Are you ready for an adventure?

Summer is BC is traditionally the time for all water sports and activities. And, or course there are lots of place to get a quality bathing suit for recreational swimming. Swimco at Willowbrook Shopping Centre would be my “go to” place to find the perfect suit. Especially because they have the “Miracle Suit” and I need a miracle! LOL!

But there are other water sports that need more specialized suits. If you are a board surfer or windsurfer in these Canadian waters I would recommend wearing a wetsuit because the water is COLD! Jericho Beach is a great place where beginners can rent windsurfers and take lessons. For more advanced windsurfers and kite boarders, Acadia Beach and Spanish Banks are the “in” places where awesome wave heights can reach over 2 meters. And if you really want a serious challenge, Squamish offers some of Canada’s best windsurfing with strong thermal winds that blow down the valley.

For regular board surfing, Tofino is the undisputed surfing capital of Canada! Around Tofino gnarly waves build up steam travelling uninterrupted all the way from Japan. Hard to believe isn’t it! The surf culture has been growing in Tofino since the 1960s (been there, done that) but thanks to its island location and icy, freezing cold water it still has an off-the-beaten-track feel. The best beach for beginners is Chesterman Beach where the waves are bath-tub friendly. However, you’ve got to keep in mind… these are NOT the warm balmy waters of Hawaii! I’ve don’t both in my youth and the cold water definitely creates more of a challenge. Besides needing a strong core, stamina and good balance, the cold water can really sap your strength. so as far as I’m concerned, even on the sunniest, hottest day, a wetsuit is a must for a salty surfer at Tofino who wants to shred the waves.

I was surprised to see that Mountain Warehouse at Willowbrook Shopping Centre carries a good variety of Full Wetsuits and Shorty Wetsuits (for men, women and children). Both types of wetsuits are designed in neoprene fabric for full flexibility and a contoured fit for ultimate insulation (so important), while the flat seams and close fit provide extra comfort. Perfect for your next watersport adventure!

They also sell rash guards. Rash guards are tops designed to provide protection from the sun or increase comfort as an extra later under a wetsuit. Perfect for surfing or swimming, they are available with long or short sleeves. They are a practical, lightweight sun-protection top. The fabric has a UPF 50+ and is quick drying making it ideal to wear under a wetsuit. My recommendation is to double it up and wear both. That way you can ride some radical waves in relative comfort. So get yourself “geared up” and go off and have an adventure. You only live once… and everyone should try surfing at least once in their life. It took me a whole year in Hawaii (at 19) but even an uncoordinated non-athlete like myself eventually got the hang of it (lol) and was able to “hang ten” all the way in! Woohoo! It felt spectacular!