By Erin Linn McMullan

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Winter swell on the west coast has made it a surf mecca from Australian pro surfer Julian Wilson to actor Chris Hemsworth, and a training ground for surf competitors like Pete Devries, Tofino’s O’Neill Coldwater Classic champion, the Bruhwilers, Canada’s first family of surfers, Reed Platnenius, the Olin sisters, Mathea who competed in the Pan American Games and Sanoa, Canada’s first surfer to compete in the Olympics, and Reed Platenius, winner of the North American Pro Jr. title.

Named by Outside Magazine as North America’s Best Surf Town, Načiks (Tofino) is within the Ḥaaḥuułi of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ Ḥawiiḥ, and its Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks. With storm season’s big waves, king tides, and powerful currents, be coast smart, go with an experienced guide and rely on local knowledge to forecast conditions. Warm winter gear is essential.

Coastal Shred Academy shares that while Tofino sees bigger and more consistent swells from October to April, popular spots like Cox Bay and Long Beach can often be too big or “washed out,” especially for beginners. Luckily, Tofino offers a range of surf breaks that cater to all skill levels, depending on swell direction, size, and tides.

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Here are 5 local breaks to consider:

TINWIS (MACKENZIE BEACH)

• Back in 2010, when the first wintry day of the O’Neill Coldwater Classic was postponed – with waves upwards of 20 ft. on Cox Bay and it seemed near-impossible to make it out back – competitor Julian Wilson took refuge surfing tinwis (pronounced tin-u-wis, aka MacKenzie Beach), which means “calm waters”. For Julian, who grew up on the Sunshine Coast in Australia, sponsored since he was nine years of age, it was his first time wearing gloves and a hood. His first time anywhere this cold to surf. “I’m excited about this place. I didn’t think it would be that easy to surf in all that rubber.” [1]

Onsite at oceanfront Tin Wis Resort, an Original Original and Authentic Indigenous, Allied partner Tofino Paddle Surf operates beachfront lessons and rentals. Here, the outer reefs provide a buffer from huge winter swells making perfect conditions for surfing and boogie boarding, along with sessions at North Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay when the swell isn’t too big.

Learn more about your winter surf options Here.

NORTH CHESTERMAN

• North Chesterman Beach Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers. Swell: Works best with a west/northwest swell. Tide: Best on a mid-tide. Notes: More powerful and punchier waves than South Chesterman. Offers more challenging conditions, good quality waves, and steeper take-offs.

Preview surf conditions on a live ocean cam Here.

SOUTH CHESTERMAN

• South Chesterman Beach Best for: Beginners to intermediate surfers. Swell: Picks up more south swells. Tide: Best around mid- to low-tide. Notes: Generally, more mellow and forgiving waves, more beginner friendly.

Preview surf conditions on a live ocean cam Here.

Č ̓AḤAYIS (COX BAY)

• Often challenging in winter, Č ̓aḥayis (Cox Bay) also offers a great vantage point for watching gigantic waves roll in.

Preview surf conditions on a live ocean cam Here.

ƛAAKAŠIIS (TONQUIN BEACH)   

• Tonquin Beach Best for: Intermediate surfers. Swell: Works best with a northwest or north swell. Tide: Best on a mid-tide. Notes: This is a novelty break. A bit more tucked away and less consistent but can offer fun waves with the right combo of swell and tide.

Watch video of a winter session Here.

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[1] “Finding your comfort zone: Interview with Australian surfer Julian Wilson” by Erin Linn McMullan westcoaster.ca.