River Surfing the Blackfoot River: Experience The Ledge
If you’ve ever dreamed about river surfing the Blackfoot River, you’re in the right place. This guide takes you on an immersive journey through one of Missoula’s most exciting water sports experiences. Whether you’re a beginner or an adventure enthusiast, the thrill of riding whitewater along the Blackfoot River promises a unique blend of adrenaline and natural beauty.
Getting Started: The Day of My First Lesson
It was a week of warm, sunny weather—ideal for t-shirt days—until cold rain began to fall on Friday morning, the day of my first river surf lesson. As I drove to Wave Cave, the base for Zoo Town Surfers at 1001 S. 4th St W in Missoula, doubts crept in. I even turned on my Subaru’s seat warmer for comfort, questioning how I’d handle an hour-plus immersed in a raging river.
Jason, the owner of Zoo Town, greeted me and Phil, another first-time student, outside the brick building. In the warehouse basement, he assisted Phil with sizing his wetsuit—reminding us that “too big is definitely better than too small”—and checked my new gear: wetsuit, booties, PFD, and helmet. “Good, good, good, good. Bring it all,” he affirmed.
Meeting the Instructors and Preparing for the Ride
Shortly after, Kevin, a sunburned and smiling instructor fresh from a beach week in Southern California, joined us. Despite the brewing storm, his optimism was infectious. We loaded our gear into a pickup truck filled with surfboards and swapped stories about our past adventures in kayaking, ocean surfing, and other water sports.
Phil had tried kayaking before but found it confining, while I was eager to leave behind the hassles of setting up shuttles for rafting, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Inspired by the cool surfers on Brennan’s Wave in downtown Missoula, I was ready to dive into a new challenge.
The Ledge: Our Chosen Playground
Our destination for the day was a gentle, less crowded pour-over on the Blackfoot River known as the Ledge. Jason pointed out that this spot was where he had learned to kayak—a perfect setting for beginners. Despite the roaring river and its fast, churning currents, we prepared ourselves for the challenge.
Jason offered crucial safety tips:
- Stay calm if carried downstream and swim over the eddy.
- Follow alternative routes around bends where additional eddies can help rescue you.
- Always wear helmets and PFDs for safety, even though many experienced surfers might skip them.
Kevin’s light-hearted approach helped ease our nerves as he rolled out a yoga mat over the parking area, changed into his wetsuit, and prepared for the session.
Into the Whitewater: The Lesson Begins
Armed with our boards, we approached the river bank about twenty yards upstream of the Ledge. Our plan was simple:
- Paddle at a 45-degree angle against the current.
- Drop through the Ledge and swim to a right-side eddy.
- Enjoy the ride as many times as possible.
Jason emphasized that the first lesson wasn’t about standing up—it was about getting comfortable with swimming in the river’s powerful current. After reviewing safety signals and checking our gear, we waded into the water.
The initial immersion was surprisingly pleasant. The wetsuit kept me warm as I followed Jason’s lead, letting out a joyful “Whoop!” upon dropping into the Ledge. We observed the river closely, noting the different water levels experienced by rafters, paddleboarders, and canoeists.
The Thrill of River Surfing
With encouragement from our instructors, I plunged into the wave. Although I experienced a few tumbles and moments of panic, I quickly learned the importance of timing—Lesson 1: Bail earlier if needed.
Over the next hour, Phil and I entered the wave repeatedly. Sometimes we were tossed out immediately; other times, we found a brief moment of balance. Kevin’s effortless style stood out as he harnessed the water’s natural push, positioning himself perfectly with minimal paddling. On two memorable occasions, I managed to hold my balance long enough to experience an almost meditative calm, where the whitewater and I met at eye level.
As fatigue set in, Jason and Kevin offered a safe exit, and we returned to shore to rinse off our gear. By the end of the lesson, the rain had subsided, but the excitement lingered.
Inspired by the Blackfoot River
Driving home, I couldn’t help but reflect on the day’s adventures. “River surfing the Blackfoot River was so much fun,” I admitted. Even as I mentioned that I’d be happy just to swim without the surfing element, Jason reminded me that I was, in fact, surfing—a sentiment echoed by Kevin. Their invitation for our next session at Brennan’s Wave had sealed the deal: I was hooked.
This experience not only boosted my confidence in tackling the river but also deepened my love for whitewater adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned water sports enthusiast or a curious beginner, river surfing on the Blackfoot River offers an experience that is as exhilarating as it is unforgettable.
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