There’s a certain kind of magic to surfing in British Columbia. Maybe it’s the contrast of raw coastline against clean lines, freezing water paired with warm camaraderie. Or maybe it’s the sheer unpredictability of the Pacific Northwest conditions. Either way, when a decent window opens, you go. Recently, I packed the essentials and jumped on a boat with Pete Devries, Reed Platenius, and Curtis Parker to explore the outer edges of Vancouver Island’s coastline. What followed was three days of perfect weather, fun surf, and the kind of moments that remind you why you chase waves in Canada in the first place.
The trip kicked off with what can only be described as Canada’s most infamous slab — a wave that breaks over a shallow, dry reef. Pete and Reed made the most of it, threading tight pockets, while Curtis was more selective and ended up snagging the wave of the day. It was the kind of session you dream about after watching storm after storm roll through all winter.
The next morning started with glass. That rare, still moment when everything goes quiet, except for the ocean. Wave after wave lined up down the point, peeling with just enough punch to keep everyone frothing. Toward the end of the session, a killer whale surfaced near the lineup. No urgency — just a slow, steady cruise, like it was watching us from a distance. Our final day took us to a remote headland we’d been hopping for, a wave that rarely gets good, and even more rarely works with no one around. That morning, it did both. The wave itself looked like a colder, shorter version of J-Bay: fast and down-the-line, with the perfect pace for carving turns and linking sections. We surfed it alone under blue skies, grateful for the solitude and the kind of surf you usually need a plane ticket to find.
Trips like this don’t come around often. They take planning, luck, and a willingness to get uncomfortable. But when it all comes together, it’s pure gold. Having boat access — thanks to Nootka Wilderness Lodge — opened the door to a stretch of coastline few ever see, and even fewer get to surf. These are the kinds of adventures that define surf culture on Vancouver Island. Quiet, wild, and deeply rewarding. No crowds. Just waves, friends, and a deep appreciation for the place we call home.
See more from photographer Marcus Paladino on his Instagram page.
