How to read ocean and river surf forecasts in Montreal?
Surfing is a sport of passion... but also patience! At sea and on rivers, conditions change daily, and knowing how to read the surf forecast can make all the difference between a memorable session and a disappointing outing.
In this article, we explain how to read surf forecasts, whether on the coast or here in Montreal, on our famous river waves like Habitat 67 or Vague à Guy.
Definitions of forecasting terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Swell | Height of waves at sea, measured in meters. |
| Period | Time between two swell crests, measured in seconds. |
| Choppy waters | Small waves created by the wind. |
| Surf height | Actual height of the waves when they break on the spot. |
| Stall | Time when the tide is stable, neither rising nor falling. |
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Wind directions
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Offshore | Wind from land to sea (ideal for surfing). |
| Side-off | Crosswind coming from the land. |
| Cross | Wind perpendicular to the beach. |
| Cross-on | Crosswind coming from the sea. |
| On-shore | Wind from the sea towards the land (less good for surfing). |
The best sites to check forecasts
How to analyze surf forecasts
1. The swell
Beginners: between 0.4 m and 1 m = ideal.
The swell at sea is not always equal to the height of the waves at the spot.
2. The period
| Period(s) | Wave quality |
|---|---|
| +10 seconds | Excellent quality |
| 8 to 10 seconds | Average, but surfable |
| -8 seconds | Bad, disorganized waves |
A longer period means more powerful waves… but sometimes more technical to surf!
3. The wind
Ideal: Offshore wind of less than 10 knots (20 km/h) .
To avoid: Onshore wind, which creates choppy water.
Water temperature
Cold water requires a thicker wetsuit, which can restrict movement.
💡 Consult O'Neill Canada for suitable equipment.
Read the forecast for river surfing in Montreal
River surfing is primarily influenced by water flow . Good news: there is real-time data!
🔗 See the Lasalle station graph
The Habitat 67 spot
1. The Hand
| Flow rate (m³/s) | Effect on the wave |
|---|---|
| ~7000 | Ideal for beginners |
| ~7200 | Optimal wave |
| +8000 | The wave no longer breaks |
2. The Right Side
- Works in spring, with high flow.
- Optimal around 1.5 m water level.
- ⚠️ Summer: rocky bottom visible, slippers strongly recommended.
Wave to Guy
- Accessible spot for beginners
- Ideal for longboard and funboard
- Annual longboard competition
- ⚠️ Beware of ice in winter
In summary: the keys to surfing at the right time
| Element | Good conditions |
|---|---|
| Swell | 0.4 m – 1 m for beginners |
| Period | > 10s = perfect |
| Wind | Offshore, < 10 knots |
| Temperature | Equipment suitable for cold water |
| River flow | 7000-7200 m³/s for the Main |
Ready to surf?
Now that you know how to read the forecast like a pro, whether it's for ocean surfing or river surfing in Montreal , all you have to do is prepare your board bag!
For personalized lessons or advice, contact the Oasis Surf team.
Did you know that you can go indoor surfing in Montreal all year round? It's a unique experience that lets you surf with real surfboards, giving you the chance to practice this sport in the ocean and on rivers. Discover our surf packages .
