Well this is Tofino, so September – like every other month of the calendar year – is for surfers and non-surfers alike. But if you’re partial to sliding along traveling bands of oceanic energy, then September is arguably the best month to do it out here. The Pacific “wakes up” and provides glimpses of her more powerful, wintery self.
And what better way to celebrate the return of the waves than by coming together for a great cause?
Surf’s Up for Autism
On Saturday, September 12th, we’ll host one of our favourite events of the year. For more than a decade now, the SUPA Society has partnered with Long Beach Lodge and other local businesses to organize a day in the surf dedicated to children and families living with Autism.
According to the website through which you can donate to the cause, “SUPA Society was established in 2012 by Dennis Nerpio and Rip Curl Canada, originally as an event called Surf’s Up. The premise was to offer a unique experience for children and families who face the ongoing challenges of living with Autism.”
Based on the Nerpio family’s experience, the event has grown over the years and registration fills up shortly after it opens. Local surf instructors from LBL and other local surf schools work together with specialized Autism Therapists to create an unforgettable day in the surf.
“Everyone chips in a little bit,” says Chance McCullough, head of Long Beach Lodge’s Surf Club. “It definitely takes a community to run an event like this, but it’s such a rewarding event. And for us, spending one day in the life of these families really puts life into perspective.”
“Just seeing how appreciative they are of that free and safe space, it’s pretty touching.”
Check out this video to learn more.
Screenshot
September Sessions
While it’s great to honour the return of our fall surf season with a community-powered event, September is special for freesurfers as well.
“September is a great month because we’ve got good winds and good systems coming through the North Pacific,” says Chance. “My favourite thing about September though is the fact that there are fewer crowds. And when we do get larger swell, what that does is it opens up more beaches (like North Chesterman). So quite often you can find a peak to yourself.”
We call it a reawakening. But to be fair, the ocean never truly sleeps around here. Cox Bay – the beach on which Long Beach Lodge is located – has waves 365ish days a year. But aside from a few stronger summer pulses, the waves are generally pretty gentle through July and August. Come September though, The Pacific cranks things up a few notches (and a few more each month leading up to winter).
Come stay with us at Long Beach Lodge to ensure that you’re in the heart of all that action.
