Paul Primus, Boise’s chief wave technician: “River surfing is a tighter space, but it offers its own set of thrills”

In a world of quick snippets and scrolling, sometimes you come across a story that makes you want to read right to the end. Let me introduce you to this piece by Carley D. Thornell for Smithsonian magazine, which captures a quiet watery revolution unfolding far from any coastline. Thornell profiles Paul Primus, Boise’s “chief wave technician,” whose job title alone hints at how unexpectedly vibrant inland surfing has become.

Her article traces how Boise, Idaho, of all places, has become a hub for river surfers who ride human-made, adjustable waves on the Boise River. Primus, who travels through airport terminals carrying a surfboard as casually as the rest of us might haul a backpack, oversees two engineered wave features along the city’s 29-mile Greenbelt. One caters for beginners, the other – currently being upgraded to boost safety and water control – is a showcase spot where advanced surfers gather throughout the year.

According to recent estimates, about 75 surfers hit the water daily in summer, monitored by webcams and an app that lets people track conditions in real time.

How the park was born, and its influence

The article highlights how Boise’s whitewater park began as a safety-driven, environmentally minded project to remove dangerous low-head dams. Over time, the addition of adjustable wave technology transformed the river into a playground for surfers and kayakers, igniting a culture that now counts more than 1,000 local surfers.

Primus manages up to 20 wave settings from a master control panel, switching between mellow recirculating holes for kayakers and steep, glassy six-foot waves that are said to feel like riding a 25-foot ocean swell, despite being 400 miles from the Pacific.

What makes the story even more compelling is the, ahem, ripple effect. Cities from Oklahoma to Iowa to Maine are now developing or planning wave parks inspired by Boise’s model, drawn by its blend of recreation, revitalization and economic lift.

If this ride of engineering, outdoor culture and city planning intrigues you too, I highly recommend reading Thornell’s full piece for the complete story, including some eye-catching photos.

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