Katherine Charbonneau stood on the shore of the St. Lawrence River, her wetsuit dripping after an exciting run on one of Montreal’s best-kept secrets – the standing wave known as “Habitat ’67.”
So named because of its proximity to the Moshe Safdie-designed housing complex in Old Montreal, this local phenomenon enables Montreal surfers to skip a long trip to the ocean to indulge in their passion here at home. In river surfing, a stationary or “standing” wave is created by rushing water flowing over rocks, creating a wave behind. The churning rapids at this point in the St. Lawrence River, jammed between the Habitat peninsula and Île- Notre-Dame, offer the perfect conditions.
While still waiting for her turn in line, Katherine hesitated about giving away too much information about this local Mecca for surfers and kayakers. The common fear being that their beloved wave is going to become too popular! However, she did explain the protocol for its use. “There are two waves today, so two people can use them at a time. Last Sunday, there was only one, so the line-up was longer. Each surfer has to wait his turn to jump in and experience an approximate twominute ‘surfing safari’ and then he has to drop back to let the next surfer have his turn.” It’s a unique experience, but the timing has to be just right, both for swimming out to the wave and then turning at just the right instant to catch it. One false move and the result is a quick dip into the rapids and a slog back to shore. Then it’s back in line. However, if their timing is perfect and they catch this perfect “standing” wave, Montreal surfers can taste the exhilarating thrill of the sport right in their own backyard.
Corran Addison, an Olympic kayaker from South Africa, was among the first to discover and popularize the Habitat ’67 wave in 2002. Founder of Imagine Surfboards School, Addison based himself in Montreal and introduced dozens of surfers to the sport. The Habitat ’67 wave is created by a series of sunken boulders beneath the surface. As the rushing water hits up against these obstacles, it creates a two-meter- high wave in a permanent curl that Addison considers to be one of the best in the world. Another school, Kiteboarding Surfing Fuerteventura (KSF), has also trained hundreds of Montreal wave enthusiasts.
Although the Habitat ’67 standing wave is not a secret, there is certainly a reluctance to talk about it among Montreal’s surfing and kayaking community. However, it has become popular with those in the know and some people have travelled great distances to try it. As I watched, I met surfers from as far away as Alberta. Another couple of onlookers told me they were from London, England. They had been told by a local resident that Montreal’s standing wave was a must-see attraction. They exclaimed, “It’s absolutely amazing: it doesn’t move – you could surf forever!”
There is a worry within the small community of surfing aficionados that Montreal authorities may decide to close down the site of the Habitat ’67 wave or make it inaccessible. Already, large “No Trespassing” signs point out the lack of supervision and admonish, “At your own peril.” Although wetsuits appeared to be the norm the day I passed by, I didn’t see any lifejackets or helmets. Hopefully, these surfing enthusiasts are skilled enough to take the risks associated with this intrepid activity, especially as it is not being encouraged by city officials. Other detriments to safety include the slippery track down to the water’s edge, as well as sharp rocks just beneath the water’s surface. As Katherine warned, “You can get your share of bruises out there.” While some of the surfers appeared to be experienced “hotdoggers,” almost dancing on the waves, others, obviously neophytes, misjudged their timing and were soon swimming toward the shore to make their way up the slope.
The Habitat ’67 wave and the Lachine Rapids are amazing resources for Montrealers who enjoy surfing, whitewater kayaking or rafting and, what is amazing is its proximity to the heart of the city. This was brought home to me as I continued my conversation with Katherine. She suddenly asked, “Do you have the time ?” I replied, “Yes, it’s almost 12:30.” “Oh dear,” she said, “I’ve just got time for one more run and then it’s back to work!” Talk about a lunch break ! What a city !
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