Conquer a Standing Wave

River Surf in Montreal

What Canadian surf lacks in weather and waves, it make up with creativity. Located close to the iconic building of the same name, the St Lawrence’s Lachine rapids reach as high as two metres, creating one of the world’s largest standing waves. These are especially fun to learn on, since you can spend more time learning how to balance on the board, and less time waiting for the right wave to come along and throw you off it.

Length of Trip : Surf classes are 2-3 hours, or you can choose the whole day option.

Cost : Classes range in price. You can rent surfboards from around $20 for three hours to $35 for all day with a helmet and personal flotation device. Classes fill up quickly so reservations are recommended.

Best time to go : Definitely a hot, summer day. Open May to October.

Wheelchair friendly : No, although you can look into boogie boarding.

Family friendly : Yes, but call ahead to confirm age.

Where to eat : After you’ve pulled your hang ten on a standing wave, tick off off a couple of culinary Bucket List items with a smoked meat sandwich from Schwartz’s, or foie gras poutine from Au Pied de Cochon

Official Site : KSF Surf/SUP/Kayak in Montreal

Getting There : From downtown Montreal: Autoroute Ville Marie 720 West. 20 West Branch then keep left and take the exit 1S towards the Champlain Bridge. Once on the 15 South take the first exit, exit 62 Boul. La Verendrye / Verdun and continue straight on Boulevard De La Verendrye. Continue about 5 km, you will follow the Aqueduct Canal. After Lapierre Street, turn left at the next bridge on Bishop Power Street (watch the street Shevchenko carries the name right). Continue on to the Bishop-Power LaSalle Boulevard. We are located at the rear of the municipal building on the edge of the Great Basin, in front of you. You can park on the Boulevard LaSalle turning right or left. There is also free parking at the corner of 6th Avenue and Boulevard LaSalle (the Knights of Columbus / volleyball courts) to two-minute walk from KSF, walk west from the parking lot.

Note from Robin : River surfing is a way gentler method of learning how to get up (and stay up) on a surfboard. Ocean waves are not nearly as reliable, nor as consistent. KSF offers progression classes to ensure you transform from a noob to a legend in no time at all. As always, play safe.

Great Canadian Trails