Sooke: Gateway to Canadian Fall/Winter Surfing

Little known fact...not many people would consider jumping into the Pacific Ocean in the middle of a Canadian winter, but that's what a whole bunch of people around here do. Just to the west of Sooke is some of the best surfing in Canada. This isn't California and surfing around here isn't about hot sun in the summertime. In fact, there is little or no surf in Juan de Fuca Strait in summer -- when the leaves start to fall and the temperature dips, that's when the Gulf of Alaska wakes up and starts reeling storms westward, bringing rainy weather and waves.

The water is cold year-round, requiring 5mm hooded wetsuits, booties, and gloves. But on its day, the waves make up for it. The jewel in the crown is Jordan River, a rivermouth point break that on its day can offer rides 200-300 metres or more. Sombrio Beach is consistently bigger, offering several powerful reef breaks. At the end of the road is Port Renfrew, with its freezing river water, strong current, but once in a while legendary waves.

The surf west of Sooke isn't as easily accessible or beginner friendly as the beach breaks in Tofino. However, the breaks offer great views of the surfing action, with the waves breaking close to shore. Essential items for winter surf watchers: umbrella, rubber boots, toque, thermos of hot coffee, and a little cash for after, to buy a bellyfull of fish&chips at Shakey's Drive-In (at Jordan River).

So, stormwatchers out there -- keep your eyes on the weather channel. When you see those big low pressure systems swirling in the Gulf of Alaska, a couple of days later you're certain to see a few dozen trucks speeding west on Highway 14, heading to the watery playgrounds beyond Sooke.