Rat, Wind in the Willows

B.C.'s Desolation Sound

I’m the first to admit that my yachting days a still a ways off, so in the meantime I’m more than content to mess about in more humble vessels. Vancouver’s False Creek has allowed me to try out rowing, kayaking, dragon boating, outrigger canoeing. I did the latter for a few years, but have since switched to swimming, anything to stay close to water. Love of water has connected me to a great community for whom being connected to the ocean is important. But out of all these activities, it is surfing which stands out for me as the most fun and exhilirating way to get out and play on the water. Unless you live near a good surf break, it’s certainly less accessible than other water sports, but once you try it, you’re hooked. My wife showed me how on an all inclusive vacation to Sayulita, Mexico four years ago and now whenever we go near a beach our surfboards tag along.

My top five reasons why I love surfing:

1) It’s Cheap.

Sure, you have to travel to warm, sunny places for the most part (Tofino and Nova Scotia excluded), but once you’re there it’s really cheap.  The closest place to surf from Vancouver is Tofino, half a day’s travel by car.  Once you’re there, even if you don’t own a board, you can rent all your stuff, wetsuit included, for about $60 for two days. When I was in Mexico, a nice guy just lent me his board.  In Hawaii, I’d rent for 10 dollars from the kid on the beach. So, until I getting my pimped out 40-footer (probably named after a Greek Goddess, like Penelope or Thetis ) I’m content with a rental board and a wave.

Local B.C. surfer Pete Devries

2) Connection to Place.

It’s amazing how just bobbing up and down on the calm sea with the horizon ahead and land behind makes every worry melt away. Feeling the movement of the Ocean, the wind and the warmth of the sun places you firmly in the moment.

3) Exercise.

Ever notice that all surfers are hot with, like, chiseled everything ? No? Well, they are. Always being outside and continuous use of core strength must have something to do it. But I don’t like the exercise out of vanity (which I probably am), but simply because surfing is a an enjoyable physical challenge. Battling the surf to get out far enough to catch a proper wave can leave you out of breath with aching arms. But just conquering that first barrier to make it to open water feels great all on its own.

4) Sucking at it.

I’ve rarely done a sport where being total crap means is actually part of the fun. With surfing, there’s  nothing to prove. Even in Hawaii, when I shared a wave with some real hot shots, they would  just smile benignly at this pasty, white, gangly Canadian getting tossed incessantly and say, “Narly, man. You’ll get the next one.”

5) Community.

Surfing is at once totally solitary and immensely interactive. Out on the water you’re alone, out of ear shot – even on a crowded break. Still, everyone is aware of their neighbours and respectful of each other’s space and safety. Take turns, watch out for others – all that good stuff happens in surfing. It is a simple code which surfer communities the world over abide by. We could all learn from that.

So there you have it. Until I forsake community altogether for Penelope III, my Super-Yacht with a butler, I’m content to bob about on a board, rarely catching anything, happy as a clam.

To get you inspired:

Header photo courtesy of by Mark Ziubinski

So, here’s the deal (and here’s the link to the contest): the Gumboot’s correspondents need your help to triumph over the likes of “second beach” and “bull kelp” and a disgustingly romantic picture of a couple kissing on Long Beach at sunset. Our photo is called “frolicking at Tofino” and we would like you to vote for it. Here it is in bigger-version-format:

Frolicking at Tofino (click on the photo and vote today!)

Still not convinced we’re worth your vote? Well, here are five reasons to give “Frolicking at Tofino” a chance:

1. The photo captures the spirit and beauty of the West Coast. Sandy beaches that go on as if forever? Check. Lovely couple running, jumping, dancing, frolicking, and loving all over the West Coast? Check. Smokey skies that make one reflect on the stormy possibilities of Long Beach, Vancouver Island and the West Coast? Check. Simple yet indescribable beauty that can’t truly be understood without a steaming hot cup of coffee sipped slowly as the Sun rises warmly over your shoulders while you feel the chilly, salty wind on your face and smell the fishy fresh air? Double check! Communicating the previous statement (more or less) through photography? Check.

2. My family won’t support me. What did my father do when I called him last night and asked him to spread the word about the contest and help us win? Well, he said something like, “Forsythe? Almanac? Right on, I love that show! Where do I upload a photo? We’ve got some great ones from when your mom and I went to Ucluelet!” No joke. My dad uploaded his own photo and is now competing against us. Incidentally, you can vote for Geoff Horn by selecting the “After the Storm” photo. Unbelievable. And people wonder why I’m so competitive!

3. It is a good, technical photo. Full disclosure. As Michelle and I frolicked towards the camera my mom, Janet, was snapping many, many pictures. And she snapped a great one here. Her shot is well framed, balances the background and foreground of the scene, makes great use of the backlight, and is a crisp, not blurry, dynamic action shot. Well done, mom.

4. Michelle and I are getting married, and the contest has a great prize! That’s right, everyone, the grand prize for this contest is a two-night stay at the Wickanninish Inn on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. This would be a wonderful way for us to celebrate our love, togetherness and ability to frolick. Also, by voting for us you will be able to give the gift of awkwardness! I mean, since my mom took the picture, she’ll probably want to come along if we win, right?

5. We’re having a really, really good time in the picture. This photo was taken during the holidays last December. Before leaving the West Coast, we stopped at Long Beach for a brief, shared moment of existential delight, which some call frolicking. We had fun with it, and our delightful leaping certainly inspired some smiles by a few people who shared the moment with us. And it was a beautiful thing we’re happy to share with you today.

So there it is. Our case for “Frolicking at Tofino” has been made and I hope it inspired you to vote for us and perhaps tell 10 or so friends about the contest, too. This CBC thing might go places, man – Forsythe knows his stuff. Once again, here is the link to the contest. Thanks very much for your time and consideration and, hopefully, your votes, too.

- John and Michelle

Enjoy the west coast:

The West Coast is steeped in Pirate History

This action shot makes a splash!

Jumping and Dancing on Long Beach - a perfect place to do it!

The gorgeous Maquianna Point on Nootka Island

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