Surfing & Watersports

Popular Tofino Surf Spots

Beaches here have sandy, flat bottoms – good for beginners and experts alike. Some beaches face the open Pacific, while others are sheltered and offer gentler terrain. Discover surfing options ranging from beginner-friendly beach breaks to challenging, remote reef breaks for board and kayak surfers.

Cox Bay boasts more powerful wave action than other beaches in summer. Depending on wind conditions, Chesterman Beach can also have good summer waves and offers big winter swells. Long Beach is the single greatest stretch of sand on Vancouver Island (16km/10mi) and a natural magnet for surfers. Find more waves at Florencia Bay and MacKenzie Beach too.

Beaches are only 5-10 minutes drive from downtown and all offer parking lots; it's also not uncommon to see locals riding bikes to beaches with surfboards in tow. Beaches in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve include a park user fee.

Cold Water Surfing in Tofino

Surfing in Tofino is possible year-round. Winter storms bring large swells for experienced surfers and summertime offers friendlier waves and blue skies.

Ocean waters are a cool 8°C/46°F during winter months, meaning 5mm neoprene wetsuits, booties, gloves and a hood are essential. Lighter gear (4mm) can be worn in summer when temperatures average 16°C/60°F. Surf gear rentals are available at local surf shops.

Surf Shops and Surf Lessons

Tofino’s nine surf schools offer equipment rentals and lessons covering safety, surf etiquette and techniques to surfers of all ages and levels.

Touch up on skills with a quick hour lesson, or join a day camp for a thorough introduction to surfing. Week-long surf excursions to remote locales with two-, three- and four-day options are also available. Don’t have gear? Wetsuits, boards and some clothing can be rented with or without lessons.

O'Neill Cold Water Classic and Surfing Events

In 2009 and 2010, Tofino hosted Canada's first professional surfing event, the O'Neill Cold Water Classic. The Cold Water Classic drew hundreds of pro surfers from around the globe, including local surfers such as the 2009 winner Peter Devries, Raph and Sepp Bruhwiler, Noah Cohen and Jeremy Koreski.

Annual surfing events include the Rip Curl Stew (June) and “Queen of the Peak” (October), Canada's first all-women surf competition. Surfing is also featured as part of smaller local festivals such as the Pacific Rim Whale Festival (March) and Feast! (May to June), which offers surf lessons followed by a gourmet meal from acclaimed chefs.

Practical Points

• Surfing season in Tofino is possible year-round.
• Tofino has mostly sandy beaches, but be aware of some rocky outcroppings and riptides.
• Check with local surf shops for surf conditions and visit local Visitor Centres for help with accommodation, transportation and trip planning.

Read Less