Swell Team 2026

Rose
surf instructor

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.

Jökull
surf instructor

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.

Becca
surf instructor

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.