An ocean surfer at heart who found himself landlocked in Colorado, Dan Setzke saw the potential for river surfing to become a valid recreational pursuit. After his first successful river surf session in 2014, it was clear that this was a new found passion and he set out to learn the craft of surfboard building. Dan projected that riversurfing would eventually gain critical mass and a community that demands locally made handbuilt river surfboards would emerge.

In 2014 Dan launched Colorado Surf Supply and knowing how river surfing can and would be perceived by the established surf culture he was guided by the mission to maintain principals of Authenticity to the craft and culture while focusing on the riders desire for Uniqueness in what they are riding so that they can express their Individuality. 

Mission:

• Authenticity – Be true to yourself and others. A surfboard represents an opportunity to connect with someone who has a similar interest, and background. It is an opportunity to open up a conversation and talk about experiences good or bad that you have had throughout your life. If you put your blood, sweat and tears into crafting something that brings joy and puts a smile on someone’s face I feel the connection is much stronger that if you by a board from a nameless, faceless overseas manufacturer using who knows what materials. Building from hand gives me control over the process, and materials I use. The community that has emerged has allowed me to learn, grow and experiment. For that I am grateful. “Surf” and “Surfing” are not just marketing terms to put on a shirt or hat, and local surfboards are at the core of it all. Be Authentic.
• Uniqueness and Individuality – The period of surfing history where I came from every board was different. You went into a shop and looked through the racks and racks of boards and found something that spoke to you. There weren’t even models, or “colorways”, online ordering, or mass manufacturing processes. They all were built by hand and were unique. My goal from the beginning was to offer boards that fit the needs and personality of the rider. I have been able to go down some interesting and unexpected paths in board shapes and design. With the support of the community and riders I have been able to experiment with different epoxy pigment, and spray paint art methods and designs. I have recently partnered with local artists who have added their local flair.  Be unique and express your individuality.

I am stoked on surfing and the future!