In partnership with

5 River Surfing Spots West of 105

We all know Colorado is pretty much paradise on Earth. We may be landlocked, but what does that really mean? Can’t get good seafood? No beaches? Can’t surf? No, no and hell no

Elevate Your Summer Style with Kenny Flowers

Whether you're teeing off on the golf course or lounging poolside, Kenny Flowers offers the quintessential tropical attire to make a statement this summer. Slip into their iconic, 19th-hole approved polos, and experience a slice of paradise wherever you go.

But their commitment to excellence doesn't stop at style – they’re all about quality too. Each garment is ethically made with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring unmatched comfort and durability that lasts from one vacation to the next.

This summer, indulge yourself and your loved ones with their latest vacation pieces, including their popular matching sets. Bonus: As a subscriber, enjoy an exclusive 10% off with code FLOWERS10.

Shop their newest releases and elevate your summer wardrobe today.

SALIDA WHITEWATER PARK

The Salida Whitewater Park on the Arkansas River is where Badfish was born. Good for everyone depending on the flow, it is bang in the middle of downtown Salida, making it super convenient. There are four waves that span 1,200 feet of the river for kayaks, paddleboards, and body boards in addition to river surfing.

BIG SUR

Finally, there is Big Sur near Palisade. Harvey says this is the “mysto” spot in Colorado. It might only run every five years after a massive winter, but when news spreads that it’s on, people drop everything to be there.

GLENWOOD WAVE

The G-Wave (inside the Glenwood Springs Whitewater Activity Area) is an artificial wave that can be surfed in some capacity any time, but when it really gets flowing it is a true world-class wave that attracts surfers from around the state and beyond. Flow can vary from around 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 22,000 cfs, which is very high.

BUENA VISTA WHITEWATER PARK

Also on the Arkansas River, the Buena Vista Whitewater Park (also designed by Harvey) is the largest whitewater park in the state. Home to CKS Paddlefest, a celebration of river sports, the park has five waves/holes with a couple of spots that are perfect for beginners thanks to moderate flows and good places for recovery.

MONTROSE WATER SPORTS PARK

Montrose Water Sports Park (designed by Harvey) is unique in Colorado thanks to its really long season which in turn is thanks to irrigation releases on the Uncompahgre River — it is surfable until around Halloween every year. There are six drop features which vary in terms of difficulty making it a great place for everyone, from beginners to more advanced surfers.

And that segues very nicely to Func Fest, an annual water-based extravaganza that takes place in Montrose every August. 

Short for Fun on the Uncompahgre, FUNC Fest has established itself as a summer tradition since 2015. It draws in river surfers who seek to claim bragging rights in competitions, as well as families who will make their own claims to fame in the famous rubber ducky races. Food trucks, live music, and other river-themed activities make this a can’t miss summer event on the Western Slope.