Vancouver Island Surfing

Last Update: 2021-07-18

Surf lovers know that no two waves are the same. They usually go on surfing trips to meet new challenges. Why don't you have such an experience? The mild climate of Vancouver Island brings the opportunity to discover the fabled surfing beaches. There are hundreds of spots around Vancouver Island perfect for surfing that cause many enthusiasts to travel to this part of Canada every year.
Surfing is a sport performing in the oceans, seas, and rivers, and some prefer indoor surfing. Surfers ride on the surface of the water until the waves break and descend. There are four types of waves: spilling waves, plunging waves, surging waves, and collapsing waves. Maybe someone can not describe the experience of surfing as well as it is. If you have not had this adventure before, make sure to try it.
The search for the best waves has no end. There are many pristine areas on Vancouver Island that can be accessed by boat or seaplane. There are also some well-known cities where you can have memorable surfing experiences. Vancouver Island surfing is one of the best in all British Columbia and Canada, thanks to the 20-km (12.4 miles) long beach stretching between Ucluelet and Tofino.
Tofino, the major surfing destination in Canada with a permanent facility for surfing for all ages, is one of the most visited places for surfing on Vancouver Island all year round. The stormy weather with the intensified climate from late September through March makes the Jordan River community a hot spot for surfing. Having 900 meters (2952.7 ft) of shoreline makes Kitty Coleman Provincial Park one of the best surf destinations. Moreover, Bates Beach boosts beautiful tidal pools and sand bars at low tides. If you enjoy seeing one of the world's most beautiful coastlines, so don't miss Port Renfrew, the Jewel of the West Coast. Campbell River city invites you to immerse yourself in an active adventure. It has access to both the sheltered Salish Sea and the open Pacific Ocean, where the breathtaking waves offer pounding surf. Sombrio Beach is a quite exposed beach and reef break with pretty consistent surf.
Stop thinking, catch some waves during surfing on Vancouver Island, and have fun!

Surfing Common Questions and Answers

How does surfing work?

Surfing is a water sport doing with equipment —like surfboards or mats— or no equipment. The surfer rides on the surface of the water until the waves break and descend.

When was surfing invented?

Some said that surfing might be done for the first time between Polynesian people. However, it was first seen by European people in 1767 on a ship in Tahiti.

Why is surfing fun?

The atmosphere is incredible, including the ocean air, with its positive impact on your physical and mental health. Sunshine can also help people with anxiety and depression. The freedom feeling on the beach boosts your overall mood. The act of surfing the waves releases adrenaline and endorphins, which make you happy, and as surfing needs concentration, you will forget about daily routines in your life. Also, there is no need for lots of equipment.

What are the different styles of surfing?

Beginner surfing (It needs specific equipment and conditions for learning and practicing), big wave surfing, wake surfing, longboard, and shortboard surfing

What are the best times to surf on Vancouver Island?

The best time to surf on Vancouver Island, specifically in Tofino and Ucluelet, is September to November. The best time of day for surfing is in the early morning and late evening.

Where are the biggest waves on Vancouver Island?

Ucluelet and Tofino have massive storms, and you can expect waves up to 9.5 m (31.1 ft).

Where can you ski and surf on the same day on Vancouver Island?

Vancouver Island is among a few places in the world where you can have this chance even in a day. Choose Tofino surfing and Mount Washington Resort skiing and snowboarding.

What are the chances of a shark attack on Vancouver Island?

You can rarely see sharks on Vancouver Island waters.

Has Vancouver Island ever had a tsunami?

The last big earthquake on Vancouver Island was in 1946 on the Coast of British Columbia, Canada, with a magnitude estimated at 7.0 Ms and 7.5 Mw.

Can surfing be dangerous on Vancouver Island?

Learning to read surf reports and forecast is helpful, but one cannot merely rely on surfing reports and get into the water without surfing lessons. Waters and creatures in the water may exhibit unexpected behaviours. Always be aware of the seasonal and weather conditions for surfing on Vancouver Island. Since every wave you catch will be one less wave for professional surfers, beginners need to practice in a safer area and more appropriate to their ability level so as not to get in the way of pro surfers.

Where is the best place to surf for beginners on Vancouver Island?

Long Beach is a proper choice for beginners and intermediate surfers.

Where are surfing schools on Vancouver Island located?

Most of the surf schools are placed in Tofino and Ucluelet.

What equipment is required for surfing?

Surfing equipment for beginners includes a surfboard, leash, fins, wax, and wetsuit.

What should I wear for surfing if I don't have a wetsuit?

There is no necessity to wear a wetsuit for surfing. It is for keeping you warm. In warm water, you have no difficulty surfing with shorts or swimmers.

Vanislander / Activities / Surfing

Kye Bay and Goose Spit Surfing

Come to Kye Bay and Goose Spit, and then you will figure out why you get on the road in the first place. On the east coast of Vancouver Island, extreme tides breaking into the sandy beaches of these two spectacular spots would make them both ideal destinations for surfing. While you are on these beaches, you are provided with stunning sceneries of the BC Coastal Mountains, which can double the surfing pleasure.

Wickaninnish Beach Surfing

Lead an adventurous life and get on the road to experience new adventures. Wickaninnish Beach welcomes surfers from all around the world, and this beautiful sandy beach is a great place to forget about all the bills and responsibilities. If you are looking for more reasons that justify Wickaninnish Beach's superiority for surfers, you may consider the lack of rocks with barnacles.

Long Beach Surfing

Every day in the round year, whenever you are on Vancouver Island and you crave surfing, Long beach welcomes you to its sandy realm. As one of the most popular recreational destinations on the island, Long Beach is one of the destinations for the hurricanes of the Caribbean, bringing some of the biggest and mightiest waves. This quality has made the beach a perfect place for surfers.

Kyuquot Sound Surfing

Rebuild your imagination about surfing while you are having a great time in the Kyuquot Sound area, an area of world-class beaches and reefs. Featuring amazing natural scenery which can cheer you up while you are skimming the surface of the water. The beautiful sandy beach features an eye-catching view that can trigger you to camp and surf on one of the largest campsites on Vancouver Island.

Florencia Bay Surfing

Start your surfing diary on Florencia Bay Beach, a fairly exposed shoreline that provides exciting and consistent surfing opportunities. Waves that come from different directions and hit the sandy beach and their quality are the prime triggers for you to start your surfing journey on this beach. The usual mellow waves are exceptional and fantastic, and they have made this beach a perfect place for surfing.

Chesterman Beach (North) Surfing

If you are a William, it would be amazing to explore and spend time on a beach with the shape of your first name's initial. Chesterman Beach (North), as one of the most-visited beaches on Vancouver Island, offers several recreational activities on its fabulous coastline. Surfing is one of the delightful adventures provided for you, allowing one to find seasonal tides on this stunning beach.

Cox Bay Surfing

Let your surfer spirit free on the extended beach of Cox Bay. One of the merits of surfing is that consistent offshore winds from the northeast facilitate surfing most of the time, which has made Cox Bay Beach one of the popular destinations for surfers. According to the visitors, the delightful walk you can enjoy from where your stay may cause the preference of this beautiful beach to the others.

Raft Cove Surfing

Write a diary now, but save your memories to review for the rest of your life. Assign one page to the adventure you will experience in Raft Cove Provincial Park. Nothing can be fascinating as much as a beach you can surf and camp on simultaneously, but the sandy beach there provides that for you. Low tides at Raft cove will motivate you to get on a surfing board and make your day meaningful.

Nootka Island Surfing

Get out of your comfort zone and get away from the bustles in towns; Nootka Island has a lot to offer to make your vacation count. A place of amazement and glory, the waters of the most oversized island located off Vancouver Island give you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for surfing. Nestled near Vancouver Island, Nootka Island features breathtaking scenery you can let your spirit feed on it.

Sombrio Beach Surfing

If you consider yourself a lucky person to be alive, then live your life in a way that it counts. Sombrio Beach surfing is a big adventure, so prepare surfing equipment, hop on, and heat the road. A quite exposed beach and reef break in which you can relax and explore admirable scenery. Winds coming from different directions and waves at the beach have made Sombrio Beach ideal for starting your surfing journey on Vancouver Island.

Stories Beach Surfing

As a reward for your hard work, travel to Vancouver Island to fulfil your cravings for adventure and fun. Adjacent to Campbell River, Stories Beach is a vibrant spot attracting many visitors worldwide. The great waves heating the beach allow you to experience surfing for real. While you are in the area, keep in mind to fish; so, do not forget to bring your fishing rods.

Port Renfrew Surfing

Take one step into the path of travelling, and next, you find yourself miles away from home. While you are exploring the adventure center of North America, do not forget to check out one of the world's most beautiful coastlines. Port Renfrew, aka The Jewel of the West Coast, is one of the hot spots for windsurfing and surfing. Enclosed by majestic mountains and trees, the town is where you can have fun doing recreational activities.

Kitty Coleman Beach & Bates Beach Surfing

Leave your job and its responsibilities for a few days and try to feed your soul. If you are looking for a way to add excitement to your journey, Kitty Coleman Beach & Bates Beach will provide you with great opportunities to embrace and skim the surface of the water. Wave surfing on Kitty Coleman Beach and the low-tide pools of Bates Beach would make you feel fully charged and ready to get back doing your job.

Jordan River Surfing

None of the experiences of surfing would be the same on Vancouver Island. While you are in Victoria, do not forget to check out surfing opportunities in the Jordan River. And if you're looking to come in its best surfing conditions, visit Jordan River during September-March, because The stormy weather with the intensified climate will make your surfing adventure more desirable.