The nonprofit Animas River Surfers is making waves with a proposal to build a multiseasonal river surf wave on the Animas River in Durango.
It has raised $10,000 from community donations to help fund a feasibility study to determine the best engineering and location for a second wave, said Amanda Kiessel, president of Animas River Surfers.
Durango City Council appears open to the idea of building a new river surf wave, but the proposal will likely first need approval from the city’s Financial Advisory Board.
Through a resolution passed last week, councilors asked the Animas River Surfers to present the proposed feasibility study to the Financial Advisory Board to consider as they make their recommendations for the 2026 park projects.
Kiessel told The Durango Herald that councilors wanted to see commitment and buy-in from the group. At the Sept. 2 City Council meeting, she reported the nonprofit’s fundraising success.
In addition to raising $10,000, Animas River Surfers rounded up three draft proposals from separate river surf wave engineering firms: Recreation Engineering & Planning, Merrick Whitewater and Muller Engineering Co.
Kiessel said the draft proposals show real interest in the project and provide valuable information for city staff members to consider during research.
She said the estimated cost of a feasibility study ranges from $10,000 to $35,000, noting the nonprofit has already raised the lower end of that amount.
City Manager José Madrigal said this is the first time to his knowledge the city has considered splitting the cost of a feasibility study with an independent organization.
Councilor Dave Woodruff said the group’s fundraising efforts “bolster my resolve” to give the nonprofit a chance to make its case for a multiseasonal surf wave.
“We haven’t really seen that from a fiscal standpoint from a lot of organizations that do want to do things. They come with a recommendation, but not to this level,” he said. “To me, it just galvanizes my decision at this point.”
Why does the city need a multiseasonal river surf wave? Kiessel said in an interview that river surf seasons in Durango are typically short and unpredictable – sometimes lasting only weeks.
An engineered wave could make river surfing possible even after winters with light snowpack or during dry seasons.
Kiessel sent several letters of support from Durango residents and business owners to councilors ahead of the meeting, which she also shared with the Herald.
4Corners Riversports owner and partner Andy Corra wrote that Durango is “a premier river town with big-water flows of lifestyle enrichment and economic vitality realized,” but the Whitewater Park at the north end of Santa Rita Park wasn’t built with stand-up surfing in mind.
He said several places on the Animas River within city limits could accommodate a safer, well-built surf wave. One benefit would be spreading surfers out along the river rather than packing them together at Whitewater Park.
Darren Cioppa, a Durango School District teacher and a father of two girls, said in his letter to councilors that what excites him most is the impact a surf wave could have on local youths.
He said opportunities for physical activity improve both physical and mental health, which could benefit students’ academic success.
A multiseasonal surf wave, he said, would give students another way to stay active, including those who don’t “fit the mold” for traditional sports like football, basketball or soccer.
He added that surfing is also a cheaper sport to get into.
“When we look to improve outcomes for our youth, the entire community benefits,” he said. “Whether local businesses are selling boards and giving lessons or local kids are outside improving their physical and mental fitness, I think a modern wave is a win for Durango.”
The Hive Executive Director Kelsie Borland said a beginner-friendly surf wave aligns with the organization’s mission to help underresourced and underrepresented youths “explore healthy outlets, build confidence, and discover passions that foster leadership and community connection.”
Other benefits, she said, include having yet another recreational opportunity, encouraging a healthy outdoor activity that connects kids to the environment, and strengthening Durango’s reputation as an inclusive and innovative recreation destination.
Kiessel said Animas River Surfers strives to be an inclusive and welcoming community and works to maintain that culture.
That inclusivity extends to other river users, she said. The nonprofit is reaching out to private and commercial paddlers, as well as the angling community, to discuss how to make the wave successful for all users.
“My goal is to find out what their needs and desires are now so that we can sort of have that on our radar as we are asking questions of the engineers right out of the gate,” she said.
cburney@durangoherald.com
