Surfing the Habitat 67 River Wave: The next big thing?

Photos by  Richard Tessier

For many people, surfing seems as easy and fun as a Beach Boys song. If Kate Bosworth can surf with style and grace while keeping a sexy pout on her face throughout Blue Crush, common folk should pull it off without a hitch. Reality is much harsher; even making it to the lineup as a beginner is an accomplishment. Generally, the force of the waves and rocky sea bottoms synonymous with good surf spots are enough to discourage most people.  The vast majority will give it a couple of tries and resign themselves to swimming in the sea or in the hotel pool with a piña colada by their side.

On the other hand, some can be so affected by the sensation of gliding on waves that they’re instantly addicted. Usually, someone who gets surf fever gets it pretty badly! We Montreal surf aficionados are doomed to live in a perpetual state of desire because surf does become a drug for us.  Some move away or open surf camps in exotic locales, while others must seek alternatives in order to obtain their daily dose of adrenaline.

With the newfound development of river surfing, however, we can use the geographical situation of our water-surrounded city to surf on the waves created by irregular riverbeds.  The most popular spot in Montreal for this is in front of Habitat 67, where numerous surfers meet to ride this internationally-renowned wave almost all year long. This 1.5-metre-long wave allows us to enjoy that gliding sensation we love so much. Additionally, its perpetual flow allows us to practise our moves on the board while the force of the swirls and eddies that await us to get to dry land forces us to swim vigorously and work on our arms. It’s also just awesome to play in the water so close to downtown, despite the fact we might come across a bit of debris when we do!

The vast majority of surfers agree, however: river surfing is good, but ocean surfing is better! It’s not particularly surprising that a lot of the Habitat 67 regulars are nowhere to be found when a swell arrives on the east coast of the United States. Die-hards are known to leave in the middle of the night to ride morning waves. In fact, ALL of their vacation time is spent near a surf spot, much to the detriment of their romantic relationships. Don’t get us wrong; there’s undeniably a good vibe to Habitat 67. Most surfers are there with a smile, but that smile rises and falls with the swell, no matter what temperature the water might be.

Personally, I think the Habitat 67 wave is not only a way to practise the sport I love, even though I have a lot of fun there. It’s also the place where I met people who share my passion and where I immediately feel at home. Over the years, a community has formed and to me, that’s one of the most appealing aspects of Habitat 67.

River surfing in Montreal is basically the luck of the unlucky, or what non-alcoholic beer is to alcoholics: most of the ingredients are there, but the feeling is lacking somewhat. Okay, that might be a little intense… let’s say it’s like Splenda to a diabetic: a fine alternative, but never as good as the real stuff!