Surfer dudes, bikini babes, and killer waves are not images that usually come to mind when you think of autumn in Montreal.
However, Montreal's St. Lawrence River is actually home to quite a thriving surfer culture. While exchanging the waves of Maui for those of Montreal isn't exactly an even trade, as long as you're stuck in Canada you might as well make the most of it.
The Habitat 67 standing wave in the Lachine Rapids in Montreal, named for the Habitat 67 housing complex across the street, has become the destination for Montreal's newest, and most surprising, sport. Not to be confused with ocean surfing, river surfing is an increasingly popular form of surfing that is being practiced in places like Germany, New Zealand and the Midwest United States.
While paddling out and floating in the Saint Lawrence river waiting to catch the perfect wave sounds like a recipe for hypothermia, river surfing actually involves a standing wave - a wave caused by a large amount of water constricted by flowing over underwater boulders. A river surfer can catch this wave and have the feeling of traveling fast over water, without even moving. It's a great way to practice standing up on a board, or doing tricks for whenever you do go on that tropical vacation.
As the first official river-surfing school in the world, 2Imagine - founded by Olympic whitewater kayaker Corran Addison - offers a surfing opportunity to any courageous soul willing to fall and make mistakes. 2Imagine teaches you both the techniques and the safety knowledge of how to swim the current and control the specially designed river surfboard. Lessons are about $200 for two days, but you can do it with a group and board, life jacket, and helmet rentals are all included. The only prerequisites are being a competent swimmer and the having the courage to fall into the choppy waves - hence the helmet.
And while autumn does not seem like the ideal time for surfing - particularly in a city that expects snow in October - the water is actually warmest in fall and waves are at their peak. Whether you're already an expert surfer, or a first-timer looking to learn, do not discount the possibility of doing so in Montreal. But you might want to trade that bikini for a wetsuit.
Where: Imagine Surf Shops, 01320 Charlevoix, 514-504-5522
Cost: 2Imagine recommends a two-day course, $199, for the full learn-to-surf experience, but it also offers two-hour and one-day classes, for $69 and $99, respectively. Lessons are available through October.
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