A beloved river surfing spot in Kananaskis suffered significant damage in June due to heavy rainfall. The Alberta River Surfing Association reported that the Kananaskis River experienced a flow nearly eight times higher than normal, causing many large boulders that were carefully positioned to be swept downstream, ultimately destroying the surfing wave.
Neil Egsgard, the president of the association, expressed deep sadness over the loss of the wave, known as the Mountain Wave near Barrier Lake, which has been under the association’s care since 2014. Despite hosting multiple volunteer events throughout the summer to restore the wave, Egsgard acknowledged the challenging nature of the task due to the precise calibration required for the surf waves.
Ed Meyer, a volunteer and owner of a demolition company, generously contributed his equipment, staff, and time to aid in the repairs. Using drilling equipment to create holes in the massive boulders, Meyer and his team attached ropes to drag the rocks back into place on the riverbed. Meyer, who took up surfing a few years ago to bond with his son, estimated his donations at around $30,000, emphasizing the joy he derives from seeing people enjoy the wave.
Additional volunteers have assisted by relocating smaller rocks and fortifying the rock wall with sandbags. The association had initially aimed to complete the wave’s reconstruction in time for an annual surf competition, but due to unforeseen delays, the event had to be canceled for the first time in its two-decade history. Instead, volunteers were urged to continue their efforts over the weekend to expedite the restoration process.
Kenan Szott, a surfer who participated in the previous year’s Mountain Classic competition and frequents the area for surfing, highlighted the therapeutic and rewarding experience surfing provides. With just a few days of repair work remaining, Egsgard noted that progress is contingent on water levels regulated by TransAlta’s Barrier Dam, as repairs can only be conducted when the river recedes.
Despite the setback, the Alberta River Surfing Association aims to reschedule the competition for September, showcasing the resilience and dedication of the volunteers working tirelessly to restore the cherished surfing wave in Kananaskis.