River surfing doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Anecdotally, it feels like more and more people want to enjoy the sport, even if they live inland. And for communities, wave parks and the large price tags attached to them aren’t attainable yet. That’s why in-river features are so popular: they require less cost to build and can be constructed using old, dangerous low-head dams, turning river hazards into safe (see passable) surfing features.
Paul Primus has dedicated his life to these features and the sport of river surfing. Ted Talks recently went regional and during the Boise stop, Primus took the time to explain to audiences his passion for the sport, how adjustable river features work and why they’re good for communities everywhere.