Who among you has surfed Vancouver Island (Canada)? I'm in the NW (Oregon) but have never ventured much north of the Columbia River. I'm planning a road trip to B.C. in late September or early October for at least 5 days and will be flexible to the swell. Tofino is the obvious choice to base out of, but does anyone have any first-hand insight on the area?
Been to Tofino twice, but never caught it firing. The ferry ride and subsequent drive from Victoria can give one a jetlag effect. Beautiful scenery. The water is usually a couple of degrees warmer than Northern WA, believe it or not. Some Japanese current, or something like that. Cox Bay and Chesterman Beach are the main spots. Don't try to find surf in Ucluelet, the town south. It's an Indian rez and too rocky to surf. North of Tofino supposedly has some spots, but you're on your own out there. Not nearly as much localism as the Van Island breaks in the Strait, and there's a few really good surfers in town. Hit me up on your way up. Sept/Oct will probably be the right time for my local. You're welcome to crash here for a night. Bring Deschutes. http://www.surfingvancouverisland.com/surf/
Right on- good info. My assumption is that it’s probably no better than my local break(s), but it’s an excuse to get away from the grind and surf some new spots without dropping a huge chunk of change. Was thinking I may take the Olympic Peninsula route up so I can hit a few spots and then take the ferry from Port Angeles. Don’t have a real time constraint so I’ll probably just watch for the first good Fall swell and then hit it. Deschutes? Can do.
Yeah, the Olympic is the way to go. Stop off at Westport, and depending on the stars, you can check out La Push and maybe Neah spots. That time of the year (Fall) really makes this area go off. Heck, you might even get lucky and see a Strait wave from the road to Port Angeles. IMHO, the spots in Tofino are not much different or better than what you probably are already surfing. North of Tofino, I dunno....all bets are off on that guess. But if there's a swell of 6' or bigger, the Van Island side of the Strait will be straight-up firing...way more consistent on the Canadian side, and mostly rights. Never surfed it myself, but I hear the locals on the Strait can be very Seaside-like. Fk it, I'll paddle out anyways...I can handle myself, I have good surf etiquette, and I never paddle out with more than 1 other surfer. Black Butte Porter and Mirror Pond, por favor.
Yeah it would be great if I can hit it just right and get surf all the way north. Thanks again for the info- I'll hit you up again later this year- where's your home-break?
Sick! Good luck NW Squid. I was recently considering a visit to the same place, and I still am. I'm thinking Winter may not be the call, even though there is plenty o' surf.
Yeah winter is a tough call anywhere in the NW: there's always waves but it gets pretty junky at times. So far this winter the waves have been about the same as usual but we've had great weather. 60 degrees+ and sunny on the coast on and off for a few weeks now.
Nice. I'll have to give pops a call, he's probably stoked. He lives in Portland though. Pop always told me getting to the ocean in winter was hairy because of the weather.
It's really not that bad most of the time-driving 26 through the coast range from Portland can get a bit sketchy when there's snow/ice/fog but I can honestly say I only wuss-out once or twice a year. It's the ticket-happy Oregon State Troopers, meandering elk, and rifle-toting Orebillies that you have to watch out for.
True, way more consistant on the Canadian side, but way more people. Dont wait around for fall though. Huge high tides and high low tides. Lot of spots will get swamped out all day. Spring is mo better. Bring mud boots
I read that a little seal washed up in your area the other day with a big bite out of him: http://www.king5.com/story/news/loc...at-white-shark-killed-seal-on-coast/24025291/
Yes. Fall is when the beach breaks go off. All the sand hasn't been ripped off the beaches yet by non stop huge swell.
Gotcha- yeah same goes for the exposed spots in N.Oregon. By November everyone is crammed in at Short Sands and Seaside Cove again.
This year has been good for the jetty. Lots of smaller long period swell. And by smaller i mean head high to double OH.
Early fall/late summer Shorties is so much fun. All the sand is built up and it gets insanely good. Love that place.
