The Surf Window

Long Beach Tofino

British Columbia, Canada

Beach breakIntermediate

The longest beach in Tofino's Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Long Beach stretches for 16km and has the most varied surf conditions in the area, from gentle beginners' waves to powerful storm surf, all in a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)

Wind

E

Offshore

Tide

mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

November

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Variable beach break across a huge stretch, conditions vary enormously along the beach, with more exposure in the north and more shelter in the south

Length

30–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate
  • •Why: The exposed sections of Long Beach bring real Pacific power, intermediate ability needed to navigate the variable conditions.

Hazards

  • •Strong rip currents
  • •Very cold water (8–12°C), 5/4mm wetsuit minimum
  • •Sneaker waves and rogue sets
  • •Black bears occasionally walk the beach at dawn

Local Tips

  • •Park Rangers at Pacific Rim NP provide daily surf reports and beach condition updates, check the visitor centre before paddling out.
  • •The Incinerator Rock area at the north end of Long Beach is the most consistent and powerful section.

Location

Map showing the location of Long Beach Tofino in British Columbia, Canada

49.0633, -125.7828