I think about the lineup at the Bend Whitewater Park’s surf wave as a litmus test. I give it a peek every time I drive over Colorado Avenue or walk the Old Mill District pathway. It’s a snapshot of weather conditions and the general influx of visitors to Bend (albeit a small portion of our river surfers).

But what the quick peek never indicates is the day of the week or even time of day, because the green wave is busy from sun up to sun down seven days a week this time of year. This popularity has made me wonder how to best get started if you want to dip your board into the water.

Since the Bend Whitewater Park opened in 2015, there have been thousands of surfers taking their turns at the park, and use is year-round. Some have experience from other river surfing areas. Others learned at the ocean and adapt the techniques to the river. Yet another group learned right here with advice from other users, and have gone from beginner to less-beginner with hopes of being “good” someday.

River surf info sessions

Each surfer has their own path to gain experience and skills, and Bend Park and Recreation District is introducing “know before you go” river surfing information sessions this summer.

Led by BPRD River Recreation Specialists Ryan Richard and Adam Eno, the free, dry-land only information sessions are intended for new and developing river surfers, those interested to learn the popular sport, or family, friends and spectators who wish to know more about the river dynamics and how the whitewater park operates. The 45-minute session is scheduled for:

• Saturday: 11-11:45 a.m.

• Monday, July 10: 6-6:45 p.m.

• Thursday, Aug. 10: 6-6:45 p.m.

Advance registration is required. Visit bendwhitewaterpark.com or tinyurl.com/surfriver.

The whitewater park features are complex, and there’s a lot to know about river conditions before considering donning a wetsuit and helmet and jumping on a board. Info session attendees will learn about river dynamics, the basics of the Bend Whitewater Park, how to “read” the water, park rules, dos and don’ts of river surfing, how it differs from ocean surfing, safety gear recommendations and basic beginner surf tips.

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Richard and Eno definitely share the prize for most interesting park district jobs. They keep water depth in Mill Pond seasonally stable, providing critical habitat for the Oregon Spotted Frog. They also manage flow going into the Fish Ladder to ensure that fish are able to travel through the channel successfully.

Operational controls at the whitewater park begin with 26 air bladders, or “gates” that have been permanently affixed to the river bed to regulate flow to critical habitat, and to shape whitewater waves for recreation. These gates can be manipulated in real-time from anywhere by touchscreen controls.

Richard and Eno are part of the local surfing community, and have their fair share of wipe-outs and injuries as a result. The risks of river surfing can never be 100% avoided, but being informed and taking precautions can help keep everyone as safe as possible.

Surf rules at Bend Whitewater Park

The river wave rules are:

• To reduce the risk of entrapment, leashes are prohibited at the Bend Whitewater Park.

• Surf with a buddy and put safety first. Watch out for each other.

• Wear a helmet and PFD. A community sponsored loaner program is provided on site by Bend Paddle Trail Alliance.

• Fall flat and swim on the surface.

• Never put your feet down when moving downriver in the current. Swim to calm water.

• No jumping off bridges.

• No swimming, diving or jumping within the Bend Whitewater Park; swimming is allowed from McKay Park beach.

• No entering the protected natural area, riparian area or the river-right (east) island.

For more information and safety videos, visit bendwhitewaterpark.com.