WaveGauge is your complete guide to river surf conditions. Track real-time flow data, water temperature, and river wave forecasting for natural river waves, man-made waves, and wave pools. Currently monitoring 144 spots with live data.
The 10th Street Bridge wave is an important historical River wave for Calgary. It was a natural standing wave at the 10th Street Bridge that eventually disappeared due to sediment buildup, but the upcoming $12 million city project will permanently restore the site with adjustable, engineered wave panels for the local river surfing community.
Prime surf wave in Grand Junction, but fickle.
Accidental wave made by the Army Corp leading to a playful wave
The Almwelle is an adjustable artificial river wave in Austria delivering consistent surf conditions year-round. As a man-made, controlled wave, conditions are always excellent regardless of natural river flow.
The locals call it "Arty". This is about as high performance as you get in the Midwest. But do not be fooled, the locals know how to shred here. Pro-tip, bring your high volume board
Fun natural standing wave on the American River. Access issues are present, typically Camp Lotus is ok with allowing surfers access. Otherwise Private property all around the spot.
Mediocre spot, built mostly for SUP and Kayak. If driving through check it out
Great Low flow option for surfing near downtown Denver. Great for beginners
Bend may not have been the first adjustable river wave, but it helped define what a great river surf park can be. With a welcoming surf community and waves that cater to everyone from first-timers to experts, Bend has become one of the most influential river surfing destinations in North America. The wave may not be the biggest or most powerful around, but it is fun, consistent, and endlessly surfable—which is exactly why locals keep coming back.
Natural standing waves in a beautiful canyon. From Grand Junction
Adjustable small playful wave in the town of Pforzheim. It does cost a fee as this a surf club that runs it.
An adjustable man-made river wave on the Elbe River near Prague. As an engineered wave, it delivers consistent, high-quality surf conditions year-round regardless of natural river flow — perfect for all skill levels.
A consistent river wave perfect for beginners and intermediates, located right downtown in Missoula.
Small Friendly wave right under the Mill Run Bridge. Its a fun little spot if you are driving through. Just do not drift too down river or you might encounter some rapids.
BTO is probably the best surf feature in the Cache la Poudre Canyon
A classic natural river wave on the Vosso River near Voss, Norway. One of the best known river surf spots in Scandinavia, offering powerful standing waves with a scenic mountain backdrop.
Campsie Linn on the River Tay is a powerful, high-volume river wave that requires skill to lock into the sweet spot and carve its fast, surging face. Mostly a Kayaking spot (although it has been surfed), it is one of the few waves that has a left handed 'shoulder' to carve on. There is a VERY strong whirlpool and underwater hazards so surf at your own risk. Definitely use a PFD and avoid leashes.
Located in Brown's Canyon, it is the first major rapid in the canyon. Access is challenging, either by raft or long long walk along train tracks. Fun, isolated wave with a decent shoulder at the right flows. But be warned, the eddy isn't that great so make sure you are skilled in white water rescue and a good swimmer.
City park with multiple features; usability varies with seasonal releases
Fickle River wave the is created from a River Weir. Locals Kayak the wave and it is surfable...but flow data and seasonal data is limited
Iowa's first (and arguably still the best) whitewater park, Charles City Delivers solid surf right in the heart of America. Its first feature-the surf friendly Dam Drop- offers some of the most consistent river surfing in the state. Prime flows hit in spring and early summer, with bonus sessions when fall rains roll through. Located downtown with year-round access and easy re-entry eddies, this is Iowa's whitewater at its best.
Longest urban whitewater course in the world with multiple surfing opportunities
Fee required, outdoor pool wave with plenty of amenities.
Fee Required, Artificial wave pool with a café and bar. Perfect place to spend the day
Small playful wave that forms at the foot of the boat ramp. Wave is a little fickle as both CFS flow and tides influence this wave. *Aim to be there as the tide is pushing high*
A small whitewater feature located at the confluence of Cherry Creek
Naturally occurring wave that forms a wave train, so you can choose your own adventure. It is a relatively chill wave, needing higher volume boards to be ridden. Not much information is known about the flow criteria.
Adjustable wave that operates between 10am-8pm daily with an entrance fee. Fun, intermediate level wave you can definitely shred on. Bring extra fins.. and a helmet
Best for late in the season surfing with low flows. Likely need a high volume board
Mellow wave, but surf-able, worth stopping to check if in the area. Bring a high volume board.
Diagonal’s Wave is one of the more forgiving backcountry river waves around. As the name suggests, it usually has a nice right-hand shoulder you can carve on. The wave depends heavily on upstream dam releases, so be sure to check the flow before heading out. It’s a bit of a hike to reach, which helps keep the crowds away.
A natural standing wave on the Grey River/ Mawheranui at Dobson, near Greymouth. The wave forms off a large rock when the Grey rises after heavy rain — typically surfable between ~1,200–1,500 m³/s. A fleeting, rain-driven window that draws local kayakers and river surfers when it comes in.
Multiple surf-able rapids right in the city.
Not a whole lot is known about this spot, but it is a legit wave in Russia. and looks pretty fun.
Features a series of man-made rapids and waves on the Animas River
Man-Made wave, with an irregular flow which can be difficult to surf at times
Dayton's Original wave...it has since been (mostly) lost to time and flooding. There is the occasional high flow (TBD the range) that can produce a wave, but it generally does not run these days.
The less thrilling, more relaxed sibling of the Eisbachwelle (Eisbach wave), this is not the famous sibling but that does not mean you cannot have fun here. The locals know how to shred every inch of this wave, so be courteous and
This is the wave that started the revolution and still remains the wave all others are judged by. Because of this there is a strong local scene. So be respectful and know your etiquette because this is a high intensity wave both on and off water.
Engineered rapids and waves for various water sports
Soon to be standing wave park, minimal details available.
Low flow wave that has gotten weaker with age, Bring a long board or inflatable
Technically the oldest river wave around, it has gone through some updates. Compared to its sister wave the Eisbach this is a more laidback vibe, best for beginner and intermediates
Somewhat of a secret surfing centre of the region, two distinct waves in the city. Both fun but Flusswelle Bremgarten wave is wider and more technical compaired to the Untere Welle wave.
Located in the heart of this historic town are two distinct waves created by lock bridge gates.
Urban whitewater park with multiple features for paddling and surfing
There is an admission fee, but it is one of the newest adjustable waves in Germany, Fuschslochwelle is high performance and fun. The wave itself is adjustable and they do have beginner and advance wave setups. Just outside of downtown, there is plenty to do around these parts.
Gateway Wave in Farmington, New Mexico is one of the newest adjustable river waves around. It’s fun, fast, and welcoming, with the potential to get pretty performance-oriented at the right settings—similar to Salida. The park features a great viewing platform for watching surfers and a convenient changing area. The only thing it really lacks is shade, but on a hot day that’s not much of an issue when you can cool off in the river.
An iconic Colorado river gem that, depending on flow can serve up everything from mellow rides to full-on beatdowns. At the right levels, this world-class artificial wave turns into a playground for longboard cruisers on surfer’s left and shortboard snappers on surfer’s right. Flows swing from 2,000 to 20,000+ cfs, so every session feels different. Get worked? No worries—the Glenwood hot springs are right there to fix you up!
Enhanced natural wave feature with some man-made modifications
Easy access wave right on the side of the road
Waves and features for surfing and freestyle kayaking
Beginner Friendly wave, less then 30ft from shore with easy access. Best surfed around 6000-9000m3/s
The best known river wave of Canada. This wave can get pretty big and powerful so be warned. located near a housing complex. Best flow around 7000-79000 m3/s
Fun playful wave with easy access.
The gateway wave to river surfing Canada. The south cannel has multiple solid beginner wave. These waves are Playful and easygoing. Be aware, there is a surfable wave on the north channel, but it is only surfable at high flows, but at low flows it can act as a low -head dam and can be deadly! Best 60-150m3/s flows in south channel
Entrance fee required. Fun outdoor artificial wave with a ton of amenities.
Caution: river left is extremely hazardous. This feature forms at high flows over the remnants of an old dam, creating a powerful hydraulic that can trap and hold surfers down. River right is considered safe, as the old dam structure is no longer present there. The wave itself forms in the center of the river and, under the right conditions, produces a large, clean, and well-shaped rideable wave—powerful, beautiful, and highly sought after by experienced surfers.
Fickle, but epic natural big wave. Surfable between 8m and 11m, with ideal conditions around 10.2m
Very wide wave that is shared between kayakers (left side) and river surfers (right side). Relatively flat wave, good for all around fun. Strong eddy present allowing for a easy paddle back. Surfing mostly limited to the far edge of the wave.
Kelly's Whitewater Park (1.5hrs North of Boise), serves up a fast, powerful river wave that rewards quick feets and clean lines. The wave comes in green and pushy, with a smooth face. It is a great spot to dial in your progressive surfing. Once you have this spot wired, it's a natural stepping stone to harder-charging Payette River Waves nearby!
New Artificial wave feature, best Surf conditions still up for debate
Fee is required. It is an adjustable river wave that is located in the historic downtown of Hanover.
Lochsa’s Pipeline is a towering, emerald-green river wave tucked deep in Idaho’s wild country—glassy, fast, and absolutely magnetic. In spring it comes alive with serious power, throwing a perfect left and, uniquely, becoming one of the few naturally occurring river waves that can tube. It grabs your soul, rewards strong paddlers, and demands respect every single ride.
A pool wave within a department store to shop... Enough said
Standing wave that forms if the furthest-from-I-70 roller on the Colorado River
Lunch Counter is a legendary wave just south of Jackson that comes alive during spring runoff. It’s a powerful wave with a solid right shoulder that’s great for turns, but the fast-moving river makes a wipeout consequential—best suited for more experienced river surfers.
Artificial wave in a shopping mall, need we say more.
Enhanced natural rapids with surfable waves
Urban white water course. Second drop on the right can produce a wave
Nearing Completion for a green wave, currently a whitewater park for kayakers. There is a small wave that can form occasionally by a hole.
Two Slow and mellow wave with easy access, right out of the Chatfield Reservoir
Not much detail on this wave, but it does have a strong social media presence. It is Naturally occurring near the town of Miyoshi with very easy river access and a fun spot along the bank to hang out. Slow moving river but no obvious eddy.
Montrose Whitewater Park offers one of the most consistent river waves in Colorado thanks to irrigation flows, with the first and second drops delivering the best high-performance surfing in the park. The fourth drop provides a smoother, beginner-friendly option, while higher flows overall bring faster, more dynamic wave shapes.
Fee required, fun artificial pool wave that also has indoor skydiving?! Lots of amenities.
A rarely surfable river wave in southern Michigan forms over a broken low-water dam when river levels rise, creating a short-lived but fun play wave that appears only a few days per year. When it’s in, it offers solid surfing with good eddies but requires a reliable roll and careful exit strategy due to flooded banks and difficult shore access downstream
Fee Required, Artificial wave pool in a shopping center...never a dull moment.
The M-Wave is a monster of a wave, only for the most experienced. M is for Montrose (or Monster), and trust us…there are more friendly places to surf in this wonderful town. But if you must surf this beast, there is a public road on the Eastern side of the wave but both the canal and western side are private land. Generally it’s good in the fall and after a good rain. This wave is best suited for kayaking but occasionally a nice green wedge forms and you can shred the F-out of this thing when it’s on.
Details are spotty, but this is a legit surf wave in Nagatoro Japan. Seems to be consistent but flow levels are not known, but local river rafting tours stop to surf the wave.
Technically a training facility for whitewater sports like Kayaking, and rafting it is open to the public and recently has been allowing river surfing for SUPs but some have been allowed to surf with purpose built high volume river surfboards. Overall a fun spot that has other activities like mountain biking, climbing and whitewater rafting.
New standing wave in the heart of America. Easy going wave, great for beginners.
Entrance fee required, but a fun all around artificle wave that can be surfed year round. Many other amenities present too.
Details minimal, but Urban whitewater park for kayaking but myth has it, there is a surfable wave from time to time
The Perfect Wave lives up to its name with a smooth, glassy face and friendly eddies on both sides. It’s never huge, but it’s a fun and welcoming wave for all skill levels. Just downstream is a long stretch of calm flatwater, making it a great spot for beginners or anyone who doesn’t want a tough paddle. Rides are usually short and forgiving since the wave tends to flush surfers out pretty quickly. Keep in mind that it relies heavily on dam releases, so timing is everything.
The intermediate wave at Boise Whitewater Park, the first dedicated river wave in America. Phase 1 delivers playful, accessible surf for progressing riders with forgiving eddies and chill vibes. Check out Phase 2 for a high-performance challenge just downstream.
The expert, high-performance wave at Boise Whitewater Park. Phase 2 is a steep, fast, powerful green wave built for advanced riders — America's premier adjustable river wave. For a more accessible ride, check out Phase 1 just upstream.
Buena Vista has a tone of waves to choose from, but the crown jewel is the updated Pocket Wave 2.0! This wave performs well at low flow. So far it has not proven to be as high performance as the Scout Wave in Salida, but time will only tell.
Man made pool wave in the heart of Dallas. Surf, eat, play...they have it all
Fun playful wave for beginners. Mostly a surfable foam ball, but occasionally a decent beginner wave. Located near downtown Cedar Falls, it’s a perfect Midwest surf trip. There are three distinct features: Alpha, Bravo, Charley waves, each working with slightly different flows.
Pueblo Waterworks is the city's premier high-performance river surf park, featuring a wide, fast, glassy wave that shines at moderate to higher flows. It's Powerful, dynamic, and continues to push Pueblo's surf scene to the next level.
Pueblo is a legit surf destination. As of 2025, the new Pueblo Waterworks wave is now the go-to for fast, powerful, high-performance river surfing, but if you want a more mellow vibe, the Whitewater park remains a favorite for its iconic murals and technical surf waves. With mellow cruiser at drop 3 and the steep, demanding "beast" at Drop 4, it's a classic spot for river surfers.
Located in Gore Canyon, near a camp ground, occasionally a surfable wave
Natural wave that can be tricky at times to enter. It is one of the OG river waves of Europe. Fun spot to check out
Look, don’t even think about it. This beast lives deep in the river canyon and requires a full-on raft mission just to say hello. It’s gorgeous, it’s terrifying, it throws a tube big enough to hide in—and it absolutely does not want visitors. So yeah… don’t go.
Man made standing wave as well as a wave pool in the heart of Arizona. River or ocean surf, eat, play...they have it all
Currently under construction, this is an update to a prior river wave that was modest at best. The plan is for a multi-tiered whitewater park with kayaking and "Mellow" surf-able features.
Fee required, but fun stadium style wave, great for contests and just as fun without a crowd. Amenities all around
Three wave feature with consistent spring-fed flows
River Run Park is Denver’s surf playground, with six distinct river features that roll from the friendly green face of Chiclets to the rowdy, high-speed Benni’s and the fast, wide, and shallow punch of Nathan’s Wave. With something for every surfer, you can find your wave here—come level up your river stoke
Riverscape Wave sits inside downtown Dayton’s MetroPark—beginner-friendly with shade, amenities, it is a perfect spot to post up and watch the crew. Expect a fast drop and a playful surfer’s-left pocket. Surfable most days on high-volume SUPs/shortboards; as levels fall it turns greener and steeper, so carve to keep your speed!
Mellow Beginner/boogie board wave upstream from Scout wave. Great spot to learn to river surf if you have the right high volume board.
Small fickle wave, but hey at least there is something.
Before surfing, reference dam release schedule below. Santa Claus is its name, but it is not always that jolly. One of the many man-made-ish wave alone the river, this one is probably the most friendly for learning to back country river surf. It has a good eddy and deep water. Can be pretty fun!
The first indoor wave in Germany, Solid spot with tons of amenities around.
There are several waves in Salida, but Scout wave is the most high performance waves feature. Located right downtown, you could not ask for a more picturesque surf scene. Badfish surf shop, Breweries and a badass little downtown right next to the wave.
Fun little natural wave found on the outskirts of Ottawa. Rope hook up for tow-in and paddling in both possible depending on water levels. Best between 58.4m and 58.9m on the Britannia gauge.
Multi-feature whitewater park for kayaking and river surfing
World class standing wave. Neither a river nor an ocean wave, Shookumchuck Narrows is in a class of its own. The wave itself works due to tidal swing in the narrows. Timing is what matters, not CFS. The larger the tidal swing the better giving 2-4hr windows to surf. Try to plan to be there around the next full moon, and when the tide is shifting from low to high tide.
Natural standing wave on the Rio Grande. Nice eddy access and runout
More than just a man made wave, it is also a water park, so easy excuse to bring the family
Mostly a whitewater park, but with the right conditions can turn into
Remote wave, only good at high flows. Not a lot of information known
Great Beginner to intermediate spot with easy access and overall a friendly wave. It has a good recovery pool on its edges. This wave does require higher volume boards.
Stanley wave is a highly level-dependent green wave that offers a clean, carving ride for river surfers when the water drops below 0.6 meters. The wave forms in the middle where the dam has been breached. Good Eddy service. Be careful navigating it due to shallow water and exposed metal reinforcement spikes embedded in the breached structure. This is best surfed with a SUP or high volume river board. Surf at your own risk and avoid leashes.
Features multiple surfable holes, however C-hole (aka Charlie's Hole)
Small Whitewater park with a few fun wave features. Mostly for SUP surfing, but a high volume surfboard works on the right flows.
Not technically a River wave, but the hydraulics are the same. Fun adjustable wave on a lake. Enterence fee is needed but ton of amenities around, so it is worth it.
Fun little wave that forms right after the bend of the Youghiogheny river.
One of the newest waves around, opened spring of 2026. The Beta on this wave is still fresh and could change but it was built to be Intermediate to advanced skill level. Modeled after the Hawea wave in New Zealand, this wave is technically adjustable (by damning off the wave and moving cement barriers), time will only tell how performance oriented this wave will be for surfing. We are hopeful for some fun sessions ahead.
Rarely breaks and hard to get to, but fun little green wave that forms when the stars align. Good Eddy service and shelter, just do not hit it on too high of a flow.
Tucked away on the Hāwea River, the Hāwea Wave (also known as the Camphill Wave) is New Zealand’s most famous river wave—and its only man-made one. It features two distinct waves that change character depending on water levels. While the wave is highly reliable, it depends on daily dam releases. Just down the road, you’ll also find a wave pool, making Hāwea one of the few places where you can find surf nearly any day of the year.
Remote wave, not much information..
Before surfing reference the dam release schedule below! This is one of several Semi-man-made River wave in the Canadian Rockies, 40min outside Calgary. Fast, steep and shallow green wave that is both fun...and challenging.
The.Riverwave is a state-of-the-art adjustable artificial river wave on the Traun river in Austria. As a controlled, man-made wave, it delivers consistent, high-quality surf conditions regardless of river flow — perfect for all skill levels.
Thistlebrig behaves as a two-stage spot: low-to-medium flows form Wee Eric on river right, a clean, glassy, and forgiving green face with an easy eddy service, whereas high flows wash it out to activate the main Thistlebrig wave on river left, creating a massive, fast, and bumpy high-volume ride. This wave is favorable for high volume surfboards or SUPs.
Natural wave, dependent on dam release. Can be surfable on the right side
Fee required, artificial pool but they also have indoor, skiing and skateboarding...they have everything here!
Triple Bridges marks the beginning of the Lower Alberton Gorge and is one of western Montana’s premier river surf locations, about 30 minutes west of Missoula. The rapid offers multiple surf features that come in at different flows, making it a destination throughout the season. The main wave becomes reliable above 3,000 CFS, with additional waves forming above 6,000 CFS. Comp Hole, a favorite among kayakers, typically comes into shape around 10,000 CFS and higher. Immediately downstream, Split Rock offers a fun wave depending on flow, followed by Surfer Joe, a small beginner-friendly wave. Fang, farther downstream, is a fast, powerful surf wave that works at nearly all levels, shines above 2,500 CFS, and becomes especially dynamic over 6,000 CFS. Easy trail access at Triple Bridges campground allows for convenient park-and-play sessions. Downstream you eventually reach Ralph’s Take Out shortly after Fang.
Make a gamble and check out this unique artificial whitewater park in downtown Reno, the "Biggest Little City". The odds are there is something to surf, but weather you win big, is up to the surf Gods.
Tulsa Wave Park brings a fresh lineup of river waves, giving surfers multiple options to dial in their session. The standout feature is the adjustable wave at the second drop—arguably the park’s most performance-driven surf wave—where you can fine-tune your skills and push your progression. Just downstream, the third drop offers a more forgiving, beginner-friendly wave that’s perfect for learning or cruising longer rides. The first drop, closest to the dam, is better suited for kayak playboating and isn’t typically where surfers will want to spend their time
Union Chutes has some unusual features. Waves include U2, Haw
Somewhat of a secret surfing centre of the region, two distinct waves in the city. Both fun but Flusswelle Bremgarten wave is wider and more technical compaired to the Untere Welle wave. Untere Welle is a local landmark for its "Yellow Mailbox" which holds a life preserver.
Fee required, fun artificial wave to spend the day in the sun at.
Vlny Stvanice is Prague's premier adjustable river wave located on Štvanice Island in the heart of the city on the Vltava River. As an engineered wave, it provides consistent, world-class surf conditions year-round independent of river flow.
Best known for its Ocean style wave pool, it also has a standing wave for River style surfing. Waco Surf is very much like a resort, you can stay the night, eat and surf all in one location.
Biggest standing wave in the world at 100ft in length! There are also plenty of amenities around, food, venders, restaurants...so bring the family.
There is a fee but it is an outdoor artificial lake with an artificial wave. It is adjustable, forgiving and fun. Rentals available.
Mainly a competition-level whitewater course for SUP and Kayaks. It does have a surfable wave... you just have to convince management to allow you to surf it!
Fee required, fun wave within a waterslide park. Bring the family because there is more than just a wave here!
Solid right shoulder wave, Named after the dinosaur footprints found to the right of the spot. It is a fickle spot, breaking 1-2 times per year.
Indoor River surf park, All levels welcome. Fun spot with all the amenities
Proposed wave
Hidden gem of a water park in the middle of America. The park has 8 feature with everything from beginner to more advanced waves. They also have Rentals and lessons available. Drop 1 is an adjustable wave, typically for more performance oriented boards when tuned right. Drop 3 is the main surfing feature, it is the dedicated Green wave of the park. Drop 4 can be surfed with higher volume boards, Drop 5 is a dedicated bodyboarding wave and finally drops 6-8 can be surfed depending on the flow... but in our opinion stick to Drop 1 and Drop 3.
This is one of the more unique standing waves around. With the backdrop of the Southern Alps, this pool can be set up to provide a "point break style" wave with a shoulder. Additionally it is a very small adjustable wavepool that can be booked for private events.