Learning to surf is an item found on many people’s bucket list. For those that don’t live in a coastal province in Canada, there isn’t much of an option besides traveling long distances to be able to ride a wave.
Surfing in Canada
Tofino, British Columbia is at the forefront of surfing in Canada. Located on the Vancouver Island’s west coast, it is recognized worldwide as one of surfing’s most sought after destinations and plays host to various competitions. Keep in mind the water is much colder than other west coast surf destinations such as California. In Tofino, the waters average temperature range between 8 and 12 degrees Celsius so a good wetsuit is required. Surfing is less popular on Canada’s Atlantic coast due to the frigid water temperatures. Being cold often isn’t an issue with Canadians so surfers on the Atlantic coast migrate to places like White Point Beach in Nova Scotia to find some waves.
Tropical Surf Destinations
Ideal surf cities provide easy access to beautiful beaches, ample places to rent equipment, and endless streams of waves with sandy ocean floor beneath them. To mix tropical paradise with surfing, visit Hawaii. Hanalei on Kauai’s north shore has optimal conditions from October to March. When taking a lesson remember the advice from Kunu (Paul Rudd) in the movie ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ and don’t try to do too much on the surf board. Another far out tropical destination that boasts spectacular surfing is Bali. Kuta Beach is home to a combination of some of the best waves in the world, soft sandy ocean bottom, and exotic tropical environment. It’s not an easy place for Canadians to travel to but if there is ever an opportunity to be in that part of the world a stop to learn how to surf in Bali is definitely worthwhile.
Big City Surfing
Surfers in some of the world’s biggest cities have creatively found ways to get their fix by riding ‘Standing Waves’ in rivers. At the forefront of this trend is Munich, Germany. River surfers have been riding Munich’s man-made Eisbach river since 1972 but it is recommended only for those with experience. The ‘Habitat 67’ standing wave in the St. Lawrence river near Montreal is another location where risk-seeking city dwellers can find surfing action. People have been surfing this wave since 2002 and it has reached heights of up to 2 meters.