Jordan River Vancouver Island

[miker]

When people think surfing on Vancouver Island, 99% of the time they are thinking of the beach breaks between Ucluelet and Tofino.  There is, however, one more break that's pretty well known and accessible (probably too well known so it's not like talking about it here's going to ruin it).  Jordan River, which is 1-1.5 hours from Victoria occasionally has a decent wave.  Most of the year the Olympic peninsula shelters it too much and there's no decent swells that reach it.  Once in a while though, often after a storm, you get the perfect conditions for the production of some pretty sweet waves.  On those days, it's way better than driving out to Tofino.

Yesterday was one such day.  I'd been monitoring the surf forecast for days and thinking Monday was going to be the day for me.  There was a big wind storm Sunday night and the nearest buoys were reading some pretty big swells.  Neither Magic Seaweed nor Surf-forecast give accurate predictions for Jordan River.  One was predicting 3 foot waves, the other was predicting 12 foot.  Dawn patrol looked to be possibly epic, but my sleep schedule had a different plan and I got out there at noon.  As I looked out over the fairly crowded surf, I saw something rarely seen on the Island; a wave that actually broke down the line with minimal close outs!  I slapped on a wet suit and paddled out.  It was a glorious few hours paddling out only to be greeted by a wave too good to pass up, riding it in, turning around thinking maybe this time I'll rest up only to be greeted by another too good to pass up.  The waves worth surfing were waist to shoulder high and clean.  The wind storm of the previous night had brought the swell directly from the west creating perfect conditions (well, as perfect as it gets around here).  For me it was also a nice breakthrough day.  The conditions allowed me to turn my big SUP down the line and almost look like I knew what I was doing out there.  Unfortunately, my official photographer had slept in and wasn't along for the ride.

Eventually I needed to make a decision - rest on shore for a bit or head back to Victoria to help my wife with some renovations at our son's house.  I turned and caught one last epic wave and thought to myself "this is the perfect way to end this session".

[Dusk Patrol]

Cool!  Always great to hear about an awesome day. 

[Luc Benac]

And I heard that the locals were nice and friendly, contrary to popular belief.

[FRP]

Miker

Thanks for the report of a good day. I look forward to a road trip to Jordan river one day. I get spoiled here in Tofino but it would be great to surf a point break for a change. I have watched videos of Port Renfrew where it some times really goes off also. I got out today at North Chesterman. Tiny little knee high waves. Stupid good fun! If you are up this way let me know and perhaps we can get out for a surf.

Cheers

Bob

[Luc Benac]

I got out today at North Chesterman. Tiny little knee high waves. Stupid good fun! If you are up this way let me know and perhaps we can get out for a surf.

My favorites....glad you had fun...but I am still jealous, if it was not for a great downwind in the Sound last Sunday.

[Vancouver_foiler]

The locals are fine in JR, as long as your not being disrespectful or a full out kook. SUP'ing the point(trying to) is a recipe for major problems.

[supthecreek]

Hi Miker, sounds like a great day!
Nothing beats a nice point session in clean waves! Yewwwwwww!
Next time, wake up the official photographer 

[surfercook]

Nice to get a change of scenery and score good surf. Sounds like you scored. Vancouver Island is on my bucket list. I imagine it as Nova Scotia's west coast cousin. Next go out grab a GoPro!