by Chris Testa, President of West End Neighborhood Association
You might get a double take when you say you surf in Idaho but surfing is a key element to the West End Neighborhood’s culture. Having Whitewater Park aka “the wave” is an asset that we don’t take for granted in the West End. Whether you are just stopping to watch during your walk along the greenbelt or braving the cold of the Boise river to surf the wave, our community creates energy and enjoyment through this recreational activity.
My first experience at the wave was more intimidating than I had expected. Being an experienced ocean surfer, I was immediately drawn to this sport, but despite my experience battling overhead ocean waves, I was not fully prepared for what the wave had in store for me. Armed with a wetsuit and a rental board from Corridor Surf Shop, I was ready to tear up this wave (how hard could it be?) Standing in line for my turn, I was visually nervous. I studied the experienced surfers in front of me to mimic their every move. Likely seeing my jitters, a fellow surfer struck up a conversation with me while we waited our turn. I mentioned it was my first time and his response was a welcoming demeanor and overwhelming support for giving it a shot (a response I continue to pass on to newbie surfers).
When it was finally my turn, I shuffled my feet up to the platform where the power of the Boise river started to jeopardize my balance. I could barely stand, how was I expected to surf! When I finally had myself situated, which seemed like an eternity with dozens of surfers watching me, I jumped onto my board and was immediately met with a faceplant of brisk river water followed by a rollercoaster of ripping rapids that sent me shooting down river toward Eagle. When I was out of the rapids and all in one piece, I was smiling from ear to ear. What a thrill! My adrenaline was pumping and I couldn’t wait for more.
The ease at which experienced river surfers walk out and jump onto that wave cannot be understated. The entry into this sport, and by entry I mean attempt after attempt of faceplants and wipeouts, is unmatched. But this (let’s call it a barrier to entry) breeds a sense of community that you feel immediately while on the wave. One fellow surfer, Mary, described the wave as “super supportive where instantly five people are stoked to teach you what to do.” The fact is that everyone is surfing their own wave, where progress is met with hooting and hollering from your fellow surfers regardless of your experience level.
On the wave, it is “intimate, a close-knit community like a family” as one surfer, Devon, described. Another tenured surfer, Gabe, told me about his love of the cold January surf session when wearing a “seal-like 5/4 wetsuit with booties, gloves, and a hoodie only slows the freezing numbness of fingers and toes, not stops it”. There is true dedication to the sport from this smaller ‘foul weather crowd’ but again the wave creates bonds between them as they shiver and smile after each ride while peering up at the white foothills and wondering if they could also fit in a ski at Bogus Basin later that same day.
To this day, I regularly look to the wave for a reprieve from the stressors of ordinary life. Every session is an opportunity to connect with fellow thrill seekers and appreciate the power of our natural resource here in Boise. Regardless of the season, ‘the wave’ brings me community and makes me grateful to live in the West End.
West End Neighborhood Association 