Tofino Surfing
Tofino is well-known for surfing
Most people have the misconception that Canada is not a surf country. But, the truth is that we do have some wonderful beaches where surfers enjoy year-round surfing along the coastline around Tofino. We may not have that perfect “tropical surfs”, but there are many good reasons why surfing has taken off around Tofino – the surf capital of Canada.
The area around Tofino is fully exposed to the Pacific Ocean, and you can actually surf everyday year round. The water is a cool, yet fairly constant at around 10°C/50°F, but in the last 10 years wetsuit technology has made surfing and other watersports a lot warmer and more comfortable.
Photo from Tina Phillips - www.freedigitalphotos.net
Tofino’s beaches and coves are wedged between majestic mountains and a very powerful body of water, the Pacific Ocean making surfing in Tofino a genuine wilderness experience. Mixing that with a laid back lifestyle, Tofino has developed its own unique Vancouver Island West Coast surf culture.
The coastline in the Tofino area is made up of sandy beaches and coves separated by rocky headlands. Finding surf is all about being in the right place at the right time, and understanding the local conditions helps you find the perfect spot to surf.
Year round surfing in Tofino
During the time period from Spring to Fall, the days are longer and the conditions great for surfing in Tofino. Tidal changes can sometimes be extreme and swell can grow larger by the hour, so a quick change of location can help you enjoy your your surf session.
Tofino is home to the aptly named Long Beach and a host of other beaches like Combers Beach, and Wickaninnish Beach. The waves keep rolling in along miles of sandy surfable beaches, leaving plenty of room for all surf boarders, from absolute beginners to seasoned waveriders.
Some of the best rides are during the winter when the surf is definitely much bigger and better! As the tenperature is much colder than other time of the year, wearing wetsuits, booties, gloves and a hood will help to extend the time you want to stay in the water.
Taking surfing lessons in Tofino
For beginners, there’s a host of surf schools in Tofino and Long Beach ready to help you enjoy the thrill of surfing in the open ocean. Long Beach is suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers, but for your own safety, new surfers and beginners are advised to take a surf lesson aand learn the local surf conditions. The ocean is always unpredictable and taking a lesson will increase your level of enjoyment.
There are 3 surf schools in Tofino, and one in Ucluelet, where surfing instruction is offered, and they’ll also fill you in on local etiquette when joining the manners-conscious lineup offshore. You can also rent boards (surf and body styles) and wetsuits in Tofino.
