The surf wave at the Bend Whitewater Park requires a steep learning curve, humbling even the most experienced athlete.

The best place to get started is with a free informational session by Bend Park & Recreation District.

This summer, park district River Recreation Specialists Ryan Richard and Adam Eno will lead monthly dry-land orientations on the rules of the whitewater park, river dynamics and beginner surfer tips. More information is to come on these sessions, slated for June 10, July 10 and Aug. 10.

Those without prior surfing experience may have an advantage. Richard said he often sees new surfers perform better than experienced ones. A lack of ocean surfing experience when starting out on the river wave (also known as the green wave) prevents riders from being thrown off by the substantial differences between the two sports.

What is the surf wave?

Located on the Deschutes River near the Old Mill District, the Bend Whitewater Park provides year-round tubing, kayaking and surfing on the river since the fall of 2015.

Below the surface of the water, there are 26 gates, which are moved by bladders being inflated or deflated along the bottom of the river. The gates control the water flow through the three separate parts of the park — the whitewater channel, which includes the surf wave; the fish ladder, which is also used by floaters; and the habitat channel.

With a couple of touches of an iPad, a “waveshaper” can essentially cut off the flow of water into the whitewater channel, creating four still-water pools. Or he could open the gates entirely and create a flood of water going through the rapids.

The key to creating an optimal wave to surf is a steep face, making the water glassy and fast. Even an experienced ocean surfer might find themselves floating down the rapids on one of their first attempts at surfing the river.

How to find the latest updates

The easiest way to determine if the surf gates are up is to check if surfers are on the wave, Richard said. The park district also shares river-related updates on its Facebook and Instagram pages.

The Bulletin recently installed a new higher-resolution webcam at the whitewater park. The live stream makes it easy to monitor surf wave activity with the click of a button.

When to surf the river wave

A common question Richard receives from surfers is how to visit the wave when no one else is around. While it spawns from a fear of embarrassment, Richard said, new surfers should aim to ride the wave when other surfers are present, rather than the other way around.

“You want to go when there’s people there because they’re usually really willing to help out,” he said. “We really have a great community of people and they’re all super eager to help people who are learning.”

Bend’s standing wave is available to surf year-round, although lower water levels and freezing temperatures make the sport less popular during winter.

The wave’s consistency, unlike the changing conditions of the ocean, allows surf etiquette to be more relaxed in comparison to ocean waves, Richard said.

“The (wave) is not going anywhere. It changes a bit day-to-day, but it’s not like everyone is fighting to get the best wave of the day,” he said.

What kind of board do I need?

Not just any surfboard will do on the green wave. A shorter board is recommended to accommodate the smaller size of the wave. Foam boards provide a softer landing for falls and are designed to take a beating.

Area surf shops are not currently renting boards to surf the green wave due the fragility and liability involved, Richard said.

Founder of Cublicle Surf Travis Yamada builds extra-durable boards, reinforced to endure the river’s rocky bottom, informed by his experience skating, snowboarding and wave-riding in Central Oregon.

The best board for each surfer depends on personal preference, skill level and style.

Surf wave rules

Surf leashes are prohibited to reduce the risk of entrapment. The surf wave will be flattened for all users for the rest of the day if a surfer is seen with a leash, Eno said in a video by the parks district. He recommends falling on or near the board and implementing it as a tool to navigate to the eddy.

Additional rules of the river wave include:

• Surf with a buddy.

• It is highly recommended to wear a helmet and a lifejacket.

• Don’t overestimate your swimming ability. The waves are classified as Class III whitewater.

• Fall flat and swim close to the surface. Bottom impact has the potential to break bones or knock out swimmers, according to the park district.

• Never attempt to stand in the river when moving downriver in the current, which could lead to foot entrapment and consequently broken bones, pinning or drowning.

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