River surfing is one of the newest outdoor experiences in Farmington. Where we have numerous other long-running recreation favorites, river surfing brings a whole new way to have fun on the water!
Our new Gatewave river surfing feature on the Animas River brings an exciting addition to the outdoor recreation scene. Check it out:
What is river surfing?
River surfing is, in the basic sense, exactly what it sounds like: surfing on a river!
How that actually works, however, is really where the explanation becomes necessary.
That’s because river surfing is made possible by creating a standing wave within a river. This happens when fast-moving river water flows over a submerged obstacle; it can be from naturally occurring obstacles or engineered artificially.
Unlike with ocean surfing where the sport originated in the Pacific with larger moving waves, this setup creates a standing, continuous wave that allows for longer riding times in a totally different environment. Depending on the river flow, you can sometimes even bodyboard on these river waves, too.
Modern river surfing is famously associated with Munich, where changes to the Eisbach in the early 70s created a consistent standing wave that attracted creative and adventurous surfers. Take a walk today through Munich’s English Garden Park along the Eisbach on a hot summer afternoon, and you’ll find loads of surfers.
Over time, this Bavarian specialty caught the attention of the rest of the world, helping turn river surfing from a niche curiosity to a globally popular recreational activity. Today, it’s a popular attraction in many other landlocked cities.
River surfing in Farmington
New as of 2025, river surfing in our corner of New Mexico is a reality with the Gatewave!
The Gatewave is a professionally -engineered feature that creates a consistent river surfing wave. You can paddle and surf on it, or just watch from the riverbanks for some free entertainment.
This is the first feature of its kind in all the Four Corners region and brings a new kind of adventure to Farmington and our already adventure-packed surrounding area.
Meet the Animas River Gatewave
You’ll find the Gatewave on the Animas River running through town, located behind the Farmington Museum & Visitors Center at 3041 East Main Street. Parking is on the northeast side of the museum, along with access trails.
Unlike many river surfing waves, the Gatewave is engineered specifically to adjust to the flow of the whitewater where it lives. This adjustability ensures that the wave is maintained in a wider range of flows in this wild river. This makes it a delight for surfers, bodyboarders, and spectators alike!
Why Farmington for river surfing?
Farmington and the surrounding area are known for their water activities: kayaking, paddle boarding, rafting, tubing, plus swimming, boating, and other water sports. River surfing is a natural addition to that collection!
It’s a wonderful destination for outdoor adventurers wanting to try a new way to enjoy the water, whether visitors or locals.
Planning your Farmington river surfing trip — and what to know before you go
Farmington’s unique combination of surfing and water sports, plus a striking high desert landscape, means river surfing here is unlike anywhere in the world. With the variety of outdoor adventures nearby, you can use Farmington as your home base, surf the river for a bit, and then choose from any number of recreational activities afterward!
As for the best time of year, it depends on what you’re looking for — conditions vary with snowmelt and associated seasonal flows. Spring and early summer bring with them the strongest flows due to the end-of-winter snowmelt, while later seasons are typically calmer.
Know before you go
Of course, just like with all outdoor recreation, safety, preparedness, and awareness are key. Here’s a checklist to keep in mind:
Check the conditions. River flow affects how the wave rides — be honest about your abilities and know how the current conditions align (or don’t) with that. A live camera of the river’s current conditions can be found on YouTube here.
Be prepared. Be sure to come with the appropriate gear; : a helmet, personal flotation device, and river-specific surf- or bodyboard are must-haves. It’s also recommended to bring quick-dry clothing and/or a wetsuit, depending on the season and water temperature.
Know your comfort level. If you’re a first timer, it’s likely a good idea to start out by watching and learning from the more experienced surfers. More experienced water sports athletes may feel more comfortable jumping in sooner. Most importantly, know that river recreation conditions can change seasonally, and it’s not just okay, but in fact the right move to admit when they’re above your ability.
We’re thrilled that Farmington has added river surfing to our famous array of outdoor and water activities. If you’re looking for somewhere for year-round recreation with places to stay, lovely choices of restaurants and bars, and easy access to outdoor adventures, come join us out in this corner of New Mexico!