SNAPSHOT: Habitat 67 Wave - EXPLORING ELEMENTS

Video & Words by: Bryon Dorr

The Habitat 67 wave is one of the best surf waves in the world. It is wide, fast, glassy and easy to get to. I’ve been coming to this wave for over 14yrs now and have watched the lineup change over that time. Today it is always crowded and usually has 4+x the board surfers as it does kayakers. The agro vibe the surfers brought a few years ago has seemed to subside, and for the most part everyone is getting along and sharing the wave, as it should be. This wave works well for all surf craft and you can regularly see short boards, long boards, SUP, freestyle kayaks and surf kayaks in the lineup. The level of the river on this trip was best suited for freestyle kayaks, but worked for all craft.

Habitat2014 1 — I can always find my happy place on this wave, especially in a surf kayak.

Habitat2014 2 — You can see the casino in the background. Here I film as Stephen Wright throws down.

Habitat2014 3 — It’s a wide wave! Here I film as Jim Schaming gets a close up view of the aerial acrobatics of Stephen.

Habitat2014 4 — Any freestyle wave move is possible on this wave, at least if you have Stephen’s skills.

Habitat2014 5 — I’m dropping in to film Clay Wright.

Habitat2014 7 — Clay showing off his clean steezy style.

Habitat2014 8 — The man, the myth, the legend, Clay Wright showing what is possible on Habitat.

Habitat2014 9 — See! Surfers and kayakers can share waves!!! Philip Robert showing how its done.

Habitat2014 10 — Surf kayaking river waves is sooooo fun!

Habitat2014 11 — The speed of the surf kayak allows you to use all sections of the wave.

Habitat2014 12 — Being able to carve like 50′ across the wave is FUN!

Habitat2014 13 — Can you tell I’m used to being behind the camera, not in front of it.

If your ever in Montreal the wave is really easy to find. Follow the signs to the Casino. Just before you get there you’ll see the crazy cool building that is Habitat 67 on your right. Park along the side street just before the bridge that leads over to the casino. From here grab your surf craft of choice and walk to the water and upriver along the fence behind the Habitat 67 building. You’ll see the wave, you’ll see the eddy full of surfers and you’ll be grinning ear to ear, even after waiting in the long lineup. Surfs up!