Surfing Questions
Is the water cold? We surf year round on the coast. The ocean can be a little chilly in the winter but you won't be in our rental gear. Our rental fleet is designed to keep you warm in the winter so during summer months you might find yourself shedding gear to stay cooler!! Winter months surf apparel = wetsuit(5-6mm suit), neoprene hood, booties and gloves. Summer months surf apparel = wetsuit(3-4mm suit), neoprene booties optional.
Is surfing dangerous? No, surfing can be very safe so long as you pay attention to weather, ocean conditions and understand the currents. We highly recommend taking lessons if it is your first time in the area. A lesson will teach you surf etiquette, local conditions and help you progress more efficiently and safely. If you choose not to take a lesson, pay attention to the signs at the beaches learn about the currents.
Do I need to be a good swimmer? It is a bonus to be a good swimmer but you will be in a wetsuit that helps with flotation and your surfboard is a giant flotation device. If you are a weak swimmer, take a lesson! Our instructors are highly skilled and certified with their 'Open Ocean' Bronze Cross and First Aid. They can help give you all the confidence you need in the water.
Do you have wetsuits for kids? We have wetsuits for kids ages 2+ so the whole family can stay warm playing at the beach.
Should we take a Surf Lesson? We strongly recommend taking a lesson, especially if it is your first time surfing, or first time surfing in the area. Our lessons are designed to be student centered, to make your surf experience not only safe, but progress you faster in the water. Our instructors/lifeguards are the best at what they do, love to surf and love to get you surfing too.
Is the water cold? We surf year round on the coast. The ocean can be a little chilly in the winter but you won't be in our rental gear. Our rental fleet is designed to keep you warm in the winter so during summer months you might find yourself shedding gear to stay cooler!! Winter months surf apparel = wetsuit(5-6mm suit), neoprene hood, booties and gloves. Summer months surf apparel = wetsuit(3-4mm suit), neoprene booties optional.
Is surfing dangerous? No, surfing can be very safe so long as you pay attention to weather, ocean conditions and understand the currents. We highly recommend taking lessons if it is your first time in the area. A lesson will teach you surf etiquette, local conditions and help you progress more efficiently and safely. If you choose not to take a lesson, pay attention to the signs at the beaches learn about the currents.
Do I need to be a good swimmer? It is a bonus to be a good swimmer but you will be in a wetsuit that helps with flotation and your surfboard is a giant flotation device. If you are a weak swimmer, take a lesson! Our instructors are highly skilled and certified with their 'Open Ocean' Bronze Cross and First Aid. They can help give you all the confidence you need in the water.
Do you have wetsuits for kids? We have wetsuits for kids ages 2+ so the whole family can stay warm playing at the beach.
Should we take a Surf Lesson? We strongly recommend taking a lesson, especially if it is your first time surfing, or first time surfing in the area. Our lessons are designed to be student centered, to make your surf experience not only safe, but progress you faster in the water. Our instructors/lifeguards are the best at what they do, love to surf and love to get you surfing too.
Other Questions
Where is Ucluelet? Ucluelet sits on the West Coast of Vancouver Island just south of Long Beach and Tofino. Ucluelet sits the same proximity to Long Beach as Tofino but is also the gateway to Barkley sound, home to the broken group islands and many other coastal gems. It has been long considered the quainter version of Tofino with more local residents but not as crazy as its sister town during summer months. Access to the surf beaches and beautiful paddling destinations is easy and it is known as being the home of the Ucluelet Mini Aquarium (not so little anymore and a must see for all visitors to the coast) as well as the Wild Pacific Trail, the longest and most beautiful of its kind in the area.
Where is Ucluelet? Ucluelet sits on the West Coast of Vancouver Island just south of Long Beach and Tofino. Ucluelet sits the same proximity to Long Beach as Tofino but is also the gateway to Barkley sound, home to the broken group islands and many other coastal gems. It has been long considered the quainter version of Tofino with more local residents but not as crazy as its sister town during summer months. Access to the surf beaches and beautiful paddling destinations is easy and it is known as being the home of the Ucluelet Mini Aquarium (not so little anymore and a must see for all visitors to the coast) as well as the Wild Pacific Trail, the longest and most beautiful of its kind in the area.
How do we get to Ucluelet?
Bus:
You can hook up with Tofino bus in many locations- Victoria, Nanaimo, Vancouver Ferries......which will take you directly to Ucluelet. www.tofinobus.com
Drive:
From Vancouver:
You must take a ferry if driving from Vancouver. There are two ferries options, Tsawwassan Ferry Terminal and Horseshoe Bay Terminal. Both are close in proximity to downtown Vancouver. If you are travelling from the Whistler direction or in North/West Vancouver, take the Horseshoe Bay Ferry(less than 2hr ferry ride). If you are travelling from the airport or southern Vancouver, take the Tsawwassan Ferry(just over 2hr ferry ride). Both ferries will take you to Nanaimo and lead you to HWY 19A.
From Nanaimo:
Driving time from Nanaimo is just over 2hrs and is an amazing scenic drive with many great places to stop along the way. Both Coombs and Port Alberni offer a good selection of places to eat right on the highway.
Drive north on Hwy 19A from Nanaimo for approximately 25 minutes until you see the exit signs for Port Alberni and HWY 4.
Highway 4 is the connector from the east side of the island and leads to the junction on the west coast for Ucluelet and Tofino. At the junction, take a left and 11km of beautiful winding road will lead you directly into town.
From Victoria:
Driving time from Victoria is approximately 4hrs. Drive north on the 19A, to Nanaimo, follow directions from Nanaimo
Bus:
You can hook up with Tofino bus in many locations- Victoria, Nanaimo, Vancouver Ferries......which will take you directly to Ucluelet. www.tofinobus.com
Drive:
From Vancouver:
You must take a ferry if driving from Vancouver. There are two ferries options, Tsawwassan Ferry Terminal and Horseshoe Bay Terminal. Both are close in proximity to downtown Vancouver. If you are travelling from the Whistler direction or in North/West Vancouver, take the Horseshoe Bay Ferry(less than 2hr ferry ride). If you are travelling from the airport or southern Vancouver, take the Tsawwassan Ferry(just over 2hr ferry ride). Both ferries will take you to Nanaimo and lead you to HWY 19A.
From Nanaimo:
Driving time from Nanaimo is just over 2hrs and is an amazing scenic drive with many great places to stop along the way. Both Coombs and Port Alberni offer a good selection of places to eat right on the highway.
Drive north on Hwy 19A from Nanaimo for approximately 25 minutes until you see the exit signs for Port Alberni and HWY 4.
Highway 4 is the connector from the east side of the island and leads to the junction on the west coast for Ucluelet and Tofino. At the junction, take a left and 11km of beautiful winding road will lead you directly into town.
From Victoria:
Driving time from Victoria is approximately 4hrs. Drive north on the 19A, to Nanaimo, follow directions from Nanaimo
Where can we stay?
Surfs Inn Backpackers and Rainforest Cottages ~ 1998 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet ~ surfsinn@hotmail.com ~ 250 726 4426 ~ www.surfsinn.ca
Ukees favorite accommodations offering everything from Luxury Rainforest Cottages to Dorm beds all at incredible rates n a great location.
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort ~ 596 Marine Drive, Ucluelet ~ 250 726 4800 ~ www.blackrockresort.com
Beautiful Waterfront Resort located on the rugged rocky shores of Ukee directly on the Wild Pacific Trail. In house Restaurant and Lounge Bar
Surfs Inn Backpackers and Rainforest Cottages ~ 1998 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet ~ surfsinn@hotmail.com ~ 250 726 4426 ~ www.surfsinn.ca
Ukees favorite accommodations offering everything from Luxury Rainforest Cottages to Dorm beds all at incredible rates n a great location.
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort ~ 596 Marine Drive, Ucluelet ~ 250 726 4800 ~ www.blackrockresort.com
Beautiful Waterfront Resort located on the rugged rocky shores of Ukee directly on the Wild Pacific Trail. In house Restaurant and Lounge Bar