Habitat 67, River surf break on the Saint Lawrence River in Montreal, Canada.
This standing wave forms where the Saint Lawrence River flows over submerged boulders near the Habitat 67 residential complex, creating a consistent surf break that reaches heights of up to 6 feet 7 inches (2 meters) and attracts experienced river surfers year-round.
Olympic kayaker Corran Addison pioneered river surfing at this wave in 2002, establishing one of the first surf schools dedicated to river sports and teaching over 3,500 students since 2005, helping transform the location into a recognized spot within the international river surfing community.
The site hosts a dedicated community of around 500 active river surfers who share the wave with kayakers, fostering a culture of mutual respect and safety awareness while participating in regular training sessions, competitions, and skill development events throughout the warmer months.
The wave is accessible from 2600 Avenue Pierre-Dupuy via a trail starting from the park beside Habitat 67, and surfers should wear protective footwear, use boards shorter than 7 feet 2 inches (2.2 meters), and have strong swimming skills due to swift currents and potential hazards including whirlpools.
Unlike ocean surf breaks, this wave maintains consistent surfable conditions throughout most of the year with river flows averaging around 254,400 cubic feet per second (7,200 cubic meters per second), offering an urban surfing experience set against the backdrop of Montreal's downtown skyline and innovative architecture.
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