BY: ROB HOFFMAN
Somewhere in the high mountains of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, a group of innovative riders is breaking ground on a new style of high-energy surfing. They’re challenging the pressurized blast of mountain rivers for a dose of adrenaline and the calm that follows a spot so deeply connected to the forces of nature.
Backed by Strongwater Mountain Surf Company, and produced by Montana-based Max Lowe Media, this small clip is part of what will become a film entitled, Living Rivers, set to come out this upcoming spring in a barrage of film-festival screenings. The short clip features riders like Kevin Benhardt, owner of Strongwater Mountain Surf Company, who is helping to proliferate the new style of riding that battles the sweeping flow of running water to stay afloat and ultimately alive.
“We surf the snow, the snow melts into the rivers, we surf the rivers and the rivers flow into the ocean. There is no end, it’s a continuous evolution.” This is the philosophy of Strongwater, according to Benhardt.
Traditionally, surfing—depending on the size of the waves—can be highly meditative and relaxing. This new brand of the sport, however, may require an extra pair of shorts.
