Swell Team – Summer Season 2026
Where are you from, and what brought you to Tofino?
I am from Ottawa, Ontario! I am here to surf as much as possible to maintain my steez over the summer.
How many seasons have you been working with Swell Tofino?
This is my first summer with Swell.
What’s your advice for beginner surfers?
Just be out in the water for vibes and a good time. The more practice, the better.
Which Tofino beach is your favourite to surf at?
North Chesty for sure.
If you had to pick only one, would you choose a longboard or a shortboard?
Longboard for sure, more consistent waves over big waves.
Where are you from, and what brought you to Tofino?
I'm from Iceland. I have been studying in Canada since September 2025. I've always wanted to be in a place where I can surf regularly and in warmer waters than back home. Tofino seemed like the perfect choice.
How many seasons have you been working with Swell Tofino?
This is my first season at Swell.
What’s your advice for beginner surfers?
Cold water is nothing to be afraid of. If you have the right wetsuit, it's like a suit of armour.
Which Tofino beach is your favourite to surf at?
There are too many to choose from, but I've gotten some of my best waves at Cox Bay. But I really love going to beaches that are harder to get to. It just adds more to the experience if you have to put in effort to get there.
If you had to pick only one, would you choose a longboard or a shortboard?
Recently, I have been rocking a longer board, but I can't really choose one, they're just different tools for different things.
Where are you from, and what brought you to Tofino?
I am from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. I came to Tofino back in 2024 to surf and experience the West Coast. The mountains and ocean are pretty amazing, but it’s the people who keep me coming back!
How many seasons have you been working with Swell Tofino?
This is my third season working with Swell
What’s your advice for beginner surfers?
Rome wasn’t built in a day… be patient and kind to yourself, and make sure to have fun!
Which Tofino beach is your favourite to surf at?
I love a good sunset surf at Long Beach. Florencia is also pretty magical when it’s working!
If you had to pick only one, would you choose a longboard or a shortboard?
Longboard all the way! It feels like dancing, and I love the flow and creativity that comes with it.
Where are you from, and what brought you to Tofino?
From Adelaide, Australia. I came over to Canada in 2024 for a ski season in Banff. I fell in love with the mountains, snowboarding, and cute mountain town charm. After over a year in Banff, I missed the ocean badly and decided to swap the snow for sand and beaches, so here I am!
How many seasons have you been working with Swell Tofino?
This is my first season at Swell, and I am stoked to be a part of the team and surfing community.
What’s your advice for beginner surfers?
Be patient with yourself and have fun! But also, don't forget your sunscreen!!
Which Tofino beach is your favorite to surf at?
North Chesterman! Bonus when it's low tide, so I can search for starfish on the rocks.
If you had to pick only one, would you choose a longboard or a shortboard?
A boogie board!!! (so fun)
Where are you from, and what brought you to Tofino?
I was born in Toronto, Canada, and grew up in a small town outside of the city. I love mountains and the ocean, so naturally BC was always the place I wanted to be.
How many seasons have you been working with Swell Tofino?
This will be my first season with Swell, but if you ask any surf instructor in Tofino, this is the best spot to teach.
What’s your advice for beginner surfers?
Patience and surfing go hand in hand. You can’t catch every wave, and you won’t be a good surfer after 10 minutes in the water. Take a breath, enjoy the process, and don’t forget to send it.
Which Tofino beach is your favourite to surf at?
Cox will always be my fave. On a good day, the waves feel friendlier there, like they want you to ride them.
If you had to pick only one, would you choose a longboard or a shortboard?
Give me an all-rounder, and I’ll be happy. Something right in between, ready to catch whatever Tofino slop is out there.
Where are you from, and what brought you to Tofino?
I was born and raised in Toronto, ON, and barrels and getting absolutely pitted brought me to Tofino.
How many seasons have you been working with Swell Tofino?
This is my first summer with Swell Tofino.
What’s your advice for beginner surfers?
Get in the water! If you don’t go out, you don’t know what you’re missing.
Which Tofino beach is your favourite to surf at?
Cox Bay or Long Beach
If you had to pick only one, would you choose a longboard or a shortboard?
Mid L E N G T H