Kowabunga!! On May 15th, Innovative Fitness Kitsilano embarked on our third annual surf and yoga trip to the island where we basked in the amazing waves and beautiful scenery of Tofino.
The excitement started to mount on Friday as we piled into our 15 person van and two cars, antsy about hitting the waves. After a few minor bumps in the road and a beautiful ferry ride, we made our way along the dark and windy road to Ocean Village Resort on scenic Mackenzie Beach. Early the next morning, the ladies at Surf Sister provided us with a group lesson to get everybody on their feet. After a lengthy session, we headed over to Tacofino for a satisfying lunch and then it was back to the beach… Not to surf, but to hike! Having received a tip from one of our instructors, we decided to investigate. Sometimes, going on a whim proves to be the most rewarding experience. After a muddy and very vertical hike, we came out onto an incredible view of Cox Bay and the many beaches lining the Tofino coastline. Back at the cabins, we were provided with an incredible home cooked meal of fresh salmon and grilled vegetables. The night ended with a surprise cake made of frozen waffles, whipped cream, and Nutella to celebrate a coach’s birthday!
The next day started early with a circuit style beach workout that took no mercy on our already pining bodies. Though we were feeling the aches of our overused paddling muscles, the ‘hair of the dog’ seemed to help loosen up our joints. A big home-cooked breakfast gave us the fuel we needed for what was by all definitions of the phrase, a beach day. After stocking up on supplies we set up shop again on the beach at Cox Bay. The sun was just beginning to poke through the clouds and the surf was big – real big – a perfect setting for a perfect day. After many many hours of surfing, Frisbee, and basking in the sun, the crew headed back to Ocean Village where Coastal Bliss Yoga was waiting for us. Setting up our mats right in sand, this evening yoga session was the perfect way to wrap up the days activities. Together we shared another quality meal of grilled chicken and Greek salad then finished the evening off at a bonfire on the beach – luckily we had a few friendly neighbours willing to share the warmth with 20 strangers.
Monday morning saw an exhausted crew and despite the eagerness to get out in the waves one last time, the conditions were not in our favour for a morning surf. After a quick pancake breakfast we returned our rentals and once again piled into the van for the ride home. We were truly blessed to be invited for a pit stop at a member’s beautiful cabin on Sproat Lake. This was the ideal ending to the trip. One refreshing swim and a couple brisket tacos later, we were back in the van for the ride to Vancouver.
A huge thank you to everyone who made it out to this trip and made it a success! It was so much fun and so inspiring to see all the first time surfers challenging themselves and having a blast doing so.
Michael Chong
Professional Training Coach
Innovative Fitness Kitsilano
