Surfing in Ottawa: Your Ultimate Guide to Riding the Waves
Why Try Surfing in Ottawa?
When you think of surfing, you probably picture the ocean—but Ottawa’s powerful rivers and standing waves make it an unlikely but exciting destination for freshwater surfing. The Ottawa River is home to some of the best river surfing spots in Canada, offering consistent waves, fast-moving currents, and a growing community of local surfers.
River surfing offers a different challenge than ocean surfing: instead of paddling into a wave, you catch a standing wave created by the river’s natural flow. With the right technique and board setup, you can surf endlessly on a single wave without needing to paddle back out—delivering a unique, continuous ride experience.
If you’re looking for a thrilling, year-round alternative to ocean surfing, Ottawa’s river surfing scene provides a high-adrenaline mix of power, balance, and precision.
Benefits of Surfing
✅ Full-Body Workout – Engages the core, legs, shoulders, and arms.
✅ Improves Balance and Coordination – Maintaining stability on a moving wave sharpens motor skills.
✅ Cardio and Strength – Paddling and maintaining balance elevate heart rate and build muscle.
✅ Mental Focus and Flow – Reading the wave and adjusting your position enhances concentration.
✅ Stress Relief – The rhythm of the wave and the sound of water promote mental relaxation.
✅ Adventure and Connection – Builds a connection with the water and a sense of adventure.
✅ No Waiting for Waves – Unlike ocean surfing, river waves are consistent and predictable.
“Surfing is the closest thing you can feel to flying.” – Kelly Slater
What is River Surfing?
River surfing involves catching and riding standing waves created by the flow of water over natural or man-made features, such as rocks, ledges, or submerged obstacles. Unlike ocean waves, which move toward the shore, river waves are stationary—meaning you can ride them for as long as you can stay balanced!
🏄♂️ How River Surfing Works:
- Paddle or drop into the wave from the side.
- Use your body and board position to stay balanced.
- Carve back and forth on the wave face.
- Adjust pressure on your feet to control speed and direction.
- If you wipe out, let the current carry you downriver and paddle back.
Best Surfing Locations in Ottawa
Ottawa is home to some of the best freshwater waves in Canada, attracting surfers from across North America. Here are the top spots to catch a wave in Ottawa:
🌊 The Champlain Bridge Wave (Best Overall Surfing Spot)
📍 Location: Ottawa River (near Champlain Bridge)
- Wave Type: Standing wave
- Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
- Water Flow: Moderate to strong
- Best Season: Late spring to early fall
- Special Features:
- Ottawa’s most popular river wave.
- Good for carving and long rides.
- Consistent flow—waves are available almost daily during peak season.
- Fast-moving and powerful—requires good balance and experience.
🏆 Pro Tip: Catch the wave during spring snowmelt for the biggest and most powerful rides.
🌊 The Sewer Wave (Best for Tricks and Freestyle Surfing)
📍 Location: Ottawa River (near the Canadian War Museum)
- Wave Type: Fast and technical standing wave
- Difficulty: Expert
- Water Flow: Fast and turbulent
- Best Season: Spring and early summer
- Special Features:
- Ideal for aerial tricks and sharp carves.
- Short, intense ride.
- Requires precise positioning and fast reactions.
🏆 Pro Tip: Use a shorter board with more rocker for better control.
🌊 Deschênes Rapids (Best for Long, Smooth Rides)
📍 Location: Near Britannia Beach
- Wave Type: Wide, rolling standing wave
- Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
- Water Flow: Steady and controlled
- Best Season: Summer and early fall
- Special Features:
- Smooth, forgiving wave—ideal for learning.
- Gentle take-off makes it easier for beginners.
- Less crowded than other spots.
- Great for working on balance and technique.
🏆 Pro Tip: Try a longer board with more volume for easier rides.
🌊 Bate Island Wave (Best for Surfing and Kayak Crossovers)
📍 Location: Near Bate Island
- Wave Type: Fast and steep standing wave
- Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
- Water Flow: Powerful and technical
- Best Season: Spring and early summer
- Special Features:
- Strong current requires good paddling strength.
- Popular with both surfers and whitewater kayakers.
- Steeper and faster than Champlain Bridge wave.
- Challenging but rewarding ride.
🏆 Pro Tip: Keep your weight forward when dropping in to avoid nose-diving.
🌊 Remic Rapids (Best for Consistent Conditions)
📍 Location: Ottawa River (near Kitchissippi Lookout)
- Wave Type: Medium-sized standing wave
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Water Flow: Moderate
- Best Season: Spring through early fall
- Special Features:
- Wide and steady—good for practicing turns and carves.
- Consistent wave shape makes it easier to stay balanced.
- Popular with the local surf community.
🏆 Pro Tip: Surf at high tide for the smoothest, most predictable wave.
Types of Surfing Experiences
Ottawa offers a range of surfing styles, depending on the location and wave conditions:
🏆 River Surfing (Best for Consistency and Long Rides)
- Ride standing waves created by river currents.
- Waves are consistent and predictable.
- Best at Champlain Bridge and Deschênes Rapids.
🏆 Freestyle Surfing (Best for Tricks and Jumps)
- Focus on aerial tricks and fast turns.
- Requires technical skills and a shorter board.
- Best at Sewer Wave and Bate Island Wave.
🏆 Longboarding (Best for Smooth, Relaxed Rides)
- Use a longer, more stable board.
- Focus on carving and balance.
- Best at Deschênes Rapids and Remic Rapids.
Essential Surfing Gear
✔ Surfboard – River-specific boards are shorter and wider.
✔ Wetsuit – 3/2 mm for summer, 5/4 mm for spring and fall.
✔ Helmet – Protects from rocks and other surfers.
✔ Leash – Essential for holding onto your board in strong currents.
✔ Booties – Protect feet from cold water and sharp rocks.
✔ Wax – Provides grip on your board.
✔ Ear Plugs (Optional) – Protects against cold water and ear infections.
🏆 Pro Tip: Use a board with more rocker (curved shape) for better control on steeper waves.
Surfing Safety Tips
🏄♂️ Wear a Helmet – Protects against rocks and falls.
🏄♂️ Know the Current – Ottawa River waves are powerful—understanding flow is key.
🏄♂️ Don’t Surf Alone – Always surf with a buddy in case of injury.
🏄♂️ Stay Out of Boat Traffic – Some areas are shared with kayaks and boats.
🏄♂️ Master the Exit Strategy – Know how to safely swim out of the current.
🏄♂️ Use a Leash – A lost board can become a hazard to others.
Final Thoughts: Ride the River Waves!
Surfing in Ottawa delivers a perfect mix of adrenaline, technique, and community. Whether you’re catching air at the Sewer Wave or gliding down Champlain Bridge, Ottawa’s river surfing scene offers year-round excitement for surfers of all levels.
💬 What’s your favorite Ottawa wave? Share your story! #OttawaActiveSurfing #RideTheRiver
