SURFING TRIP INFORMATION:

DATES: Nov 7-11, 2025

DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP: This 5-day/4-night surfing and camping trip to Tofino is for grade 12 students in the OL course. Working alongside the guides, OL students will be organizing and planning all aspects of the trip. This includes planning transportation, accommodation, menu planning, meals and scheduling.

For the surfing components, students will 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 will also have the opportunity to explore the beaches and may visit the towns of Ucluelet and Tofino.

TRIP PRE-REQUISITES: Students must be able to swim 50 meters. This program is reserved for grade 12 students in the OL course.

GROUP EQUIPMENT: The guides will bring activity-specific equipment for the group or rent in Tofino. This will include surfboards, leashes, wetsuits and booties, and rash guards. 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.

MEALS/FOOD: Students should bring a bank card to buy meals while en route to and from Tofino. Students and guides will be cooking all other meals in the campsite. The group will also visit the towns of Tofino or Ucluelet. While in town, students may want to buy snacks or other small meals.

TRANSPORTATION: Students will be traveling in a SMUS passenger van driven by one of the instructors/guides.

TRIP COST: tba

DAILY ITINERARY: Note: This is a tentative schedule that may change due to weather, water conditions, etc.

Nov 7:

  • 12:30 PM. Meet guides at DERBY.

  • Gear distribution and equipment check by guides

  • Depart for camping, surfing and activities in Tofino

Nov 7-11

  • Surfing and Camping in Tofino

Nov 11:

  • Pack up camp. Depart Tofino ~8:30 AM

  • Return to DERBY at 2:30 PM

ACCOMMODATION: Students will be sleeping in 2-4 person tents or in an RV.

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.