Beachgoers Express Observations on Brennan's Transformation
In the heart of Missoula, a landlocked city, a unique community of kayakers and surfers has thrived for years around Brennan's Wave. This artificial whitewater feature, built in 2006 as a tribute to the current kayakers and surfers of the Missoula community, has become a distinctive part of the city, its colorful crafts drawing the eyes of passers-by.
Natalie Laslovich, a junior at Hellgate High School, is one of the many who discovered the joy of surfing at Brennan's Wave two years ago. She appreciates the community that surrounds the wave, a place where people gather, not a stage.
Dave Glaser, a 52-year-old kayaker, has been surfing the wave since its construction. He agrees, finding it fun and social. The recent renovations, which took place in spring of 2025, have only served to enhance the community spirit, according to Glaser.
The renovations brought about significant changes, including a larger paved platform for spectators and a smooth ramp for direct river access, which helped reduce unnecessary erosion caused by kayakers and surfers. The rough path down to the wave was flattened and paved, making it ADA accessible.
Thor Moses, a senior at Hellgate and a surfer for three years, finds the increased traffic at Brennan's Wave due to renovations not bothersome. He, like many others, enjoys the community aspect of the wave, stating that it's sometimes nice to have an audience while surfing.
The wave was named after Brennan Guth, a kayaker who died in Chile in 2001. His spirit lives on in the strong community that continues to grow at Brennan's Wave. The surfing and kayaking community remains welcoming, inviting new onlookers to appreciate their sport.
With these modern infrastructure improvements, the longevity of Brennan's Wave is secure, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the unique surfing experience it offers in the heart of Missoula.
