... but it is called the "Sewer wave" for a reason.
Well, what's in a name... If the naming of this one followed the usual custom, 'Sewer Wave' got its name for the same reasons that first-year geology is called 'Rocks for Jocks', first-year chemistry is called "Killer Chem" etc.: the nickname is loosely related to the actual thing, and sounds mean (or good, depending on the perspective).
Sewer wave is just that, a wave in the main current of the Ottawa river. There is a storm drain that goes into the eddy next to the wave and the water can get murky sometimes, but the situation is the same at the Pumphouse, and that one is still a national team training ground. For all those that are worried about risk of infection: it is a STORM drain, not an untreated sewage outlet. I'd be more worried about the Petite Nation or Quyon water, with all the manure in the farmers' fields around. And besides, if one is only concerned about water quality, remember that you take a bigger risk just by by driving your car there.
I do agree with one of Larry's comment, though: if you flip, roll fast. As many can attest (myself and Mr. Dej for instance), it gets shallow quickly and your helmet can get re-decorated, so to speak...
But as a friendly surf wave within the city limts, I don't think anyone needs to be desperate to go there, no more than anyone needs to be desperate to go practice at the Pumphouse. It can be a fun winter afternoon activity, for instance.
--Christian
