Chesterman Beach Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SW, WSW, W
Wind
SE, E
Surf Height
Waist high - overhead.
Tide
All tides, softer at high and punchy and more walled at dead low. Lower/mid-tide incoming generally is best bet.
Chesterman Beach Surf Guide
Often heralded as the favourite Tofino beach break by locals, North Chesterman (known simply as “North”) is generally the steepest and punchiest compared to its crumbly counterparts. It lays dormant through most of the summer months, allowing bars to build up and create steeper, wedgier waves breaking close to shore when the Autumn swells arrive. Multiple offshore reefs and islets break up swell lines, helping to create peaks, but also demanding more size to come alive.
Ability Level
All Abilities
User friendly at a smaller size, but intermediate to advanced surfers only as it gets larger.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Can be competitive on standout days, but always friendly and easy going in temperament.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Busy on weekends with travellers and beginner surfers, softops and rental equipment. Thick crowds on bigger, offshore days when the swell/wind options are limited and back-up venues are scarce.
Spot Rating
Fun
Shorter (2-3 turn) waves, punchy, needs strong offshore wind to get rid of residual rip and bump to be at its very best.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Powerful and dumpy inside sections to push through on bigger days, especially early season. Relatively easy paddles on most days.
Water Quality
Clean
Very clean.
Hazards
Strong rips on bigger swells, beginner surfers and errant boards, dog poop lined access trails.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Funboard
Access
Multiple parking lots and access trails along Lynn Road, parking on right side of road only.
Bottom
Sand bottom, no rocks.
Best Season
October-April.
Do you have local knowledge about Chesterman Beach?
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