The surf report called for increasing swells, up to 10 feet high by the weekend. The weather forecast fluctuated like blood sugars after a high fat meal. We were in for a little bit of everything for Connected in Motion’s first Surf Camp in Tofino, BC.
Our small group of 8 (mainly newbie) surfers gathered at Whaler’s on the Point Guesthouse in downtown Tofino. More like a lodge than backpackers accommodation the hostels rustic wood interior, large windows overlooking the ocean and a huge stone fireplace surrounded by plush couches welcomed us.
With 16 helping hands, our first dinner was cooked together in the large guesthouse kitchen and enjoyed outside on the patio, family style.
We got to know our surf crew quickly – great storytellers and vivacious personalities sat around our table enjoying local brews and lots of laughs. It wasn’t long however before our weary travelers packed it in for the night, we had a big day on the water ahead.
Under a fine morning drizzle we headed to Cox Bay to meet the crew from Pacific Surf Co (check them out for surf lessons, rentals, awesome swag and super friendly staff). They were easy to spot with their elaborately painted Grumman Cargo Van, complete with sea monsters, surfboards and salty dog sailors. They showed us how to shimmy into our wetsuits, booties, gloves and hoods and how to carry our boards like the pros (Don’t let your leashes drag – a sure sign of a rookie!). We stashed insulin pumps into the neap of our backs or into dry bags and estimated our activity level (HIGH!!), making necessary adjustments before heading to the beach clad like neoprene ninjas.
We heard the ocean before we saw it, waves crashing, thrashing and thundering toward shore. We gained a healthy respect, awareness and understanding of the ocean through an on-shore lesson. Diagrams drawn in the sand helped us to understand the basics of ocean currents, rip tides and wave patterns along with surf etiquette and of course, technique.
After a team blood sugar check it was time to get surfing! The following hours were filled with waves, water and wonder. Glimpses of our crew, all smiles as they stood for the first time amongst the whitewash, surfaced between sets of waves. Hoots and hollers could be heard over the roar of the ocean. The more experienced among us paddled a little further out to catch ‘the big ones!’. Exhilarated and exhausted after a few hours in the ocean, we peeled off our extremely warm wetsuits, and dragged our waterlogged selves back to the hostel for a rest.
The following days were filled with more surf sessions, and as it turned out, sunshine!
We took breaks from the water to dry out – hiking along narrow boardwalks through ancient forests heavily cloaked in moss and ferns, we clambered over giant driftwood logs. Emerging on sprawling beaches we watched bald eagles fish and soar (closely!!) over our heads and marveled at the incoming tides.
Our late afternoons were spent exploring the town of Tofino – we indulged in a trip to Tacofino, the infamous orange food truck, for their legendary fish tacos and hit up the Tofino Brewing Company for a tasting fight of their local brews and a quick tour of the fledgling brewery.
Regardless of where we were, or what we were doing, our conversations always seemed to turn to diabetes. We engaged in highly technical conversations about insulin dosing strategies, new technologies and digestion mechanism over steaming bowls of oatmeal and strong coffee, while standing in salty wetsuits and during surf breaks, sprawled out in the hot sand.
On our last night in Tofino we headed to the beach for a final goodbye to the ocean. With a driftwood bon fire roaring and s’mores roasting, we watched as the sky transitioned from blue through pastel hues to indigo. Reflecting on the weekends’ events and reveling in the never ending flow of stories and tall tales I was amazed, once again, by how quickly a group of strangers, connected by the common bond of diabetes, could come to flow together so seamlessly.
My forecast? Increasing likelihood of future surf camps with a high probability of lasting friendships.
Our Tips for Surfing!
- Go with a Pro (the first time anyways) – the ocean is the real deal. Rip tides, currents and underwater features are constantly changing and can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable. Local knowledge and a certified instructor are the best way to learn the ropes.
- Waterproof your gear! Bring your glucometer, fast acting glucose, snacks and water to the beach in a waterproof dry bag (can be purchased at MEC or other outdoor retailers). You’ll be having too much fun to head all the way back to the car to test.
- Activity Level will be High – Swimming, paddling, thrashing and crashing around in the waves is tough work! Expect your insulin requirements to be less while in the water and afterwards – watch out for adrenaline highs though! Test lots.
- Surf with a Buddy – Being out in the water is so much fun we often get carried away (not literally we hope!) Have someone remind you to head into the beach to test.
- Hydrate! You don’t realize how much you sweat in the water – especially in the wetsuits.
Take frequent breaks for water, snacks and BG checks
