Windsurfing, Kiteboarding & Wingfoiling on Vancouver Island
Parksville and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island are prime destinations for water sports enthusiasts, offering excellent conditions for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and kite surfing. Whether you're just beginning or are a seasoned pro, these coastal towns have locations perfect for every skill level.
Prime Locations for Water Sports Enthusiasts
Rathtrevor Beach
Perfect for windsurfing, Rathtrevor Beach at Beach Acres Resort offers stunning views and excellent wind conditions, making it an ideal spot to hit the waves.
Blue Heron Park
Ideal for intermediate to expert kite surfers and kiteboarders, Blue Heron Park offers challenging conditions that test your skills with every visit.
San Pareil & Rowland Road
These spots welcome all skill levels, from beginners to experts in kiteboarding and windsurfing. San Pareil offes a friendly environment for newcomers and plenty of challenges for seasoned riders.Eby Road
Offering a range from novice to expert, Eby Road is another great location for enthusiasts to enjoy favorable winds and ample space for a variety of water sports.
Transfer Beach
This location provides a beautiful backdrop for both beginner and advanced kite surfers and windsurfers, offering gradual learning curves and more challenging conditions.
Pipers Lagoon
A favoured spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding, Pipers Lagoon is known for its accessible winds and ample space, suitable for all skill levels.
Myron Road & Eby Road
Both locations cater to novice to expert windsurfers and kiteboarders, ensuring every visit is filled with good winds and great vibes.
Nitinat Lake
Nitinat Lake is a renowned location for kiteboarding and windsurfing on Vancouver Island. Despite its remote access, the consistent thermal winds from May through September make it a top destination for water sports. It's also the venue for the annual Wind Fest event, attracting enthusiasts eager to showcase their skills in kite surfing and wind surfing.
Lessons and Equipment
Wind Rider Kiteboarding
Situated about an hour from Beach Acres Resort, Wind Rider Kiteboarding at Alberni Inlet offers personalized kiteboarding lessons from May through September. Whether you're learning to kiteboard for the first time, mastering specific tricks, or getting comfortable with launching and landing, their jet ski-assisted, one-on-one sessions ensure focused instruction tailored to your needs.With prices ranging from $50 to $175 per hour depending on the lesson type, Wind Rider provides an ideal setting for both beginners and experienced riders to explore the exhilarating freedom of kiteboarding.
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Elevation Kiteboarding
For those willing to drive a little farther - located at Nitinat Lake, Elevation Kiteboarding offers lessons in kitesurfing and wing foiling for beginners to advanced riders. Set amidst a stunning backdrop, this is a memorable place for both learning and advancing your skills.
Wing Lessons
Available from May to September, beginners can start their journey with a day-long wing flying course on the beach priced at $450 +tax per person. This includes fundamental safety instruction followed by jet ski-assisted downwinders to solidify skills in a practical setting. The lessons emphasize one-on-one instruction, ensuring personalized attention for rapid progression.Learn More
Kiteboarding Lessons
Kiteboarding lessons are offered from June to September when strong winds are most frequent at Nitinat Lake. Students have various options to choose from, based on their proficiency and goals. Beginner or Water Ready lesson plans start with one-day courses for $450 +tax, covering ground safety and basic kite maneuvers.For a more in-depth learning experience, two-day and three-day courses are available, each extending the practice with jet ski-assisted lessons that include personalized coaching in techniques such as turning, jumping, spins, strapless or unhooked riding. Each session lasts approximately 3 hours per day, focusing on advancing the rider’s skills and style.
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Strong Kiteboarding
Strong Kiteboarding, also located on the waters of Nitinat Lake, offers a diverse range of lessons encompassing kiting, winging, efoiling, and tow foiling throughout the summer. Initially focused solely on kiteboarding, Strong Kiteboarding has expanded its offerings to include activities suited for varying skill levels and conditions. Whether you're intrigued by the challenge of kiteboarding or prefer the more accessible winging, there's something for everyone. On days when the winds are low, efoiling and tow foiling provide perfect alternatives to ensure you're always on the water, enjoying and learning.Learn More
Gear and Preparation
For your sessions, essential gear includes a wetsuit, booties, and warm layers. Schools offer the latest kiteboarding and windsurfing equipment for rent. They also have shops where you can purchase any missing gear.
Where to Rent Gear on Vancouver Island
Windsurfing and kite boarding equipment rentals are available across the island in Victoria, Comox, Tofino, and Ucluelet, providing high-quality gear suited for the waters of the PNW.Elevation Kiteboarding offers gear rental for kiteboarding and winging to individuals who meet specific prerequisites such as rigging on their own, launching and landing safely, and, for kiteboarding, being able to retrieve the board, ride consistently in both directions, etc.
You may also be able to secure gear rental directly from Strong Kiteboarding.
For those staying at Beach Acres Resort, Island Surf Co. in Parksville is the closest place to rent wetsuits, booties, and related gear, available online at Island Surf Co.
Best Time for Kitesurfing and Windsurfing
The ideal months for kite and windsurfing on Vancouver Island are from June to September, when the winds are most favorable.
Equipment Checklist
- Kiteboarding and Kite Surfing: Kite, bar, seat harness, safety leash, board, helmet, water shoes.
- Windsurfing: Board, rig (mast, boom, sail), helmet, sunglasses, shoes, wetsuit, rescue coat.
Unwind at Beach Acres Resort
After a thrilling day of wave riding, retreat to the comfort and tranquility of Beach Acres Resort. Nestled along the scenic shores of Parksville, our resort offers the perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty. With accommodations ranging from cozy cottages to oceanview townhouses, Beach Acres Resort provides a peaceful haven where you can unwind and reflect on your day's adventures.Enjoy our on-site amenities, including lush walking trails and an indoor pool, ensuring your stay is as rejuvenating as it is exhilarating. Make Beach Acres Resort your home base for a truly unforgettable Vancouver Island adventure.
