SURFING TRIP INFORMATION:
DATES: September 16-20, 2023
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP: On this 5-day overnight surfing and camping trip students progress through a graduated surf training regimen. They begin surfing in the “whitewash” close to shore and gradually progress to deeper water and larger waves as they develop their skills. Students wear a surf wetsuit and wetsuit boots for this activity. Students may also have the opportunity to explore the beaches and visit the town of Tofino. As an overnight camping trip, students will also develop their camp skills such as cooking over camp stoves, setting up tarps and tents.
TRIP PRE-REQUISITES: Students must be able to swim 50 meters
GROUP EQUIPMENT: The guides will bring activity-specific equipment for the group. This will include surfboards, leashes, wetsuits and booties, and rashguards. The guides will also bring emergency response equipment (emergency communication device, first aid kit…).
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: We have a wide range of clothing and equipment available to students for the trips. This includes sleeping bags, foamies, rain coats, rain pants and clothing items such as fleece layers and puffball jackets. Yes, please try to borrow gear and clothing from friends and family first, but if you get stuck, we can help. Students will do a gear check with their guides on day 1 prior to departing for Tofino. At that point the guides will outfit the students with any missing items. The following link will allow you to access the SURFING TRIP EQUIPMENT LIST.
ELECTRONICS/PHONES: Students should not have electronics or phones on the outtrip. The exception is trips with longer bus rides (Tofino/Ucluelet or Penticton trips). In those cases, students may bring electronics/phones for the bus ride portion of the trip. Guides will collect all electronics/phones when the group arrives at their destination and return them for the return trip. Guides are not responsible for any damage to devices on the trip.
For photography, if a student would like to bring a dedicated camera (digital, analogue, or disposable), they may bring that with them during the activity.
MEALS/FOOD: Students should bring money to buy lunch en route to and from Tofino. Meal money will provided for boarding students. All other meals will be provided. Students will be cooking meals in camp under supervision of the guides. The group may also be visiting local restaurants for some meals during the trip.
TRANSPORTATION: Students will be traveling to and from the activity by school bus.
TRIP SURCHARGE: There is a $350 surcharge for this trip
DAILY ITINERARY: Note: This is a tentative schedule that may change due to weather, water conditions, etc.
Sept 12: Pre-trip meeting during Community time in the Chapel
Day 1:
8:00 AM. Meet guides at DERBY (the OED building at 3410 Shelbourne).
Gear distribution and equipment check by guides
Depart for camping, surfing and activities in Tofino
Day 2-4
Surfing and Camping in Tofino
Day 5:
Pack up camp. Depart Tofino ~10:30 AM
Return to DERBY at 4:30-5:00 PM
ACCOMMODATION: Students will be sleeping in 2-4 person tents or under tarps.
CAMPING LOCATION: Students and guides will be camping at Surf Grove Campground on Cox Beach.
STAFFING: SMUS hires outdoor guides for the travel, camping and surfing components of the trip. The guide pool on the trip has a combination of First Aid Certification, Guiding/Surfing/Surfing instruction experience, Experience working in this location with similar groups.
INSTRUCTOR/STUDENT RATIOS: 2:10
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS: This is a school-sponsored outing and school rules will apply. Participants are expected to follow the guidelines set by the instructional staff. A failure to meet these guidelines or a failure to follow school rules may result in the participant being removed from the activity at their own expense.
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT: The Leader-in charge has immediate access to: An appropriate first aid kit, Cell phone or pre-established means to communicate with the school or emergency services, Emergency Call Plan, Student Medical Information
EMERGENCY MEDICINE: Students should not be self-administering ANY medication, even if it is part of their own regular routine, without discussing it first with the guides. Students with asthma, severe allergies and medical conditions should bring a clearly labelled set of the appropriate medication and discuss the treatment plan with the guides prior to the trip.