Gear

Boards, wetsuits, booties and gloves are available for purchase or rent. You'll find surf shops from Errington right up to Tofino. They all really know their stuff so ask lots of questions and be sure you're set up right. With the exception of a few holidays, and other days you wouldn't want to be out anyway, all your gear is available at the shops all the time.

Lessons

Tofino has many choices when it comes to surf schools. The instructors out here live in the water, many having grown up on the coast. Whether you're learning alone with family or friends, they'll do everything they can to get you vertical in the waves. Be sure to plan ahead and phone first to ensure availability.

Etiquette

• Do not paddle out to a break that is beyond your ability. (Learning to surf at Jordan River in the winter is a bad idea).
• When paddling out and confronted with a wave hovering overhead don't ditch your board! Hold onto it and learn how to duck dive.
• When you have paddled out and made it to the line up, taking the 1st wave you see is poor etiquette. Remember there is a line up of sorts.
• Smile, ask questions, take some time to look around and see where the take off spots are and where the best places to paddle are at.
• Respect the locals: they have a lot of knowledge of the waves and the beaches in that particular area. If you paddle out with an attitude that is what you will get back.
• Don't paddle around someone who is in position to catch a wave by paddling further out or further inside. They are in position set up for the next wave.
• The most important thing that we can all bring with us to a surf session is our common sense. Without the understanding of some simple guidelines it will only be a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt!