News
November 06, 2025
Durango surfers hope to emulate – or upstage – Salida’s waves
Proponents of a new dedicated river surf wave in Durango have pointed to other communities as proof of concept. Salida’s Whitewater Park, in particular, has been raised as an example of how strong a c...
Durango is eyeing Salida's success on the water, hoping to catch a wave of its own with a proposed dedicated river surf wave project. Local surfing enthusiasts are advocating for the creation of a permanent, engineered wave feature in the Animas River, aiming to transform Durango into a premier river surfing destination.
The driving force behind the project is the desire to replicate, or even surpass, the success seen in other Colorado communities, most notably Salida. Salida's Whitewater Park, renowned for its carefully designed wave features, has become a thriving hub for river surfing, kayaking, and other water sports. Proponents believe Durango can achieve similar, if not greater, results by investing in a well-designed river wave.
The comparison to Salida's Whitewater Park isn't just about recreation; it's also about economic development. Salida has seen a noticeable boost in tourism and local business activity thanks to its whitewater park, attracting visitors from across the region and beyond. Durango surfers hope a similar project will inject new energy into the local economy, drawing in surf enthusiasts and creating new opportunities for businesses catering to the water sports community.
While the exact location and design of the proposed Durango wave are still under consideration, the vision is clear: to create a world-class surfing experience that is both challenging and accessible. The project aims to cater to surfers of all skill levels, from beginners looking to learn the basics to experienced riders seeking a thrilling challenge.
The push for a dedicated surf wave in Durango is still in its early stages, requiring careful planning, community input, and securing the necessary permits and funding. However, the enthusiasm and the proven success of communities like Salida suggest that Durango could soon be riding its own wave of river surfing excitement. The hope is that this project will not only enhance recreational opportunities but also contribute to the long-term economic vitality of the Durango area.
The driving force behind the project is the desire to replicate, or even surpass, the success seen in other Colorado communities, most notably Salida. Salida's Whitewater Park, renowned for its carefully designed wave features, has become a thriving hub for river surfing, kayaking, and other water sports. Proponents believe Durango can achieve similar, if not greater, results by investing in a well-designed river wave.
The comparison to Salida's Whitewater Park isn't just about recreation; it's also about economic development. Salida has seen a noticeable boost in tourism and local business activity thanks to its whitewater park, attracting visitors from across the region and beyond. Durango surfers hope a similar project will inject new energy into the local economy, drawing in surf enthusiasts and creating new opportunities for businesses catering to the water sports community.
While the exact location and design of the proposed Durango wave are still under consideration, the vision is clear: to create a world-class surfing experience that is both challenging and accessible. The project aims to cater to surfers of all skill levels, from beginners looking to learn the basics to experienced riders seeking a thrilling challenge.
The push for a dedicated surf wave in Durango is still in its early stages, requiring careful planning, community input, and securing the necessary permits and funding. However, the enthusiasm and the proven success of communities like Salida suggest that Durango could soon be riding its own wave of river surfing excitement. The hope is that this project will not only enhance recreational opportunities but also contribute to the long-term economic vitality of the Durango area.
Category:
Sports