Standup Zone Forum
General => Travel, Trips, Destinations => Topic started by: FRP on May 12, 2018, 10:30:34 AM
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The Rip Curl Pro surf event is on now in Tofino. My SUS mentor Catherine Bruhwiler
is competing in the women’s open and master’s events. She is the only woman representative in the master’s. Go Catherine!!
Here is the video from last year and event promo for this year. Gives a good overview of the area.
Cheers
Bob
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKxMoLiDl4I
https://sbcsurf.com/2018-rip-curl-pro-tofino-teaser/
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I'm actually looking at taking a trip to Tofino. I'd like to go somewhere in August to escape the humidity and summer doldrums on the EC. How are the waves then? I'm bringing the wife, so any suggestions on hiking, wildlife tours, etc. as well.
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Hi APPST
August in Tofino can have good surf, generally smaller, but definitely surfable. Cox Bay, Long Beach and Wicanninish perhaps more reliable depending on swell size and direction. All beach breaks. Often fog in the mornings in August but usually it burns off. Lots of surf shops and one very good small SUP shop where you can rent boards. Even in the summer you need a full wetsuit. There are whale and bear watching tours, boat trips to Hot Spring cove, fishing charters, many excellent hiking trails both in and outside the national park, very good restaurants, good take out at Wildside Grill and Taccofino and a small golf course, airport and hospital. Ucleulet a nearby town is well worth a visit, spectacular hiking trail to the lighthouse and has a small very good aquarium that is all catch and release. Let me know when you are coming and with any luck can meet and get out for a paddle. August is always very busy with tourists and lots of people in the water. Early morning if the fog isn’t too thick is often best.
Cheers
Bob
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Hi APPST,
I forgot......ocean kayak tours......this coast has some of the best paddling in the world.....not for the faint of heart as exposed coastline. The day trips however are in protected waters.
Bob
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Such a beautiful place Bob..... the first thing I thought about was exploring all those points for good SUP breaks.
I bet the paddling is amazing along that coast as well..... time for you to get a Search and head out for some adventures!
So many awesome travel destinations.... thanks for the great look at yours!
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Welcome Back Creek!
You are correct, there are a few point breaks that are mostly accessible by boat and need the right swell and with the right conditions in winter can produce a huge barreling wave. Down the coast at Jordan River there is a good point break but it gets crowded and there is a bit of local attitude. It is interesting that you mentioned the Search..........I have been wondering.........
If you ever make a west coast tour it would be wonderful to meet you!
Cheers
Bob
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Yeah - thanks for the info, I contacted Tofino Paddle Surf and it sounds like they have a nice quiver of boards for surf, starting at 71L and up (so I think I'm covered there). I think we are going to shoot for early August, sounds pretty awesome. I'll bring my wetsuit in my bag, I'm just glad I don't have to worry with logistics with the SUP. How is the drive from Victoria to Tofino?
I basically have a free flight to Seattle and will spend a few days there before heading up.
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Hey Appst - Feel free to connect while in Seattle if you'd like some in city flat water touring... or beer ... or both.
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Hi Appst
The road from Victoria to Tofino is great. Divided for half the 5 hour trip and then narrow winding paved road. Slow going at times. There are some scheduled closures for a few hours every day for a year or so while they do some widening on the Kennedy Lake hill. Check online for times so that you don’t have to wait. I hope we are here when you come. Let me know when you have some dates.
Cheers
Bob
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Whats the surf like in september or october ? I drove up once from oregon and loved the area. The water was warmer than down south by us ? All my Canadian friends in mexico say its cheaper to fly down to them than stay in Tofino now ?
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Whats the surf like in september or october ? I drove up once from oregon and loved the area. The water was warmer than down south by us ? All my Canadian friends in mexico say its cheaper to fly down to them than stay in Tofino now ?
The surf in Sept and Oct can be great. It's my favorite time of year there for overall conditions--good waves and not winter cold yet. September can have mid-summer warm days at times if you get lucky. The waves are definitely more consistent than July & August. Ya, Tofino isn't the cheapest place to find accommodation (especially in July/August).
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Hey Appst - Feel free to connect while in Seattle if you'd like some in city flat water touring... or beer ... or both.
Done - and both.
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Whats the surf like in september or october ? I drove up once from oregon and loved the area. The water was warmer than down south by us ? All my Canadian friends in mexico say its cheaper to fly down to them than stay in Tofino now ?
The surf in Sept and Oct can be great. It's my favorite time of year there for overall conditions--good waves and not winter cold yet. September can have mid-summer warm days at times if you get lucky. The waves are definitely more consistent than July & August. Ya, Tofino isn't the cheapest place to find accommodation (especially in July/August).
Yeah, I would come in September but that's prime Hurricane season, August is usually pretty slow both kiting and wave wise.
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I have been surf kayaking there in a competition. Beautiful location, certainly a little off the beaten path.
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Hi
Session from this morning at Cox Bay, Tofino. Shoulder to head high. Beautiful morning. 7am and already 9 cars in parking lot. Road my bike down; 15 minute ride trailering my 8’10” Speeed. Head high is at the limit of my ability. Just quick rides down the line. Captured a few good prone surfers. Even something for “seadart”. The end of the video is a surf kayaker. I didn’t know he was out. The kayak is a Murky Waters, IC, Salsa. It use to be mine and I moved it along to a local paddler.
Cheers
Bob
https://vimeo.com/274274923
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August is usually pretty slow both kiting and wave wise.
Come to Squamish on your way back if the weather is good. The inflow for kiting can be epic if its sunny.
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Ok, pretty close to confirming last weekend in August. Looks like Tofino SUP can hook me up with a proper rental, what am I looking at far as a wetsuit, 3/2?
Staying on Cox Bay at one of the hotels for 3 days.
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I use a 3/2 there in the summer on a SUP (but I have a 1mm thermal and booties ready for cold mornings). Most people I know use a 4/3.
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Yes I agree. Early morning in summer I will use hoodless 4/3 but during most of the daytime in summer hoodless Patagonia R2 (similar to 3mm). Cox bay should give you some good waves and you will be steps away from the water.
If you are planning on car rental and ferry from Vancouver don’t forget to reserve for the ferry (both ways) once you know when you are getting in. The weekends tend to book up quickly in the summer. You can fly from Vancouver into Tofino. There are a few flights in and out every day. It is a scenic flight and exciting to see the surfers and surf rolling in at long beach on the approach to the runway. Pacific Coastal is a very good airline but there are other options. Message me when you have dates and with any luck we will be out there.
Cheers
Bob
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Yes I agree. Early morning in summer I will use hoodless 4/3 but during most of the daytime in summer hoodless Patagonia R2 (similar to 3mm). Cox bay should give you some good waves and you will be steps away from the water.
If you are planning on car rental and ferry from Vancouver don’t forget to reserve for the ferry (both ways) once you know when you are getting in. The weekends tend to book up quickly in the summer. You can fly from Vancouver into Tofino. There are a few flights in and out every day. It is a scenic flight and exciting to see the surfers and surf rolling in at long beach on the approach to the runway. Pacific Coastal is a very good airline but there are other options. Message me when you have dates and with any luck we will be out there.
Cheers
Bob
I'm flying into Seattle and spending the night, then taking the clipper ferry to Victoria, renting a car and driving. I have a free flight in the continental US, so that's why I'm flying to Seattle. Right now the dates look like August 25-28, Saturday to Tuesday in Tofino, Friday and Wednesday in Seattle.
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Question... just because I am honestly curious.
Why do you wear full wetsuits all summer?
We are SUPsters, so 95% of our time is spent in the air.... not the ocean.
I looked up average temps in Torifino.... both air and water.
Fairly mild overall, for a northern climate.... much more temperate than Cape Cod.
Once the water temp is above 50, I dress for the air only.
Meaning that I can handle a momentary dip in chilly water, because I'm right back on my board, in the sun and air.
I am more than willing to suffer for a few seconds, for the freedom that I get from "trunking it"
I get it that I'm sort of a freak,
but at sunny and 65* air, I experience zero discomfort in a rashguard and trunks
However I do I experience a lot of discomfort, in a full wetsuit if it's sunny and 65*
Forget it if it is over 70 and sunny.... I'd die ;D
I'd love to visit the area, but it's way out of my budget
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Question... just because I am honestly curious.
Why do you wear full wetsuits all summer?
We are SUPsters, so 95% of our time is spent in the air.... not the ocean.
I looked up average temps in Torifino.... both air and water.
Fairly mild overall, for a northern climate.... much more temperate than Cape Cod.
Once the water temp is above 50, I dress for the air only.
Meaning that I can handle a momentary dip in chilly water, because I'm right back on my board, in the sun and air.
I am more than willing to suffer for a few seconds, for the freedom that I get from "trunking it"
I get it that I'm sort of a freak,
but at sunny and 65* air, I experience zero discomfort in a rashguard and trunks
However I do I experience a lot of discomfort, in a full wetsuit if it's sunny and 65*
Forget it if it is over 70 and sunny.... I'd die ;D
I'd love to visit the area, but it's way out of my budget
Yeah, you know, I agree with this, I usually decide on the type of waves I'm dealing with. So.........if there's some size and I'm going to have a long paddle out (because I may be prone and ducking waves quite a bit) I'm in as much rubber as prone surfers. If it's small and sunny out, I'm with you, in waist high waves on my noserider, I barely touch the water, so I'll roll with a 1 mil and boardshorts, etc. in the winter.
It's mostly a day by day decision, sometimes the air/wind is worse than the water.
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Creek,
There is just something about the air and water temperatures in Tofino that the stats don't tell--the air and water have some extra bite. It's a temperate rain forest and fog zone. Mornings are cool even in mid-summer. Fog and breezes roll in and out. On the really warm days (which can be rare and are nowhere near as warm as the east coast), I'll use a 2mm shorty in the afternoons. At the same time, in the winter, the air temp doesn't get nearly as low as the east coast. Rarely below freezing.
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Hi
Thought I would revisit this thread. My wife just sent me this clip of Pete Devries our local surfing legend. We are so proud of this guy! I have sent you lots of clips of me sup surfing small waves...well here is a few with a bit more size...this isn’t SUP surfing but omg it is wonderful and inspiring to watch. Wendy And I were hooting and groaning as we watched his beautiful fluid style.
Cheers
Bob
https://vimeo.com/312641127
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I've always felt drawn to Tofino. Kinda like how I felt drawn to Nova Scotia. Cool vids, FRP. I especially enjoyed yours w/the kayaker. Some of the best conditions I've seen you in yet. Nice smooth water for trimmin' it.
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Yeah, I'm going to have to make it up there. Maybe take Fritz for a Canadian cruise with foils, surfboards and downwinder stuff. Might as well be this year if Fritz cooperates. Otherwise I'll just load up the truck.
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bob! nice morning clip for me--now off to work..........
wow setting waves filming
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More shameless promotion! A couple of the local boys.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m5K7SgW138Y
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FRP....thanks for the info on this beautiful Place....used to go there years ago van camping with the kids and kayaking the protected waters. We now have a small Rpod trailer and I want to drag it up there for an extended surf trip.....any recommendations for best camping spots / RV parks to optimize beach and town access. Summer or fall trip in mind.....tia!
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From one old fart to another!
Yes MacKenzie resort. Many of the camping and RV sites are right on the beach. Very protected beach. Good for flat water paddling or learning to surf. I surf there when it is too big or blown out everywhere else. Book early as the summer months often fill up a year in advance. 5 minute drive to town. Can walk to a great little complex with the worlds smallest grocery store, two excellent cafes for take away food, chocolate/ice cream shop, and good surf shop.
Cheers
Bob
http://mackenziebeach.com/rvs-and-camping/
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Great tips on this thread FRP! I've been wanting to go to Tofino for years as I've mostly only been in the area in deep winter for trips to Whistler. As luck would have it I just started working for a Canadian company HQ'd in Vancouver. I'm planning to go there for business in late September so will try extend the trip to include the weekend in Tofino. Seems like a fair amount of AirBnB's are available (hotels are pretty pricey) and the ability to rent performance boards from Tofino Paddle Surf is a big plus. I'll probably bring my Patagonia R2 and reluctantly will pack booties and my hooded vest.
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Just got back last weekend from 5 beautiful days there. This year, we didn't get caught in Fogust like we sometimes do this time of year. The wind stayed down and a nice (be it small) long period swell came in from the south (you gotta pick your beaches).
... I'm planning to go there for business in late September so will try extend the trip to include the weekend in Tofino. ...
September and October can be the best time of year there for a combo of good weather and good waves. Fingers crossed.
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Great tips on this thread FRP! I've been wanting to go to Tofino for years as I've mostly only been in the area in deep winter for trips to Whistler. As luck would have it I just started working for a Canadian company HQ'd in Vancouver. I'm planning to go there for business in late September so will try extend the trip to include the weekend in Tofino. Seems like a fair amount of AirBnB's are available (hotels are pretty pricey) and the ability to rent performance boards from Tofino Paddle Surf is a big plus. I'll probably bring my Patagonia R2 and reluctantly will pack booties and my hooded vest.
Pabst
Good to hear that you will be joining the ‘hood. Africa is correct we have had a good summer in Tofino and late September is one of my favourite times of year. The vibe on the water is generally fairly mellow. A local 16 year old gal came in third in longboard at the recent Panam games in Peru. Amazing really because she is more of a shortboarder. The whole town is really happy for her great result. If you want PM me with the dates you will be out. It would be good to connect. I know most of the breaks fairly well and can provide a bit of local knowledge. Your R2 should be ok as long as you mostly on your board. I was in my R2 last week and it was fine. Africa I hope to see you on the water.......well I may not see you .......I wear glasses and really should have contacts for surfing.
Cheers
Bob
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Bob, you still haven't gotten contacts?
Remember when you couldn't see me on my obnoxious yellow Naish at Cox Bay? ;)
Hope summer is winding down nicely for you up there!
Dan from CO
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Hey Dan
Great to hear from you. Yes I seem to be a bit slow on the uptake on the contacts. Sort of crazy but as long as I can see the waves coming I seem to be quite happy not seeing the faces in the lineup.
We have had a good summer and I am looking forward to getting out surfing more this fall. I seem to be falling down the fin rabbit hole and have three new sets to start swapping around.
Hope to see you out this way again in the near future!
Cheers
Bob
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FRP.... have a blast with Pabst, he's a great guy and a very good surfer!
Here's a few screen shots of Pabst, from a session we shared in RI a few years ago.... Mrs. Pabst can hold her own as well!
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FRP.... have a blast with Pabst, he's a great guy and a very good surfer!
Here's a few screen shots of Pabst, from a session we shared in RI a few years ago.... Mrs. Pabst can hold her own as well!
Thanks Creek
Yowser! Those are some serious waves and that looks like a seriously short board. I hope we can find a few good waves when Pabst is out this way! I love the fall. It is my favourite time of year. The crowds thin out, the waves pick up and the weather is often amazing. There is at times for me an overwhelming sense of nostalgia that is almost palpable.
Cheers
Bob