Innovative Fitness Kitsilano took full advantage of the May long weekend to explore the unknown waters of Tofino. We brought together a group of 5 coaches and 13 IF members for a weekend of surfing & yoga. With our fingers crossed for sunshine, we gathered at the facility Friday afternoon and set off for our adventure. Though we had not all met before, the ferry and long windy drive provided ample time for meet and greet as we distanced ourselves from the city. We arrived just in time for a foggy sunset at Ocean Beach Village Resort and with its rustic A-frame cabins nestled right on Mackenzie Beach, it was the perfect home base for the activities that lie ahead.
Early Saturday morning, the coaches united to prepare a group pre-surf breakfast. It was surprisingly easy to transport and organize surf equipment, rentals and lesson plans for 18 people. People were cooperative and quick at signing their wavers. Long Beach Surf Shop gave us a great deal on wet suits, gloves, boots, boards and even helped us stack boards on our vehicles. Surf Sister led the way to Cox Bay for our two hour surf lesson. Although the skies were gloomy at the start, we were thankful it was not raining as it usually does this time of year in Tofino. Within an hour of “surfees” (think burpees on a surf board) and ocean safety talks, our spirits were lifted even higher when the sun decided to poke its way through the clouds just as we entered the water. Lucky for us the sun did not disappear all weekend!
Given the conditions when we left that morning, no one was prepared for a day at the beach, but once the lesson was over we made the most of the sunny day. Snacks, blankets, coolers and speakers were retrieved from cars and within 30 minutes we were back, leaning against a piece of driftwood on the beach while some tried their hand at yoga, did a beach workout, or played Frisbee.
Fast forward to Saturday evening, our bellies filled with Tacofino’s famous fish tacos; it was time for a yoga class. Coastal Bliss Yoga guided us through a sweaty, challenging yoga flow class. When the group returned from their hour of Zen there was BBQ chicken and salads awaiting them at a communal table. After a delicious family style meal we headed in to town to see a local band at the community centre and hang with more IF friends on School Bus turned RV.
We kept our equipment over the weekend so early Sunday we set off for our second day of surfing. The waves were still great for all levels, if you stayed shallow you could easily catch some baby waves in the white wash and if you were feeling confident the water was calm enough to paddle out and wait for an unbroken wave. Everybody gave surfing their best shot, which is all you can ask. Some fell in love right away while others came to realize they preferred to waddle through water without the board. Whichever strategy, stepping outside our comfort zone to experience new things was the goal and everyone accomplished this by day two.
The evening consisted of a second yoga session only this time a much gentler, yin style class. For those lucky enough to sneak out for one last sunset surf, we came home to a delicious Halibut Puttanesca feast just as it was getting dark. With full bellies we found ourselves huddled around a beach fire where we shared stories, listened to music, and ate the best s’mores ever; homemade marshmallows, burnt caramel chocolate sauce and graham crackers. YUM.
Monday came too quickly. We left Tofino earlier than expected as we had been invited to a pit-stop feast at the West’s family cabin on Sproat Lake on route to the Nanaimo Ferry. Ben, Margot, and the kids generously fed our group with BBQ Brisket and Pulled Pork tacos. We swam away the salt water in a fresh water lake then continued on our way back to the city. Although the group was far quieter on the way home, we knew it was out of pleasure and satisfaction. It is always hard to leave paradise, especially when it is as mystical and natural as Tofino. This trip was done last year, and given its result this year, is a must to continue on in the future. Next spring be sure to check your emails to lock in your spot.
Infinite potential and infinite adventures, that’s why we all love to be part of Innovative Fitness.
Many thanks to those who helped organize the details and to those who made the trip happen with your presence.
Until next year, or your next session-
— Rachelle Bonneville
