The river surfing, powsurfing, snowkating, and skateboard communities lost Colorado icon and friend, Nathan Ginn in an avalanche Saturday February 22, while powsurfing on Berthoud Pass. His wife, Carrie, wanted the boardsports community to know that Nathan died doing what he loved.
Nathan, 50, had incredible skills in all boardsports, but was known in Colorado circles for his finless river surfing at spots like River Run Park in metro Denver, Scout Wave in Salida, and many other river-surf spots. He was also a dedicated and excellent powsurfer, snowskater, and skateboarder.
By trade, Nathan was an art teacher for elementary school students. He loved his job and teaching young people to enjoy artistic expression. He volunteered for many years with the Chill Foundation youth in Denver, instructing river surfing and skateboarding. Nathan had a calming effect with the children he worked with and would easily gain respect and cooperation from the youth he’d teach, both in the school setting, and in the waves and skateparks.
“I’m absolutely devastated by this,” said Jeremy Jensen with Grassroots Powdersurfing. “Nathan was the best.. one of my favorite people in the powsurf and bindingless community. I’d say I was his biggest fan. I’m going to miss him dearly. Such an incredible spirit and example of positivity and stoke. Much love to the Colorado community and the friends, family, and students that adored Nathan.”
Nathan had an infectious smile and personality. His main goal in life, it seemed, was to make sure everyone else felt welcome and that they were having as good of a time as he was. Sure, Nathan would give you his straightforward opinions, but he did so from the heart.
Nathan loved his wife Carrie to the upmost along with his extended family, including his grown adult children, his twin brother Phillip, his older brothers, his parents, his friends, and anyone he met, really.
Nathan will be missed by all but his genuine enthusiasm for life, boardsports, building treehouses, making art, and spreading his love for everyone will live on, even though we’re forced to say goodbye today. RIP NG.
Editor’s Note: You can help the community support Nathan’s family at the GoFundMe page here. David Riordon edits the site SuperCriticalFlows.com and was a friend of Nathan Ginn’s.
