Levels are lower than normal on many area waterways, but some boaters say they like it that way.

A lack of rain has water levels at heights usually reserved for the end of summer, but people on the Ottawa River near Cobden said that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

"In high water you get great waves,” said one kayaker. “Now you get great little holes, little waves to surf on, it's just wonderful."

“This is unusual for this time of year to have the water so low,” said Dirk van Wijk of Owl Rafting. “However, we have seen water lower than this in the past.”

Van Wijk said some parts of the river have water levels down thirty to forty feet, but he has seen levels lower than this before.

Boaters and rafters said being out on the water was the best place to be on a very warm Thursday.

“It’s fun, it’s really enjoyable,” said Sydney Nixon.

"I don't know how it is when it’s higher water, but when it’s lower . . . it's perfect water," said another kayaker.

It’s not unusual for water levels to fluctuate in the regulated Ottawa River because some areas use it for power.

Ottawa’s last rainfall was on June 23, according to CTV Ottawa’s JJ Clark.

The long-term forecast shows a 30 per cent chance of showers on Sunday and a 60 per cent chance on Tuesday.

With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Katie Griffin