Durango community.
Mission What We're All About
Our Mission
The mission of Animas River Surfers is to create and maintain a standing river surf wave on the Animas River, providing extended surfing opportunities and promoting the sport of river surfing in Durango. We aim to foster a vibrant, inclusive community of surfers and outdoor enthusiasts, while also contributing to the local economy and promoting environmental stewardship.What Are We Doing?
Wave Project Development: Our primary focus is the construction and maintenance of a standing river surf wave. We are dedicated to creating a wave that is safe, sustainable, and accessible to surfers of all levels.Involvement What Else We're Doing
Other Involvement: We also want to engage the community in a variety of other areas of involvement including but not limited to:
- Community Events: We organize a variety of events throughout the year, including surf competitions, workshops, river clean-ups, and social gatherings. These events help build a strong sense of community and encourage people to engage with the river and the sport of surfing.
- Education and Awareness: By raising awareness and knowledge, we hope to inspire more people to care for and protect our natural resources.
- Supporting Local Businesses: Our organization works closely with local businesses, promoting a supportive network that benefits both the surfing community and the local economy. We encourage our members and supporters to shop with and visit our generous sponsors.
Become a Part of the Community
Get Involved
join
Animas River Surfers is always looking for new members, volunteers, and supporters. Whether you’re an experienced surfer, a curious beginner, or simply someone who loves the Animas River, we invite you to join us in making Durango a premier destination for river surfing. Together, we can ride the wave of adventure, community spirit, and environmental stewardship.