Feedback from our 2024 Vague à Guy survey
- Surf Grand Montréal
- Oct 1, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
-> Vague à Guy Survey Results – May 2024
Last May, the Vague à Guy committee, part of Surf Grand Montréal, circulated a survey among the VAG enthusiasts. A total of 144 people shared their opinions, each offering insightful feedback and comments, which we received with immense respect and great appreciation. A big thank you to everyone who took the time to share their observations, both positive and constructive. We are committed to ensuring that the experience of all surfers at VAG is as enjoyable as possible, and that is why, over the coming months and years, we will reflect on and explore ways to improve this experience even further.
And now, here are the results you’ve been waiting for!
Socio-demographic data
Firstly, we wanted to paint a socio-demographic picture of the surfers at VAG. We believe that with 144 respondents, we likely have a sample that is quite representative of the entire community.
🏄♂️Gender distribution
The individuals who identify as men were more numerous in responding to our survey.
🏄♂️Age group distribution
It appears that the majority of responses to our survey came from individuals aged 25 to 44, regardless of gender.
Among individuals who identify as men, there were more respondents in the 25-34 age group, whereas among individuals who identify as women, there were more respondents in the 35-44 age group.
🏄♂️Geographical location
As expected, the majority of respondents live in the southwest of the island, close to VAG. However, more than 29% of respondents reside outside of Montreal.
Profil of responding surfers
🏄♂️Years of surfing experience
The majority of respondents have been surfing for 3 to 5 years. This suggests that there was a growth in new participants 3 to 5 years ago, or that we may not have reached as many new and long-time surfers for data collection in this survey.
🏄♂️Surfing frequency
It seems that VAG is very popular among our respondents, as they surf at least once a week there. More specifically, 29% go to the wave every week, and 37% go more than once a week.
Apparently, some surfers dislike numbers and statistics, as 1% of respondents have no idea how often they surf.🙃.
🏄♂️Surfing period
Surfing is becoming more and more of an all-year-round activity. Nearly 40% of the surfers who took part in the survey have the courage to practice their sport during the winter 🥶.
🏄♂️Surfing spots
The majority of respondents launch from either the top or the bottom at VAG, depending on their mood and the crowd, while others exclusively launch from one or the other… two parallel worlds!
Half of the respondents also surf at Habitat 67, and some even surf at other secret spots!!! Who will manage to get these little sneaks to spill the beans on their hidden spots?
Interests and concerns of the community
🏄♂️Events
A majority of respondents would like to participate in a shoreline cleanup activity with the community. This clearly shows the surfers' concern for preserving the environment that allows them to practice their favorite sport! And let's admit, from an environmental perspective, we are truly lucky at VAG!
In second place, there is the establishment of a "paddle out" tradition, and in third place, the organization of an Extravaganza (Party Waves).
Other events were suggested by the community, such as organizing :
Lazy river
BBQ
Yoga sessions
Safety prevention
Surf swap
Surf fitness
And more…
Some respondents feel that events should not interfere with surfing activities.
🏄♂️Actions priorities
Respondents believe it is essential for the Association to implement a VAG label, i.e., establishing an ethics and etiquette code. They think this should be the number one priority. Well, good news! The committee is currently working on developing this charter and will be able to share it with you soon!
Similarly, respondents consider the protection of the shorelines and awareness of water quality to be among the top 3 actions the association should take.
Reminder : The river conditions are published on KSF website, in the little yellow tab « Infos rapides ». When the water quality is poor, KSF also posts a message in the Facebook group Vague à Guy 2.0.
VAG Code of Conduct
In order to implement a label that meets your expectations, the Vague à Guy committee asked you about your preferences. Here are your responses.
🏄♂️Party waves
First and foremost, respondents are almost unanimous in saying that a party wave ends when the initiator falls or after they have surfed for 90 seconds.
🏄♂️Surfeurs on the right side
Next, knowing that those on the left always have priority on the wave, the majority of surfers feel irritated by those surfing on the right who believe they have priority.
🏄♂️Time on the wave
Finally, an overwhelming majority of respondents agreed to adjust their surfing time on the wave based on the length of the queues.
EIn summary, respondents believe that the waiting time for the wave should be :
90 seconds / 0-5 persons
60 seconds / 6-10 persons
45 seconds / 11-20 persons
30 seconds / more than 20 persons
Voici les résultats plus détaillés.
Factors that prevent people from surfing as often as desired
Some specific annoyances unfortunately force certain respondents to not visit VAG as often as they would like. Among them…
🏄♂️Waiting time
🏄♂️Crowd
🏄♂️Restricted number of waves
Experiences and areas for improvement
The Vague à Guy committee is currently reviewing all your comments in order to propose improvements and optimize your experience at VAG.
The vast majority of you are genuinely satisfied with the time you spend at VAG. You view the community as open and friendly 🫶. You appreciate the atmosphere, the exchanges, and the mutual support among surfers. We do too!
However, as highlighted by the responses in the survey above, some annoyances remain that can affect the enjoyment of coming to the wave. Rest assured, these concerns are ours as well! We are working tirelessly to find solutions.
Other respondents mentioned feeling uncomfortable with the following elements :
The music played by different surfers
The smoke from joints or cigarettes in the waiting areas
The somewhat cavalier attitude of some veteran surfers
Spectators who often block access to the stairs
Cyclists who ride too fast
The new toilet that takes too long to self-clean
Joining Surf Grand Montréal
Our survey also revealed that more than a quarter of the respondents were not members of Surf Grand Montréal.
*** Did you know that the best way to get more waves and thus reduce your annoyances is to become a member of Surf Grand Montréal? ***
Indeed, one of the main goals of Surf Grand Montréal is to do everything possible to maintain and create new waves in the area. But in order to achieve this, the association needs visibility, and more importantly, representation to ensure the voices of river surfers in Montreal and its surrounding region are heard. With you and the other members, we can tip the scales. Most importantly, we can show that the Montreal surfing community exists, is growing, and is eager for waves!
So, what are you waiting for ?
Click here to join. It's free and you will get our monthly newsletter.
