As the autumn chill settles over Ottawa, most residents pack away their summer water gear. But for a dedicated community of river surfers, the adventure is just heating up at Bate Island.
Standing on the Champlain Bridge during my morning commute, I spotted them again yesterday – wetsuit-clad figures riding a perpetual wave beneath the bridge connecting Ottawa to Gatineau. The scene stops tourists and locals alike, many disbelieving their eyes at first glance.
“People are always shocked when they discover we surf in Ottawa,” explains Jordan Sloan, a 38-year-old government worker who’s been river surfing for nearly a decade. “They pull over their cars, sometimes disrupting traffic just to watch us and take photos.”
This isn’t ocean surfing transplanted to freshwater. River surfing is a distinct discipline where enthusiasts ride stationary waves created by underwater rock formations or other structures. At Bate Island, the continuous wave formed by the Ottawa River’s flow around the island creates perfect conditions.
The Ottawa River Runners, an informal collective of about 150 local surfers, have transformed this spot into a thriving community hub. What began as a niche activity has grown substantially since the pandemic, when outdoor recreation surged in popularity.
The community has deep historical roots in our city. According to Heritage Ottawa records, locals have been surfing this spot since the 1970s, though the activity remained relatively unknown until social media helped exposure explode around 2010.
Unlike ocean surfing where catching a wave might last seconds, river surfers can ride continuously for minutes or even hours. The Ottawa River’s consistent flow means surfers don’t chase waves – they simply line up and take turns on the perpetual wave.
“The learning curve is steep but rewarding,” says Melissa Chen, who runs beginner clinics through her company Ottawa River Surf. “Most newcomers can get up on the board within a few sessions, which is much faster than ocean surfing.”
Weather determines the season’s length. Though summer brings warmest waters, fall and spring offer superior flow conditions. The hardiest enthusiasts surf year-round, donning thick wetsuits to brave near-freezing temperatures.
City officials have taken notice of the growing activity. The National Capital Commission recently included river surfing considerations in their waterfront activity management plans, acknowledging the spot’s cultural significance.
“We’re working with the NCC to ensure sustainable access while protecting the river ecosystem,” explains Kevin Thompson of the Ottawa Riverkeeper organization. “The surfing community has been exemplary in their environmental stewardship, often organizing shoreline cleanups.”
Equipment needs differ from ocean surfing. Most river surfers use shorter, thicker boards with rounded noses for maneuverability on the standing wave. Local shop Trailhead Paddleshack has expanded their inventory to include specialized river surfing gear, responding to growing demand.
The community prides itself on inclusivity. On any given day, you’ll find teenagers sharing the wave with retirees, beginners getting tips from veterans. They’ve developed their own etiquette system, with surfers taking approximately five-minute turns before yielding to the next person in line.
“The beauty of this sport is its accessibility,” says Ramona Williams, who took up river surfing at age 56. “I’ve tried many outdoor activities in Ottawa, but none has such a supportive community. They genuinely want everyone to succeed.”
Safety remains paramount. All surfers wear helmets due to the proximity to rocks and use leashes to keep boards from floating downstream. More experienced members informally monitor conditions and advise newcomers about hazards.
The community faces challenges too. Parking limitations on Bate Island create occasional tensions with other recreational users. Limited changing facilities mean most
