FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Tofino Paddle Surf is conveniently located right on Tin Wis Beach at the Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort, just minutes from downtown Tofino and the area’s other surf beaches. Our beachfront location means you can check in, get geared up, and head straight to the water for your lesson or rental.

Yes! We’re located directly on Tin Wis Beach, so there’s no need to transport equipment. Simply check in at our shop, get fitted with your gear, and you’re only steps away from the water. If you’d like to explore another beach, we’re happy to recommend the best beach conditions and beach and provide free surfboard straps for transporting your gear. We’ll even show you how to use them—they work on virtually every vehicle.

We highly recommend booking in advance, especially during the busy summer months. While we occasionally have last-minute availability, reserving ahead is the best way to secure your preferred date and time.

Yes! Same-day rentals are available, subject to equipment availability. During peak season, we recommend booking as the best way to secure your preferred date and time.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, water bottle, sunscreen, and a warm change of clothes for afterward. We’ll provide the surfboard, wetsuit, and all the equipment you need for your lesson.

Wear a swimsuit under your wetsuit and dress for the weather before and after your lesson. We provide quality wetsuits to keep you warm and comfortable and appropriate for Tofino’s ocean conditions.

Yes! Every Tofino Paddle Surf lesson includes a quality wetsuit and all the equipment you’ll need. Just bring your swimsuit, towel, and sense of adventure.

Absolutely. We rent wetsuits in a full range of sizes for adults and children from infant sizes through adult XXL. Whether you’re surfing, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying the beach, we’ve got you covered. Boots, gloves, and hoods are included whenever conditions require them.

Yes! We carry a variety of child-sized wetsuits, surfboards, paddleboards, and other equipment to help young adventurers enjoy the water safely and comfortably. We rent wetsuits in a full range of sizes for adults and children from infant sizes through adult XXL.

Absolutely! Surfing is a fantastic family activity. We teach children of many ages and tailor each lesson to their experience, confidence, and abilities. For bookings with multiple children aged 12 and under, we require additional instructors to maintain a safe student-to-instructor ratio.

Absolutely! We love seeing dogs out on the water, and we have a few stand up paddleboards specifically designed for paddling with your dog. They’re extra stable, making them a great choice for both you and your furry friend. As with all rentals, we’ll provide a safety briefing before you head out. We also have a limited number of dog personal flotation devices (PFDs) available to borrow on a firstcome, first-served basis.

Yes! We offer rentals from a few hours to multiple days. Multi-day rentals are always discounted and are a great option if you’re planning several days of surfing or paddleboarding while visiting Tofino.

Yes! At Tofino Paddle Surf, we specialize in private surf lessons for individuals, couples, families, and groups. Private instruction allows us to tailor each lesson to your goals, experience, and learning pace. All gear is included in all lessons.

Our beginner surf lessons take place at Tin Wis Beach, Chestermans Beach, or Cox Bay (5 mins from our location at Tin Wis Beach) depending on the day’s conditions. We choose the best location to provide the safest and most enjoyable learning experience. We transport all the gear for you if we are heading to Cox Bay or Chestermans Beach.

Tin Wis Beach, Chesterman Beach, and Cox Bay all offer excellent beginner conditions. We choose the best beach each day based on the surf, wind, tides, and your experience level.

Not at all! Our lessons are designed for complete beginners as well as those looking to improve their skills. We’ll teach you everything you need to know, from ocean safety and equipment to catching your first waves and learning how to stand up. Our goal is to give you the skills and confidence to rent equipment and continue practicing on your own. Prebook rentals alongside your surf lesson and enjoy a 15% discount.

Absolutely! Most of our guests are trying surfing for the very first time. Our experienced instructors will guide you through every step, helping you build confidence while having fun in a safe and supportive environment.

Yes. Every rental includes a safety briefing before you head out. We’ll cover equipment use, local conditions, recommended paddling or surfing areas, and important safety information to help you have a fun and safe experience on the water. Have questions about paddling, surfing, or local conditions? Just ask—we’re always happy to help.

Wave sizes in Tofino vary from day to day depending on the swell, wind, and tides. On beginner days, the waves are often knee to waist high, while larger swells can produce waves well overhead at more advanced surf breaks. We choose the best beach and conditions for your experience level, so whether it’s your very first lesson or you’re looking to improve your surfing, we’ll help you find the right waves for a fun and safe session.

Yes! There is plenty of free parking available right at Tin Wis Beach. Once you’ve parked, our shop is just a short walk away and only steps from the water. If you’re heading to another surf beach with your rental, we’ll provide free surfboard straps and show you how to transport your equipment safely and can make recommendations on where to go.

Absolutely! In fact, surfing in the rain can be a lot of fun. Rain doesn’t affect the waves, and Tofino often has great surf during rainy weather. Our quality wetsuits are designed to keep you warm and comfortable, so don’t let a little rain stop you from getting out there – if anything, surfing is the most perfect way to get outside on a gray or rainy day and have fun!

The ocean in Tofino stays cool year-round, typically ranging from about 8°C (46°F) on the coldest winter day to 16°C (61°F) and above in summer. That’s why we provide warm, high-quality wetsuits with our lessons and rentals to keep you comfortable in all seasons. Boots, gloves and hoods are all included in the pricing. In the summer most people don’t wear boots, hoods and gloves, but a wetsuit is always necessary

Yes, sharks live off the coast of British Columbia, just as they do in most oceans around the world. However, shark encounters with surfers are none existent in the Tofino area. Thousands of people surf here every day and every year, and surfing is considered a safe and popular activity for visitors of all ages.

There’s no perfect age to learn! We teach children, teens, and adults, and it’s never too late to start. Our instructors tailor each lesson to your age, experience, confidence, and goals. Whether you’re 6 or 60, we’ll help you have a fun, safe, and successful first surfing experience.

Surfing is great year-round in Tofino, and every season has something to offer. Tofino is one of the few places you can surf 365 days a year no matter your skill level. Depending on which beach you go to, the swell and winds are always right somewhere! Although there are waves for all surfing skill levels year round, Summer is perfect for beginners with warmer weather and smaller waves, while fall and winter often bring larger swells at some beaches for more experienced surfers. Spring offers a great balance of fun waves and fewer crowds. We offer lessons, guided sessions and rentals throughout the surf season and choose the best beach and conditions for your experience level.

• July & August: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. or later!
• September:  10 a.m. – 5 or 6 p.m.
• October to March:  10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• March to June:  10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Our cancellation policy depends on which type of activity you have reserved. Please see our Terms & Conditions page for details.

We get this one a lot. It’s the abbreviation for Stand Up Paddle that has become a very popular way to refer to the sport and the boards. So expect to hear lots of “I love SUP’ing!” “Can I rent a SUP?” “I want to try SUP Surfing”.

No. Paddle boarding is a very user-friendly sport that can be fun for everyone, regardless of age, size or fitness level. It is much easier than surfing so is great for those who want to get out on the water for a gentler experience. Whether you’re taking a lesson or renting a board from us, we will answer any questions you may have. We will help you feel at ease with all the equipment and you will receive a full safety briefing from one of our patient and knowledgeable guides before heading out. Take a lesson and you’ll be set up to do it anywhere in the world, know about the gear, safety and the skills you need to have success and learn more.

Check out our You Tube Channel for a short video on how to size your paddle.

Yes. We have the largest variety of surf and standup paddle boards in Tofino which are suitable for all body sizes, skill levels and types of paddle boarding. We also have boogie boards and wetsuits in all sizes.

We pride ourselves on helping every customer achieve this goal and have the best possible paddle boarding experience whether you are simply renting equipment or taking a lesson with us. Every lesson, tour and rental includes a full safety briefing, we can give you tips, tell you how to transport the gear and where to go if you are leaving for a different beach!

Yes, of course. Paddle boarding with Tofino Paddle Surf is a very safe way to spend the day on the water. The ability to swim usually helps people feel more comfortable but we do have life jackets available for those who want them and the wetsuits help you float a little as well. If you choose to join us on one of our tours or lessons, we can stay close to the shoreline and everyone is attached to their floaty boards by a leash. Both surfboards and paddleboards have leashes. With lessons, a guide is there to help coach you back onto your board if you fall in. Falling in and getting back on your board is a skill taught in every lesson.

With both rentals and lessons, you will receive a safety briefing. With surf lessons, our instructors will be by your side the whole time and you will surf in about waist-deep water where you can touch the sandy bottom the whole time. You will be attached to your board by a leash, keeping a flotation device always within reach.

While we are known as the premier paddle board shop on the West Coast due to our huge and varied equipment selection, we also specialize in surf lessons, rent surfboards, body boards, kayaks, skim boards and wetsuits in every single size. We can also offer you tips, maps and directions to the best locations for you to visit to match your activity choice. We’ll even help you load your equipment! So, no matter what way you are looking to enjoy the ocean and surrounding outdoors in the area, we have all bases covered for you.

Both options are awesome. Every renter gets a full safety briefing and tips covering all the basics on the beach before they head out onto the water. If you want to know more and are really interested in surfing or paddle boarding then we highly suggest you take any one of our instructional tours or lessons. On these paddleboard tours you’ll have access to a fully certified Paddle Canada instructor for two hours while you explore our coast and learn everything you need to know to paddle on your own anywhere you choose. With the surf lessons your instructor will transport the gear to the beach for you and stay by your side while you learn to stay safe and have fun riding waves in the shallows on our sandy beaches.

A lesson is highly recommended for SUP surfing. While no previous paddling experience is required a solid flatwater paddling background or having completed a flatwater paddling lesson are very helpful prerequisites. Although the learning curve is higher than regular surfing, initially SUP surfing can be harder to get the hang of due to the bigger boards. One of our lessons will help you learn to keep yourself up, and others around you safe. You’ll come away with all the knowledge to keep practicing and improving your SUP surfing. With surfing and SUP surfing there is alway more to learn and we offer instruction at all levels. All lessons include all the gear and expert instruction.

• All of our lessons and tours include components of gear education, safety orientation, etiquette guidelines, beach instruction, warm-up and practice on the water. We offer group and private tours for beginners to advanced paddlers. Our instructional tours are all about experiencing the fun and exciting sport of stand up paddle boarding. Ample time is provided for teaching, practicing, and improving technique. For those with more experience, we have guided tours to help you explore all that beautiful Clayoquot Sound has to offer and advanced instruction to help you improve your technique. Tofino Paddle Surf can take you to some of the best spots on Vancouver Island and around the world for stand up paddle boarding.

Our tinwis Beach SUP Tour and Sunset Paddle are both perfect for beginners. Both 2-hour tours offer instruction in SUP basics in calm coastal waters near our beachfront location. It’s the perfect stepping stone to becoming a skilled and experienced paddler, while enjoying the epic scenery from the ocean!

If you want to go out and splash around, enjoy the beach and calm waters while you are in Tofino; you can rent equipment and you’ll have a great time. We will set you up with the most appropriate gear for you and your family, give you a full safety briefing, and give you any tips you like!

For our full rental prices link here. Our most popular SUP rental is the two-hour rental for $35 including board, paddle and lifejacket. Wetsuits are an additional $30 and include all accessories for those two hours.

If you are planning on paddle boarding again, or would like to go elsewhere in the world, know what equipment to rent, know how to stay safe and paddle properly, then a lesson is highly recommended. If you are planning on paddling often, buying your own gear, getting into SUP racing, touring, surfing, or going beyond our rental boundaries, then a lesson is for you! For a little extra over the cost of a suit and SUP rental, you can have a guide that will give you 2 hours of personal instruction.

If you have done basic flatwater SUP instruction before there is always more to learn or consider one of our other awesome adventures such as SUP Surf, Advanced Flatwater SUP Lesson, Westcoast Adventure SUP Tour or a surf lesson!

• When paddling and exploring the flat water zones around Tofino (rivers, lakes, and inlets), we strongly recommend you take a guide or someone in your group who has 10+ years of navigational experience. Also, please note that Transport Canada regulations (enforced by local RCMP) for SUP’ing in the flatwater zones require that every paddler have a PFD, a whistle, and the leader to have a throw-line. Wearing a leash can save lives. A cold water immersion plan is necessary.

We’re incredibly proud to be able to offer you a team of certified, passionate and caring surfers and paddlers. Our local Tofino guides have over 40 years of combined experience in ocean sports, teaching and guiding. To learn more about them, please visit our about page Our Team.

Yes! We can give you a few ideas of where to do that day depending on winds, swell and tide. If you need straps for the car, we can loan you some, free of charge and show you how to use them as well! We often have everything from flat calm water to small fun waves right here at tinwis Beach in front of the shop. If you are looking for bigger waves, we will give you a map and some close by recommendations (the closest surf beach is only 2 minutes away!) If you are taking a SUP away to surf, please make sure to consider the relevant safety precautions.

We do offer private beginner to advanced surf lessons for all ages! (no age is too young!)

Whether it’s your first time or you need some tips to break through to the next level, we can help.

Tofino Paddle Surf is dedicated to exclusively offering private lessons. Our lessons cater to individuals, families or groups looking for more attention and time on the water. From arriving at our shop (with loads of parking) until the end of the lesson, you will receive one on one attention from your instructor. The lesson is tailored to you and your surfing experience with no need for the generic instruction and chaos of big group lessons

Our instructors are passionate about surfing and experienced with teaching all levels and ages.

We recommend booking these lessons in advance. If you have more than 6 people in your group, please contact us directly as discounted rates apply.

Link here for pricing and more info on our Surf Lessons and Surf Coaching (including online coaching services!).

Mostly in the winter. In the summer the southern end of tinwis Beach is like a lake, with a little wind chop sometimes or some slight ocean swell. It’s the perfect place to paddle! Tin Wis Beach is in a sheltered bay that only ever sees waves in the winter with the bigger swells and usually has some smaller fun waves for SUP or surfing at the far northern end of the bay. If you are looking for bigger waves, we will give you a map and some close by recommendations. All the other surf beaches are within a 3-minute drive from our shop.

Water temperatures range from 49 F – 57 F degrees (9 C – 14 C) during the spring and early summertime in Tofino. Wetsuits work really well and they do keep you warm in the water! We do have warmer wetsuits for surfing or paddling and some thinner ones for the warmer days too.

Check out our You Tube Channel for a quick video on how to put your wetsuit on.

• Wetsuits (and all equipment) are included in the price for all the tours and lessons. Wetsuits are not included in the price for rentals.

• We have suits in all sizes from the smallest to the biggest. Wetsuits are $30 for two hours or $35 for 24hrs. Boots, gloves and hoods are included. If you rent a wetsuit for 2 days or longer, multi-day discounts apply.

  Check out our You Tube Channel for a quick video on how to put your wetsuit on.

• We have suits in all sizes from the smallest to the biggest. Our smallest kids suit fits some 3 year olds and size XXXL is the biggest. Wetsuits are also very stretchy!  Wetsuits are $30 for two hour or $35 for 24hrs and it include boots, gloves and hoods. If you rent a wetsuit for 2 days or longer, multi-day discounts apply.

• Check out our You Tube Channel for a quick video on how to put your wetsuit on.

This is entirely up to you. You may fall in and you will wade in waist deep before jumping on your board. We usually recommend it as the water temperature around Tofino is always cold (12 -15 degrees). On summer days a wetsuit still allows people to feel comfortable with falling or jumping in the water, which, in our opinion, is more fun. If you opt for no wetsuit, bring a towel and change of clothing down to the beach with you as you will want to warm up before heading back out again. All our lessons and tours include wetsuits, accessories and boards. The wetsuits work really well and they do keep you warm in the water any time of year!

Check out our You Tube Channel for a quick video on how to put your wetsuit on.

Sunscreen, bathing suit, towel, straps for your glasses or sunglasses, a sun hat, a warmer hat if the weather is cool (wool or neoprene is great, but we do provide wetsuits hoods if needed), a windbreaker for cooler weather (can be worn over your wetsuit) and a gratuity for your guide.

If you wear glasses: Contact lenses are highly recommended for surfing/SUP surfing lessons or rentals. Surfers often wear contact lenses and keep their eyes shut when they are under the water or waves are splashing their faces. Glasses will be lost, broken or a potential hazard.

Currently there are no public bathrooms onsite, but at within a 3-minute walk there is a public beach toilet and sink. Read your online booking confirmation emails carefully for more info.

We will meet at our Surf Shop (located right at the beach!) at the Best Western Tin Wis Resort on tinwis Beach in Tofino. Please click here to see more information about how to find us. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to sign waivers and get into your wetsuit.

Once you have booked any of our activities you will receive a confirmation email with all the info about what to wear, what to bring, where to come and how early you should arrive.

Yes, we have ample free parking available for you to use in the Tin Wis Best Western parking lot. There is space for RV’s as well.

The District of Tofino has implemented paid parking at the public beach parking lots and parking passes can be bought at the beach. They are very affordable. The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve beaches also charge a parking fee and passes can be bought at the Tofino Info Center or at the parking lots.

We provide you with a wetsuit bag and clothing can be left in the bag on our deck at the shop if you are out for a little while. You can take this with you to the beach or to your car to leave your things in and return your wet gear in. Keep your snacks safe from the crows on the beach (they will open zippers). Please be aware that possessions are left at your own risk. Car keys and wallets can be left behind our desk.

Currently there are no public bathrooms onsite, but within a 3-minute walk there is a public beach toilet and sink. Read your online booking confirmation emails carefully for more info.

We do have dry bags for sale and a few to lend out with rentals, as well as waterproof phone cases. On all our tours and lessons, the guide takes a dry bag with a communication device, first aid kit and a few other essentials and can take a water bottle, hat or phone for you in it.

If you wear glasses or would like to wear sunglasses on the paddle board tours, we recommend you bring a strap for them. For surfing and SUP surfing we do not recommend wearing any kind of glasses. Contact lenses are best and keeping your eyes tightly shut when wiping out usually works for keeping them in.

Yes! Please ask us about this. We live in a beautiful area with endless waterways and waves to explore. But, it is also the big, wild, Pacific Ocean with many things to consider such as currents, tides, wind, weather, wildlife, boating traffic, beginner and expert surfers in the lineups. When paddling and exploring the flat water zones (i.e., lakes, rivers, inlets, channels, harbours etc.) without a guide we highly recommend 10+ years of navigational experience (including chart reading and a waterproof marine radio with a current operator’s licence) and 10+ years of local ocean knowledge. Transport Canada Regulations (enforced by local RCMP) for SUP’ing in the Flatwater zones require that every paddler wears a PFD and a WHISTLE.

If you have any doubts, please speak to us or take advantage of our excellent guided tours and surf lessons to help you explore all that the beautiful Clayoquot Sound wilderness has to offer and advanced instruction to help you improve your techniques. Tofino Paddle Surf can take you to some of the best spots on Vancouver Island and around the world for stand up paddle boarding.

For the kayak and SUP rentals, we do not require any courses or certifications but do give everyone lifejackets and a full safety briefing before heading out. Our kayaks are not equipped for open ocean navigation, so we do have a very large, but strict and defined rental boundary that you must stay within. A 2-hour rental is usually a sufficient amount of time for exploring the area. Due to our cold waters, ever changing ocean environment and open ocean waterways (with many tides, currents and boating traffic), if you would like to go further on the kayaks we highly recommend doing a tour with Tofino Sea Kayaking. Our rentals include the kayak, paddle, life jacket and safety briefing.

Link Here to our You Tube Channel for the Kayak Safety Video.