Surfing & Kite Surfing

For those who have paddled only in sheltered passages, sea kayaking along the outside waters of Vancouver Island is another world; one where you go big or go home. However, if you pick your time, particularly in summer months, you’ll find that the Pacific can be as well behaved as a sleeping giant.

The 37-mile (60-km) ocean route between Sooke and Port Renfrew, with its string of beaches to touch on can be paddled in a lengthy summer day. Of course, you don’t have to do the entire length of this coast to enjoy an outing, nor do you have to paddle it in one day as you can camp ashore along the way. Pick your launch locations, such as from French Beach, one of the few beaches where you can drive to within a short distance of a launch site. Two other good locations include Jordan Riverand Pacheedaht Beach in Port San Juan (Port Renfrew).

Jordan River

Jordan River is located on the West Coast Road on southern Vancouver Island, halfway between Sooke and Port Renfrew, approximately 38 miles (60 km) northwest of Victoria.

Although the epicentre of surfing on Vancouver Island is in Tofino, there is a hard-core clique of riders centered in Jordan River. Storms originating in the Gulf of Alaska generate most of the tastier surf that lashes British Columbia’s coast from late September through March.

Learn more about Jordan River

Sombrio Beach

Sombrio Beach is a hidden gem for surfers and less crowded than Jordan River; more private and inviting too. Sombrio Beach is only a 15 minute hike from the parking lot. Once at the beach, look for the hidden waterfall, unless someone tells you about it, you could easily miss it and never know it was there, despite it being so close. Click below to learn more.

Learn more about Sombrio Beach

Pacheedaht Beach

Pacheedaht Beach is located on the First Nation reserve in Port Renfrew, near the beginning of the West Coast Trail. This 2 km beach is a popular place for campers and beach lovers. The sandy beach with its mass of driftwood (and logs) is a delight for dogs playing catch in the water.

In the winter months, Pacheedaht Beach is good for surfing as well. It’s exposed beach break has fairly consistent surf Offshore winds blow from the northeast. Windswells and groundswells in equal measure and the ideal swell direction is from the west. The beach breaks offer lefts and rights. Rarely crowded here. Dangerous rips are a hazard of surfing here

Learn more about Pacheedah Beach