The river surfing, powsurfing, snowkating, and skateboard communities lost an icon and dear friend, Nathan Ginn, on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in an avalanche at Berthoud Pass while powsurfing—doing what he loved most.
Nathan was a passionate board rider, an inspiring elementary art teacher, a dedicated youth mentor, and someone whose infectious smile made every session on the waves, snow, or pavement feel like pure joy. Whether you saw him ripping finless surfboards at River Run Park, snowskating homemade backyard courses, or sharing his love of skateboarding with Chill Foundation youth, Nathan’s presence was a gift to us all.
Beyond his unmatched stoke for board sports, Nathan was a loving husband to Carrie, an amazing father to Bear and Rowan, stepfather to Drake, and a twin brother to Phillip. He cared deeply for his parents Becky and Craig, older brothers Ricas and Sean, and the countless friends and community members who were lucky enough to know him.
Nathan dedicated his life to bringing people together, making sure that everyone felt welcome in the lineup, at the park, or in the classroom. His kindness, humor, and genuine enthusiasm for life will live on in all of us.
-Words by Stephanie Fry & Carrie Sarazin
“[Nathan] 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.” – David Riordon
Misty Forde, (Chill – Denver Programs & Community Coordinator 2017 – 2021), remembers Nathan as someone who “absolutely loved his wife Carrie. They would hold hands river surfing together. The kids at Chill loved him and he found a way to connect with every single one and make them feel seen and special. He loved to build things around the house like a mini ramp and a tree house and a snow skate park in his backyard. He was truly special and such a magical human.”
Our Chill Denver family is honored to be a part of the life that Nathan lived. We hope to continue his legacy of sharing joy, stoke, and love for the mountains and waters of Colorado, with as many people as possible. Ride on, Nathan.
If you’d like to contribute to Chill Denver’s youth programs, please click the button below and choose “Denver” when asked to designate funds.