Tofino: The Greatest Little Northwest Surf Spot

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Waves, surfing and shooting the boot

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Recently I have discovered that place which poets adore and singers sing; a place of relaxation and discovery.  Tofino is a small town on the West coast of Vancouver Island in British Colombia Canada.  It is a town that is becoming widely known for its surfing and nature.  Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Rim National Park Tofino creates an atmosphere of quiet beauty and respite.

Surfing is an activity that I had not done until this June during my first trip to this picturesque seaside town.  While I love sports in general I was overcome by that giddy little boy that lives inside all of us but only comes out to play during those special few instances of true happiness.  All I can do when I wade out into the surf is giggle as the waves start to hit me.  I will be a surfer for life.

Tofino offers great surfing for both the new and the experienced.  It can also be as inexpensive as $40 per day.  There are a number of great surf shops in the town that offer lessons, rentals and good deals on surfing gear including Storm (my personal favorite), Surf Sister (for both guys and girls), and the Long Beach Surf co.  There is also an abundance of cheap accomodations.  You can camp at a number of campsites including Greenpoint which is the provincial campground, Bella Pacifica and Crystal Cove for about $40 per night during the tourist months and $28 per night for a site during the offseason.  There are also worldclass resorts including the Wickanish Inn and Crystal Cove that can get pricey if you want them to.  Hotels will run you anywhere from about $100 per night and upwards for two people and many places are dog friendly.

I urge all those who are caught in their daily corporate routines to take some time to explore this great little spot.  It can change your life.  If you live somewhere there are waves, surfing is one of the most amazing ways to gain perspective as the ocean reminds us of our place in the world and you contemplate life while waiting for waves.