In the screens of its planes, the airline Air France compares Montreal to surfing paradises like Bali and Hawaii. An image that raises eyebrows among local surfers.
“If it’s exaggerated? Completely,” thinks Maxime Lemaire, a surfer in Montreal met at the Vague à Guy, a stationary wave at Lachine Rapids Park.
River surfing is very different from sea surfing. “You’re treading water, it’s not a wave coming to pick you up,” he explains. “We have a lot less waves too.”
On Air France planes, here is what you can read on the screens in front of each seat: “Come and tame the wave […] No need to be in Biarritz, Honolulu or Bali to try surfing.
• Also read: We tried: river surfing at the wave in Guy for the first time, and here’s how it went
• Also read: $20M sports complex: the surf center offering the biggest wave in Canada soon in Quebec
The airline refers to the three places in Montreal where it is possible to surf on the St. Lawrence River. This sport has been developing in the city for 25 years, according to Tourisme Montréal.
Maxime Lemaire has been practicing it for six years, summer and winter. Taming the waves in Hawaii or Montreal, “it doesn’t compare,” but he is convinced that “it’s surely a must if you’re a surfer” passing through.
Coming from Quebec
Youssef Amar and his two friends come from Quebec specifically to try the Vague à Guy, ideal for beginners. Calmer that morning, the other wave popular with surfers in front of the Habitat 67 complex did not allow practice.
Youssef Amar came from Quebec to surf.
Photo Axel Tardieu
He also finds that the Air France comparison is exaggerated, but still sees potential for tourists who want to try river surfing. In addition, “it’s social, safe and well appointed” at La Vague à Guy.
In the parking lot, Trey Horton, a tourist from Prince Edward Island, is pleasantly surprised to be able to use his board. “It’s great, so relaxed with the vibesthe music, everyone is there to have fun,” he says.
Trey Horton is visiting Montreal.
Photo Axel Tardieu
Every year, 25,000 people practice this sport, according to Tourisme Montréal, which mentions the activity on its website, but does not carry out larger advertising campaigns on the subject.
“It’s quite popular, but it doesn’t emerge in our surveys as one of the main reasons why people visit Montreal,” explains Aurélie de Blois, spokesperson for Tourisme Montréal. “It is [plutôt] for culture, festivals, gastronomy, urban atmosphere.
Create more waves
Even if the local community grows, Montreal would need more spots designed to ensure the safety of surfers and prevent erosion of the shore, according to the Surf Grand Montréal association.
“We lack waves, but it is realistic to think that one day we could be the world capital of river surfing,” assures Jérémie Gauthier-Lacasse, spokesperson.
The Saint Lawrence River is capable of it, according to Hugo Lavictoire, head of the only surf school, KSF. “The St. Lawrence has a good water flow, 7,700 cubic meters per second,” he adds.
The Surf Grand Montréal association also says it is in talks with Parc Jean Drapeau to create an artificial wave there.
