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Learn to surf in the summer
Most people imagine numbing appendages when they think of dipping into the ocean around Tofino and Ucluelet.
But there is often good reason for braving the frigid waters--namely, surfing. When winter storms pound the west coast, the swell creates those coveted waves avid surfers are looking for.
When you're a wide-eyed beginner, however, summer provides a much more appropriate learning environment.
Recently, I headed out into the surf on Wickaninnish Beach to work on my skills. I’m by no means a seasoned surfer and the smaller summer wavers were perfect to sharpen my skills.
I don’t have my own gear so I stopped by Relic Surf Shop in Ucluelet to pick up some essentials. A longboard and a thinner wetsuit for the warmer water and I was ready to roll... err, surf.
Wickaninnish Beach is only one of many great beaches between Ucluelet and Tofino that offer great surfing. Long Beach, Cox Bay and North and South Chesterman beaches are also frequented by locals and tourists in search of perfect waves.
Two surfers header out for a sunset session
Many different factors come together to make a great wave and they all combine differently at each beach. Sometimes it takes a bit of driving to find a good place to play. The local surf shop employees know the beaches like the back of their hands, and can direct you to a good one for the day.
Exhausted after a few hours of surfing, I retreated to our lunch spot on the beach for a break. No doubt about it, surfing is a tiring sport. Those waves are powerful and no matter how you look at it, trying to tame them by standing on an 8 ft longboard is not an easy task. A solid recommendation when bailing is to cover your head with your arms (this comes obviously from experience).
Amidst all the thrashing and falling in the waves, there’s the occasional run where everything works out. You start paddling at the right time, you stand up at the right time, your path is clear and you catch your balance perfectly. There is nothing like sliding down those waves with everything lined up. In those moments, all the bruises and sore muscles are forgotten. You forget all the problems in the world and all that’s left is the water, your board, and you. All you need to do then is paddle out for another one.
We rented from Relic for our surfboards and wetsuits. You can find Relic at 1998 Peninsula Road and at www.relicsurfshop.com.
We surfed at Wickaninnish Beach. Turn right at the junction and head towards Tofino. Follow the signs on the highway to Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre. Turn left at the end of the road for the centre or right to go to the beach.
Remember to pay the parking fee before hitting the beach. There are day passes available.
- Photos & text by Ross Collicutt©
