The World’s Top Freshwater Waves

Surfing is no longer the sole domain of the coasts. Wave hungry surfers have been getting after it on the world’s lakes and rivers for decades. We’re spotlighting just a handful of the best shaped, longest, cleanest and most odd freshwater waves that have been discovered to date.

Lake Superior, Minnesota

Surfers have been dropping into swells on the Great Lakes for decades. Almost every year, pics of better, bigger or colder waves pop up online. This year’s news from the country’s third coast would fall into that last category. A group of surfers paddled into waves with air temperatures in the negative teens and a wind chill of over -50 degrees.

Snake River, Wyoming

After coverage from CNN, the Snake River’s whitewater is no longer a local’s secret. Jackson’s pro skiers and shreds also manage to get a few waves at the famous rapid. Of course, one of the biggest obstacles for any surfer is the many rafters and kayakers who frequent the river.

Bono Pelalawan, Sumatra, Indonesia

Yeah, the water is brown. There are 12-foot crocodiles. The area is extremely difficult to get to and it’s prone to seismic and volcanic activity. That said, what happens on this river is somewhat of a hydrological miracle.

Waimea River, Hawaii

Brought to the masses in Endless Summer 2, the river mouth at Waimea Bay is one of the most classic standing waves out there. To form the wave, it can take hours to dig out the sand bar formed by the beach’s winter pounding.

Wadi Adventure, United Arab Emirates

The desert region’s climate fits a little better with an artificial beach than an artificial mountain. The waves are mechanic. The water is chlorine blue. The bottom is imported sand. Get your air reverse on—over and over and over.

Eisbach River, Munich, Germany

River surfing has taken off in Europe. Thanks to Eisbach’s clean standing wave and its location in one of Germany’s most colorful cities, it’s easy to see why this wave is such a favorite. Grab a pretzel, a boot full of beer, and don’t forget to master that air drop.

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Not quite as consistent as the Great Lakes, Lake Tahoe only turns on in the heaviest of winds. With the short period swell, the waves aren’t too clean. But every once in a while, somebody will get a good one.

Wave Garden, Basque Country, Spain

The Wave Garden is way ahead of other swell machines in terms of form. The small barrel peels along a manmade shelf almost eerily and without a single imperfection. Top professionals like Gabriel Medina and Taj Burrow have checked out the ride and have high hopes for the technology. All the company needs now is a bigger venue.

Zambezi River, Zambia

Though it only occurs a couple of times a year, the Zambezi’s Rapid 11 is famous for creating a standing hollow tube. The waves face is only shoulder high, but the wipeout and ensuing downriver thrashing looks more akin to Pipeline. And the water is full of tiger fish.