A popular river surfing wave in Kananaskis suffered significant damage in June due to heavy rainfall, with the Alberta River Surfing Association reporting that the Kananaskis River was flowing at nearly eight times its usual rate. The force of the water displaced many large boulders, causing the wave’s destruction.
Neil Egsgard, the president of the association, expressed deep sadness over the loss of the wave, known as the Mountain Wave near Barrier Lake. Since 2014, the association has overseen the construction and maintenance of the wave.
Efforts to restore the wave have been ongoing throughout the summer, with volunteer events organized by the association. However, Egsgard highlighted the challenging nature of the task, emphasizing the precise calibration required for surf waves and the need to maneuver car-sized boulders back into position.
Ed Meyer, a volunteer with a demolition company, has generously contributed equipment, staff, and time to aid in the repairs. Meyer and his team have been drilling holes in the large boulders, attaching ropes, and relocating the rocks across the riverbed to restore the wave.
Apart from Meyer’s contributions, other volunteers have assisted by moving smaller rocks and reinforcing the rock wall with sandbags. Despite initial hopes of completing the repairs in time for an annual surf competition, the event had to be canceled as the wave was not yet ready. This marked the first cancellation in the competition’s approximately 20-year history.
In response, volunteers were called upon to continue working on the wave, with surf enthusiasts like Kennan Szott, who participated in the previous year’s Mountain Classic competition, offering their support. Szott emphasized the therapeutic nature of surfing in the area, describing it as a refreshing escape after a long day’s work.