Missoula, Montana, is becoming a surf town. It has no ocean, in fact, the entire state is landlocked, but the community now seems to almost revolve around surfing. And it was all made possible in memory of one whitewater kayaker who inspired others with a life well-lived.

Brennan Guth was a Missoulian kayaker and river lover who died kayaking in Chile in 2001. In memory of Guth, the ugly and hazardous mess of concrete and rebar down river of the Higgins Avenue Bridge was converted into a place where people now gather to swim and surf.

Located in the middle of downtown Missoula alongside Caras Park, this man-made wave was built to be a good surf wave at almost every water level. Finished in 2006, Brennan’s Wave transformed an unsafe water diversion weir into a friendly, surfable wave, on which you can see kayakers and river surfers taking their turn most days throughout the summer and fall, and even throughout the rest of the year.

Brennan’s Wave has spawned a surfing sub-culture in Missoula. And the surfing community is a dedicated one. Even on weekdays, 10 people may be in line to take a turn on the wave. Everyone from teenagers to Baby Boomers can be seen on the wave, and there isn’t a competitive or antagonistic attitude in Missoula like those that pervade many other ocean surf communities.

This healthy, outdoor-based culture has economic benefits as well. Not only does it consistently bring Missoulians downtown, but it brings in visitors. In 2010, Missoula hosted the U.S. Freestyle Kayaking Championships, which brought 2,000 out-of-town supporters and 5,000 spectators to town.

While the wave was originally designed and built for kayakers, the culture around the wave has changed dramatically in the past couple years. Where you used to see only kayakers, river surfers are becoming the dominant user group. In fact, Missoula is now a hot bed for pioneers of the fledgling sport of river surfing.

“Oh yeah,” says Kevin Benhart “KB” Brown, co-owner of Strongwater Mountain Surf Company, when asked about the changing culture of Brennan’s Wave. “It’s, like, 90 percent surfers … It’s been transitioning for, like, four years now,” says Brown.

The transition from kayaking to surfing has made Brennan’s Wave accessible to a far wider range of people, and has made it a natural tourist attraction. As opposed to whitewater kayaking, surfing is fun right off the bat for a beginner.

“This is more, like, instant fun,” says Brown. “So with kayaking, if people do a lesson, they come back and they have an ok time. But people rent a surfboard and they cannot even come close to catching a wave and come back and be like ‘That was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life!’”

Not only that, but river surfing is cheap compared to whitewater kayaking. All you need is the surfboard and maybe a wetsuit. Strongwater, Missoula’s only surf shop, located just across the Clark Fork River from Brennan’s Wave, has boards that they’ll rent you for $10 and a wetsuit for $10. If you don’t care about the wetsuit, you can be totally equipped to have a good time surfing for a couple of hours for $10. If you’re looking to buy – which you probably will be after giving it a try – expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $800 for different qualities of boards. Starting late this year, Strongwater expects to have a less expensive, specially designed and produced river surfboard available for purchase. A wetsuit can cost around $300, but is not necessary for summertime surfing. If you’re looking for surf lessons, Strongwater offers those for $40 for two hours.

Brennan’s Wave has been such a benefit to the community that a second wave is in the process of being built just downstream. The Max Wave, in memory of Missoulian kayaker Max Lentz, was just submitted for permitting and could be ready as early as next spring. The Max Wave will have three separate waves, one for beginners, one specifically for kayakers, and one specifically for river surfers, reducing congestion and solidifying Missoula’s reputation as a surf town and pioneer of this exciting new sport.

The culture, the sport, the wave and downtown Missoula itself are more than worth the couple hour drive from Spokane and North Idaho to experience. Spend $10 and try a river surf session. You may just never stop.

For more info on planning a trip to Missoula, head to Destinationmissoula.org. The site also has plenty of info on where to stay, including hotels and campgrounds. //

Road Trip Missoula: September Events

If you need more reasons than surfing to make the trek to Missoula, plan your adventure to Montana’s surf city around one of these events.

Downtown ToNight (September 3 & 10)

A free weekly music and food festival held in downtown Missoula.

Dirty Dash 5k Mud Obstacle Run (September 12)

A muddy obstacle course race. $62 race registration.

Germanfest (September 13)

A free annual celebration of Missoula’s sister city Neckargemund, Germany.

Third Annual Brains and Brawn (September 19)

A unique team-based event that tests both athleticism and intelligence. Think treasure hunt combined with a triathlon. $100 per team of 5.

Last Wednesday Beer Run (September 30)

A fun run with beer at the end. What more do you want?

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Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival (July 11, Spokane)

Taking place at Camp Sekani Park along the Spokane River, this outdoor adventure festival is an outdoor sports sampler and has something for everyone. You can try all sorts of activities such as stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, disc golf, rock climbing, mountain biking, slacklining, and demo bikes and try other outdoor oriented products and gear at dozens of exhibitor booths. Entertainment includes live music, a local brews beer garden, a mountain bike jump jam and more to come. The Up Chuck Challenge trail run to the top of Beacon Hill kicks things off at 9:30 in the morning ($20). Cost: adults $5 for general admission, kids under 5 free. There is an added cost to try many of the outdoor sports, with pre-registration recommended. More info and registration details at Spokatopia.com.

Kootenai Highland Gathering Celtic Games (July 17-19, Libby, Mont.)

Nestled along the banks of the Kootenay River, The Kootenai Highland Gathering Celtic Games is a competition open to all, with games suited for everyone from teens to national competitors. Spectators are welcome and participants should register early, but all can enjoy the live music, vendors, and contests, including a caber toss, sheaf toss, light and heavy weight over bar, bramar stone, hammer throw, nice legs contest and more. Camping and cabin rentals are available. Cost: adults $8, seniors/military $5, kids under 10 free. Facebook.com/kootenai.highlanders.

Schweitzer Mountain Music Festival (July 18, Sandpoint, Idaho)

More than a music festival, the Schweitzer Mountain Music Festival is all about mixing music in the outdoors with trail running, BBQ and wine. The day starts off with a 3.5 or 10-mile trail run ($20-$45) at 10 a.m., with wine tasting beginning at 11. You purchase a glass and tokens to be spent at “Wine Alley” comprised of 20 Northwest and regional wineries and 80 different wines. Three different bands serenade you throughout day as you enjoy Wine Alley, BBQ, vendor sales and other outdoor activities including zip lining, biking, disc golf, a climbing wall and more. Cost: $5-$27 (depending on how much/what you drink). Schweitzer.com.

Testicle Festival (July 29-August 2, Clinton, Mont.)

Touted as one of the “Nations Hottest Parties,” this is a strictly 21 and over festivity centered around enjoying a Montana delicacy: Rocky Mountain Oysters. Being a basic free-for-all, everyone is welcome to this contest-filled beer bash. Go expecting craziness and a loose adherence to rules. The festival draws as many as 3,000 people some years. Contests include the ball contest, the ball eating contest, the undie 500, best tattoo, Miss TestyFest, Mr. Fun Buns, nicest arms, and wet t-shirt and undies contests. General Admission: $17. Testyfesty.com.

Downtown Street Fair, Art on the Green, and Taste of Coeur d’Alene (July 31-August 2, Coeur d’Alene)

You get three events in one this weekend! The Downtown Street Fair, Art on the Green, and Taste of Coeur d’Alene are all on the same weekend, turning downtown Coeur d’Alene into one big, bustling summer festival! Over 200 vendors of all kinds line Sherman Avenue from 7^th Street to 1^st. Continue on through City Park as it turns into Taste of Coeur d’Alene with all kinds of different food vendors. The key is to not miss Art on the Green on the Campus of North Idaho College. While separate from the other two fairs by a few blocks, it is well worth going to, as the quality of vendors is generally better. Free admission. More Info: Cdachamber.com and Artonthegreencda.com.

Festival at Sandpoint (August 6-16, Sandpoint)

The 33^rd annual Festival at Sandpoint takes place on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint. The festival touts its “eclectic music under the stars” with artists such as Ziggy Marley, The Devil Makes Three and Trampled By Turtles lined up for this year. The music selection is indeed diverse, sporting the Spokane Symphony, jazz pianist Vadim Neselovskyi, and even a family concert for only $6. Tickets: $37-$60 per night or all eight nights for $230. Festivalatsandpoint.com.

Wallace Huckleberry Festival (August 14-15, Wallace, Idaho)

Previously known as the Heritage Festival, the Wallace Huckleberry Heritage Festival, or simply HuckFest, the 30^th annual Huckleberry Festival celebrates the heritage of Wallace and, of course, the delicious mountain huckleberry. You’re sure to see vendors, live music and huckleberries in various forms, but other than that, the specific events change year-to-year. Traditionally, events included the Huckleberry Pancake Breakfast on Saturday morning, a 5K walk/run, an Election of Huckleberry Sheriff and Huckleberry Hound, kid’s activities and a pie eating contest. Free admission. More info: Wallace-id.com/heritage.html or call 208-753-7151.

27th Annual National Lentil Festival (August 21-22, Pullman, Wash.)

The Palouse region of Washington and Idaho produces a quarter of the lentils in the United States, and this popular and award-winning festival is a celebration of that rich, legume-filled heritage. Events include the crowning of the “Lil’ Lentil King and Queen” and the Lentil Family of the Year, as well as kid’s activities, live music, a 5K fun run, a lentil pancake breakfast, 3-on-3 hoop classic, co-ed softball tournament, a parade and lots of lentil chili. Free admission. Lentilfest.com.

Juniper Jam Music Festival (September 5, Enterprise, Ore.)

The sweetest little music festival in Eastern Oregon is back at the Wallowa County Fairgrounds in Enterprise, Oregon. This fun-filled day of music on two stages runs from 1 p.m. until about 10. Festival-goers will enjoy folk, country, Americana, alternative and blues, as well as great food and drink, plus children’s activities. Musical acts this year include Jelly Bread, Simon Tucker Group, Marshall McLean Band, Mama Doll and many more! Tickets are 15$ in advance and 18$ at the door. Juniperjam.com. //

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For the first few indistinguishable moments, terror took hold of me and I screamed. I had told myself I wouldn’t, but there I was, screaming like a banshee. A terrified, irrational, animalistic and purely instinctual banshee. But then the adrenaline kicked in. I loved it. I yelled at the fast approaching ground, daring it to come and get me. Even though the fear had passed, rational thought had yet to return. After what seemed like forever, Rogers pulled the parachute and we jolted to a more reasonable speed and I had time to form rational thoughts. I took in the exquisite view of the patchwork of farmland that makes up eastern Washington. He let me steer the parachute, occasionally going into a terrifying yet exhilarating downward spiral.

Eventually we landed softly on our butts, right on the patch of green grass we had aimed for next to the airplane hangar that acts as the headquarters for West Plains Skydiving. I couldn’t believe how easy it had been to have this experience. “We really take care of just about everything for you,” says Kara Kruse, the scheduling manager and a member of the founding family of West Plains Skydiving. And that’s no lie; all you do is show up and get harnessed. “Then we get you in a plane, take you up to 13,000 feet, and kick you out!” She laughs.

The cost of the experience is only $205 (plus tax) on a Thursday or Monday, and $225 (plus tax) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. That, a waiver, and 10 minutes of instruction was all it took to jump out of a plane with a certified instructor. After 15 minutes in a small plane, you get 45-55 seconds of freefall for 6,000 feet and several minutes floating down to earth with the best view of eastern Washington that money can buy.

Safety wise, Kruse says that as long as you’re at least 18 and generally in good health, they can take you skydiving. There are some basic health considerations which you can find on their site, but you don’t have to be a Spartan to skydive. West Plains have taken jumpers who are paraplegic, claustrophobic, terrified of heights…. You name it. Even a 92 year old woman who had to have the photographer hold her teeth before the jump! “There’s really no good excuse not to go,” Kruse says. “Skydiving multiple times isn’t for everybody,” she acknowledges. “But jumping once with a highly certified, trained instructor, really is,” and I cannot agree more. Everyone should try it at least once. Whatever you’re doing, stop it now, and go to skydivewestplains.com or call Kara at 509-838-JUMP to schedule your trip for sometime this summer. You won’t regret it. //

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Cindric is a stand up paddleboard, or SUP, champion, having won first place in his division at the Payette River Games in Cascade, Idaho at Kelly’s Whitewater Park last year. The Payette River Games is arguably the largest and most prestigious SUP competition in the United States. With its prize purse of $50,000, athletes compete in two different river running events, SUP Xross and SUP-er G, where they go head-to-head with the best paddlers in the world for both time and score.

In 2014 Cindric competed in every event and won his division. He was only 12. “He just had a natural knack for it,” says Charlie’s father and certified SUP instructor Chris Cindric. Charlie started at age 10, coming to the river with his dad. “I’d come down and then I’d film, then practice ferrying across the river, doing that,” says Charlie. And three years later, at 13, he’ll be competing for the 2015 prize in the Elite class, with some of the best stand-up paddle boarders in the world. He’s also a sponsored member of the Badfish “Grom Team.” Grom, short for grommet, is a slang term taken from ocean surfing and now used on kid river surfers with talent. And Charlie has that in spades.

And he doesn’t just rely on his “natural knack;” he trains hard too. He does cross-country and track, skateboards, snowboards, and generally cross-trains, not to mention surfing, running rivers, and paddling flat water on his board, all of which he and his dad do year-round.

“The Spokane’s nice because there’s typically a wave that’s in at some point, somewhere,” says Chris. Charlie’s favorite spot is Trailer Park Wave. “It’s the best wave to surf in Spokane,” says Charlie. And surfing is Charlie’s favorite. “It’s just fun,” he says, with a mischievous smile.

“You can kind of bring it to whatever level you want,” says Chris. But if you’re just starting out, it’s important to take a class. “People see this happening, and then they try it, and they put themselves in bad situations,” says Chris. “It’s more than just standing up on a board.”

However, it’s not all serious training for Charlie and Chris. For them, SUP is a family affair. “Stand up paddling as a family is great because the paddleboard is like a platform for the kids,” says Chris. “So it’s not like struggling to get into a canoe or a kayak even….It’s just five inches off the surface of the water – the kids swim off of it.” Even Charlie’s three younger siblings enjoy SUPing. They try to do flips from the board, and occasionally try to knock their parents off.

The Cindrics already have a family trip planned for this summer. The whole family is heading to the Payette River Games where both Chris and Charlie will compete, and eventually to Northern California, where they want to see Crater Lake and the Redwoods. And surf, of course. “We’re just going to be a big ol’ SUP family,” says Chris, smiling. //

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