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Calgarian surfers taking advantage of the natural Bow River waves at the 10th Street bridge are lobbying the local and provincial governments for the creation of a permanent urban beach. The breaks in the water have been a draw for years, and the regional surfing community says the introduction of an underwater structure to regulate the waves could be an economic, cultural and recreational boon for the city.
The Alberta River Surfing Association is collaborating with Calgary-based Surf Anywhere to develop the project. So far, the team has completed a feasibility study and concept design illustrating the potential of the space. The urban beach would involve the installation of two technologies: one to create the waves, and an Obermeyer gate designed to control the water level.
A conceptual drawing shows two wave channels created, one 15 metres wide and the other 10 metres wide. From trough to peak, adjustable waves of up to 1.5 metres high are envisioned. The structures would collapse flat to the river bottom before and during the flood season to avoid impacts on river levels.
The Alberta RSA says the attraction would be freely accessible. Early budget projections put the project cost at $6 million, but the proponent estimates that money would be recouped within five years, with another $1.7 million in annual new and increased economic activity produced. The capital cost for the project would be sourced through community fundraising, local partnerships, grants and possibly public funds.
Surfers will have to make do with the natural breaks for the near future though — the Alberta RSA says the project likely wouldn't come to fruition until at least 2023.
