Want to surf?
So you want to be a surfer? Where to begin? How to get started? What do you need to know?This page will give you all the info you need to get started, what you need to know before trying river surfing, the difference between ocean and river surfing, where to rent gear, take a lesson and get in the water!
Tourist Info: If you are from out of town see below for some restaurant picks, where to go out at night, and what to see in Montreal.
Starting to River Surf:
First and foremost please don’t try surfing unless you are a good swimmer. You have a board that will float but it can get detached from you. Please only surf if you are a good swimmer.
If you try river surfing you should be an excellent swimmer, the currents and rapids add a whole new level to getting back to shore.
Step 1: Have you surfed before?
If you have some surfing experience you have an idea of how to stand and surf once you have caught the wave but it is a different world. The wave is constant. It never stops. Going down the line is replaced by carving back and forth on the wave face. It really is quite the experience.
Take a look at this short clip of how to catch the river wave. It looks easy in the clip, but he has a whole lot of practice!
Gear:
River surfing gear is pretty much the same as ocean surfing gear. A wetsuit, some booties and a surfboard with a leash is pretty much all you need to get started. In July and August you don’t even need the wetsuit. We strongly recommend booties. They sell some booties for pretty cheap at MEC. It’s about 20$ for basic water booties that have a nice thick sole on the bottom that work great for the river environment. My advice: GET BOOTIES. They will protect your feet from sharp rocks and who knows what else might cut your feet when getting out of the river.
The Surfboard:
The River is different from the ocean in a way that you can’t get the biggest flattest board and give it a go. The river wave is such that a board longer then 7 feet will just get in the way. I have seen some people try Habitat on a Longboard but that must have taken a lot of practice and getting used to. Generally what works best for starters is a nice wide nosed fish between 6’2″ to 6’8″.
Tourist Information:
Are you planning a trip to Montreal? Montreal is a welcoming, friendly and diverse tourist destination. The joie de vivre that is felt throughout the streets of Montreal is a real experience. This section of our page will provide some information for tourists and links to Montreal’s tourist information sites.
Want to surf while you are here on vacation? Surf Montreal can help you out! Drop us an email and we will do our best, If we are available we may even join you for a surf session. If we are busy then we will give you all the information you need on where to get the best deals on board rentals, wetsuit rentals, and how to get to the surf spots.
My Personal Favorite Restaurants in Montreal:
Note: I have not been paid to advertise these places. I love eating at these places and I am happy to provide a good word for them and a great dining experience for you!
Favorite Montreal Restaurants:
Mango Bay (1202 Bishop st) Caribbean supreme! A must for anyone who likes the islands! Plan about $25 per person for a main course and a cocktail. Get the Jerk Chicken plate or Mango Chicken plate with a rum and coke and your geared up for a good night! Delicious! Don’t go if you are in a hurray, you need to take your time and enjoy… Everything is made to order so it can take a bit of time if it’s busy, but keep the rum flowing and enjoy the great islands atmosphere! It’s the ultimate date place.
Mythos (5318 Avenue du Parc) Awesome Greek food. Not the tzaziki laden souvlaki type… Real Greek food like you find in dinner restaurants in Greece. Everything is good. Get the oven roasted lamb shank if you are into meat. You can’t find better lamb. They also have a great fish counter. Expect about $80 for dinner for two with a glass of wine and a shared appetizer. A little pricey but so nice!
Bars!
You can’t come to Montreal without going out! Lots of pubs, bars, and clubs to choose from!
In May, June, July, and September check out the Terrace at Saint Sulpice on Saint Denis. The place is a mansion with about 20 rooms and the biggest terrace you can imagine. Cheap beer and an upbeat crowd out to have a good time!
Tokyo bar on Saint Laurent is a fun Dance club with a low cover charge, good music and a roof top terrace.
Brutopia on cresant st south has live bands, and home made beers. It’s a good place to go for a pub night.
Wednesday night’s mean McKibinns on Bishop st north of Saint Catherines. You have to go to see what its about. $20 all you can drink for men and $5 for ladies. I wish I could remember even half the good times I’ve had there!
Enjoy your stay!