surfing vancouver - general

[Brad R]

thanks for taking the time to post this. I have wanted to surf A-side for a while now and will give it a shot next time. I usually go to 1001 steps when I am craving a surf but would be nice to stretch my legs to other local spots between trips to the coast. Have you tried that rocky outcropping at point bob?

[Richi]

Thanks Gabriel, nice to see some surf posts... Hopefully you can post some warning forecasts before the next good ambleside session. I'm keen to go out but never know when a good setup is coming up...See you out there soon.

[Gabriel]

There must be other surfing spots, like Point Roberts on SE or Wreck Beach on SW. But north shore has been reliable so far (every couple of weeks). Surf lasts 3 hours then disappears. I check 3 cameras:
.sandy ambleside (good when tide is 6-8feet, the most fun)
http://www.hollyburnsailingclub.ca/webcam.aspx
.dunderave (good when tide 8-12 feet):
http://www.westvancouver.com/webcams/beachhousecam/
new west cam:
http://www.kiteboardbc.com/webcam/westvan/
best computer forecast :
http://www.ikitesurf.com/windandwhere.iws?regionID=133
30+ winds NW in straits help. Halibut bank check before going (0.7+). Tide must come in (not go out). May seem a pain in the ass, but very reliable, no rigging involved (in and out).

[Cam18]

so maybe surfing tomorrow?

[jtorva]

Those pictures are sick!

I'm actually headed to Tofino this weekend for some surfing.

Jordan

[Gabriel]

Yes surfing today. Friday January 3rd. Looks like small waves, glassy and no wind. Tide looks good 13pm-14pm and strait winds going up at that time. It should be OK. But knowing ambleside you never know until the last moment, bigger board would help.

[Craig]

Hello Gabriel,
Please post how the waves were if you go. I am in Squamish and would be interested in getting surf sessions in over the winter....

Thanks, the waves look great in the photos.

Craig.

[Gabriel]

Ok. My surf report today: surf small but bigger sets every 5 minutes.lasted noon-14:30pm. Halibut bank 0.9 (good). There was 1 surfer at pebble ambleside, but the fun was on the east side (capilano river ambleside), there is a soft bank and a wedge forms, kept coming solid for 20 minutes with a nice long lef ride. Key is to harness the energy of every wave into speed, you have to put some muscle into it.
Fun : 8/10
Surf: 6/10

[Richi]

I went out to PR today but was a little late for the wind, probably enough for a 5.3 still but too big a pussy to sail alone. 3 surfers were leaving when I got there because the conditions worsened as the tide went slack. Surprisingly still had a nice 2 1/2 hour sup session right till sunset. The waves were mostly knee to waist high, but the odd set rolled in that was pushing nipple high.
Pretty awesome place since you can come looking for wind and end up paddling or surfing if the wind tanks.

Surf 6/10
Fun 7/10

[Michael]

Hey Richi thanks for the surf report. Glad you scored some waves out there. It was great sailing there today and the surfers also looked like they were having fun. The SUP most have been a blast!