Alex at MKC. . . The Wall
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Phil at "The Wall". . .RIVER PROFILE

"The Wall" is located off the north side of Bate Island on the Ottawa River off the Champlain Bridge in the city of Ottawa.

The Wall consists of 3 waves (wave pairs/sets of waves) and depending on the water level, is probably a class II - III play spot.

The first wave is located at the upstream most end of the retaining wall. A short ferry from the eddy takes you to this easy surf spot. At good spring runoff levels, a glassy, gently sloping wave up to 4 feet high is present.  With marginally lower water levels, a smaller breaking wave forms, suitable for side surfing and spins. Low summer water levels provide a very forgiving small surf wave. This wave is approximately 20 feet wide regardless of water level with small feeder waves off either side. 

The second wave forms approximately 50 feet below the first wave. This wave is probably 50 feet wide with a gentler feeder wave on the river left extending another 40 feet. Regardless of water levels, this wave is always steep relative to the first. At high water levels this wave is clean and green and can reach 6 feet high (or so I remember) in the main section close to the wall. Straight up surfing won't do here, this wave was built to be shredded. It is an outstanding surf wave when the water is up. At moderate to low water levels, sections of the wave pile over and makes for good side surfing and spins and the odd near whipit. The water moves into this wave over a long, wide, smooth, downward sloping ledge. This means it is very shallow in the trough and definitely not meant for window shading practice.   

The third wave is 20 feet wide with diagonal feeder waves coming into it. It is located another 50 feet below the second wave and a little river left. At high water levels, this becomes a frothy play spot. Here again, the water flows in along a long, wide, smooth, downward sloping ledge making it extremely shallow in the trough.  Window shading in hear is a definite no no. At low to moderate water levels there isn't much here to work with.   

Below, is a section of smallish waves leading to flat water beyond. You can paddle up the eddy beneath the wall at good water levels. At low levels, you must carry.  

The Wall is a year round paddling spot. From snow melt until the beginning of December, the island is open to the public. Otherwise, you must paddle in from either the Quebec or Ontario sides of the river.

 


Copyright © 1995-2007 Jim Dodds
e-mail: jdodds@kayaker.ca