MORE ABOUT US
Our mission
Develop, raise awareness and represent the river surfing community of Greater Montreal.
Develop
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Develop new waves and new surfing spots
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Ensure the sustainability of existing surfing spots
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Arrange existing sites with new waves
Rase awareness
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Promote the surfing practice in a safe and respectful context
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Inform surfers about the conditions for practicing river surfing and other related issues
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Promote the protection of existing sites and the environment
Represent
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Democratize river surfing
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Advocate for the interests of the river surfing community
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Become a reference point for river surfing enthusiasts
Our little story
In the beginning, there were waves, a pandemic... and a lot of people !!!
Here's how it all began...
It's 2021. With the ever-growing lineups at VAG and Habitat, there is a whispering around. On social media, too. " It would be really fun to have more waves around Montreal. We're surrounded by rivers and rapids. It's definitely doable. "
At the same time, parking issues at H67 and VAG highlight the need to get organized as a community and give ourselves a voice to deal with the City and other levels of government.
This is how Sarah, Alexandra, Mathieu, Mathieu again, Jé, LP, Hugo and Vincent decide to meet (by videoconference of course, we are in the middle of a pandemic !) to talk about grouping, values, objectives and the type of organization that could carry out a similar mission.
The establishment of the association
With the invaluable support of Julie at Eau Vive Québec , they set up the Greater Montreal River Surfing Association, initially led by LP, Vincent, Jé and Mathieu. They quickly took charge of representing the river surfing community in the greater metropolitan area in discussions with decision-making bodies, raising awareness of respect, safety and the environment, ensuring the sustainability of existing sites, and then developing new ones.
From there
The non-profit organization was officially registered with the Registraire des Entreprises du Québec in November 2021 and welcomed its first members on the eve of its founding general meeting in spring 2022. Three years later, some faces on the board have changed, but the values and mission that drive us are still the same, and there have been many advances:
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creation of 6 committees working on different projects
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collaboration in the establishment of a good neighborhood committee in Lasalle
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participation in the organization of the epic Classic Vague à Guy 2024
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publication of a code of conduct for Habitat 67
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organization of a chore in the same place
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relaying of communications between surfers and the City of Montreal
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partnership with the Société du Parc Jean-Drapeau to measure the potential for new waves in the Lemoyne channel
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collaboration with the city of Ste-Catherine for a new wave
And it continues! 🏄♂️🏄♀️🏄
Our committees
Come join us in the committee of your choice!
Vague à Guy
The Vague à Guy committee acts as a representative of the local surfing community with the City, ensures the maintenance of good relations between surfers and local residents, and promotes good practices on and around the wave.
Habitat 67
The Habitat 67 committee serves as a communication channel for the surfing community with local residents and the City on various issues, works to ensure the long-term sustainability of the site, and promotes safe, fair, and respectful surfing practices.
Building new waves
The Wave Creation committee acts as a promoter with various stakeholders to develop new river waves in the Greater Montreal area. It builds partnerships, develops business plans, and jointly manages the projects.
Events
The Events committee is responsible for organizing and collaborating on various activities aimed at the river surfing community of Greater Montreal.
Communication and Marketing
The Communications and Marketing Committee works on writing content for the blog and social media, developing the website, engaging with the community, and marketing activities involving the management of partnerships and sponsorships.
Membership, Recruitment and Privacy
The Membership, Recruitment and Privacy committee works to attract new members, manage memberships, and ensure that your personal information is kept confidential.
What they say about us
Here are some comments collected from the community on their appreciation of Surf Grand Montréal.
"I want to congratulate you, CA gang. Just wow, for your dedication. Thank you for everything you do for the community!"
Sarah
"A big thank you to Surf Grand Montréal for your work and your involvement in continuing to make surfing in Montreal welcoming and safe.
Francis
"Thank you for the great initiatives and wave development projects in Montreal. It's great to see things moving forward."
Catherine
"Honestly, it's good to see surfers getting involved in the community. Kudos to everyone who's making things happen."
Simon
Our team
Surf Grand Montréal exists thanks to the contribution of passionate surfers who dedicate themselves to their community.
President and co-founder
Mathieu Demers (regular)
A devoted family man, I love Montreal, the environment, the outdoors, and sports. Whether at work, in my neighborhood, or at school, I'm involved and invested wholeheartedly.
Driven by the need to be a voice for river surfers, I put my passion, energy and organizational skills at the service of the community and Surf Grand Montréal in day-to-day administration, in the sustainability of existing sites and in the realization of projects for new river surfing waves in the Montreal area.
If you're an early riser, we've probably already crossed paths at Habitat 67, perhaps while I was unhooking my shortboard from my old bike. Or perhaps during one of my all-too-rare visits to the VAG.
Secretary
Chantale Cauchon (regular)
I am passionnate - always ready to dive out of my comfort zone (and sometimes even into the slightly icy waves)!
Always attracted to water sports, I discovered river surfing in 2016. I immediately fell in love with the sport, and its community!
I spontaneously applied to join the board of directors at Surf Grand Montréal's very first general meeting. Why? To give this community a voice!
Executive assistant by profession and involved in several committees, I put my experience, my dynamism and my know-how to the benefit of the Association and the surfing community.
As an early morning surfer, I've definitely already seen you in the lineup at La Vague à Guy or Habitat 67!
Administrator and co-founder
Vincent Dessureault (goofy)
Like many Quebec surfers, I got into river surfing after discovering it during my travels over the past 10 years. New England, Bali, Siargao, Byron Bay, Cape Hateras, Popoyo, … none of this would be as exciting, in my opinion, without being able to combine surfing and the Montreal lifestyle thanks to La Vague à Guy and Habitat 67.
Aware of the wealth that is the river surfing community of Greater Montreal, and aware of its social, environmental and economic fragility, I joined the board of directors of Surf Grand Montréal to support its development.
As a business performance and technology advisor, I apply my professional skills to support the Association's administration and digital channels.
Administrator
Anne Ménard (regular)
A surfing enthusiast since childhood, I first experienced ocean surfing around the age of 13 on a trip to Florida. I chased waves in Cape Hatteras, Portugal, and Nicaragua before realizing there were waves in my backyard! Since 2017, I've been regularly surfing the VAG, and occasionally H67, always on a longboard.
Joining the Surf Grand Montréal board of directors was a way for me to get involved and give back to Montreal's surfing community, which I consider exceptional.
Vice-president
Sophie Marchand (regular)
Happily retired from the business world, more specifically from the IT and corporate finance sector, I now make the most of every day. That's why you often see me at the VAG with my sweet potato 😎!
I discovered river surfing in 2021, after experiencing a series of difficult events. Against all odds, the VAG and its warm community completely healed me 🫶.
So I decided to get involved in Surf Grand Montréal to ensure that our surfing sites remain magical places, where little miracles happen every day. Okay, also to ensure that we solve the famous problem of the crowd and waiting lines, more specifically, by creating new waves 🏄♂️!
Treasurer
Ginny Moses (regular)
An ocean surfer for over 10 years, I've ridden the waves of the world, from Polynesia to Hawaii, via Costa Rica, Mexico, the United States, and beyond. During the pandemic, I discovered the river in Montreal, a revelation that reinforced my passion.
Self-employed for 12 years in the television industry as a costume designer, I combine creativity, organization and initiative.
As a member of the Board of Directors of Surf Grand Montréal and co-founder of the Classique, I want to promote surfing in Quebec.
My energy, leadership, and vision make me a committed pillar, capable of mobilizing and inspiring the community with authenticity.
The association can thus count on a determined, passionate and creative woman!
Administrator
Dominique Pouliot (goofy)
A sports enthusiast since childhood, I discovered my passion for surfing in 2016 in Hawaii and in the river at La Vague à Guy in 2021.
I am very proud to belong to this wonderful community and to pursue my passion there, which I also share with my two sons.
I presented my candidacy at the AGM in June 2023, in order to engage and participate in the development of new waves in Montreal and to promote them.
I am a member of the Wave Creation and VAG committees. I am also a member of the board of directors of Eau Vive Québec as secretary, and thus participate in the development and promotion of safe river surfing.
I am now self-employed as an administrative and project coordinator.
Our current projects
Here are some projects that Surf Grand Montréal is currently working on.
Étiquette
Development of a conduct code for surfers from Vague à Guy.
Building new waves
Joint work with the Société du Parc Jean-Drapeau for a pre-feasibility study; discussions with the City of Sainte-Catherine, the DFO, and the MELCCFP for a wave at RécréoParc.
Security
Collaboration with Eau Vive Québec to define safety rules for river surfing.