October showcases stand up paddle board surfing
Multiple SUP events planned in and around Tofino, B.C.Stand up paddlers will have no shortage of company in October as Tofino, B.C. hosts weekend workshops and an annual competition.
Stand Up paddle board surfing for beginners to professionals
The inaugural West Coast SUP Symposium takes place in Tofino, B.C., Oct. 2-4. The weekend kicks off Friday evening at 6:00 pm with introductions, a chance to sign up for clinics and a beach fire at Bella Pacifica Campground.
On Saturday, starting at 9:00 a.m., the day starts with the choice of two sessions for people new to the sport. Later that day, from 1:00 -2:00 p.m., experienced paddlers wanting to become professional instructors can participate in a Paddle Canada info session that looks at best practices, new teaching techniques and a review of the standards for skill levels.
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At 2 p.m., proficient paddlers can learn advanced flatwater skills from champion racer Lina Augaitis in one of two options. The other choice is tidal current navigation.
On Sunday, the day begins with a group surf for beginners and experienced paddlers. The session will be videoed and feedback provided.
At 12:30 p.m., a four-and-a-half hour tour with a First Nations guide and marine biologist will give participating paddlers a unique perspective on old growth rainforests and the Meares Island marine ecosystem. The tour includes a hike along the island’s Big Tree Trail.
If you want to take part in the symposium, you’ll need to bring gear and book your own Tofino accommodation as the $75 entry fee only covers the activities, evening events and door prizes.
Safety and etiquette
Paddle surfers will have another chance to develop their skills Oct. 16-18, when Tofino Paddle Surf's Catherine Bruhwiler and Paddle Canada instructors Norm Hann and Mike Darbyshire offer their fall Tofino Coastal Surf Weekend.
The three-day course is designed to introduce paddlers to the ocean environment and stand up paddle surfing with the focus on safety, etiquette, paddling technique and catching your first ride, says the description offered by TourismTofino.com.
“We take you from catching your first wave on a SUP to understanding the subtleties of surf etiquette, swell forecasting and critical thinking in a dynamic ocean environment.”
Pros put on a show
On Oct. 23-25, some of the top stand up paddlers from Canada and around the world will converge on the West Coast resort town to compete at the second annual Tofino Paddle Surf SUP Invitational.
The event is sanctioned as the official Canadian Surfing Associations Qualifying Event, offering paddlers the chance to earn a berth in the 2016 ISA World SUP Games.
If you’re interested in participating, volunteering or sponsoring the event, contact contest@tofinopaddlesurf.com.
For more Information, on the competition, got to tofinopaddlesurf.com
