Photo Credit: Adam DeWolfe

This March we will again be offering our Coastal Paddle Surf course in Tofino, B.C. Over the three days our course teaches you how to catch your first wave on your sup, improve your existing paddle surf skill set and provide a framework to make good decisions in a dynamic ocean environment. At the same time, you will enjoy the stunning west coast and the beauty of Tofino from our beach side accommodations. As certified instructors with years of surfing and coastal experience we are committed to your success on the waves and safety in the ocean. Nothing makes us happier than seeing people catch their first wave on their paddleboard. Enjoy, relax, have fun, and learn to paddle surf.

DATES: MARCH 14-16th, 2014
LOCATION: TOFINO, B.C.
PRICE: $575+hst ** A third night is also available for an additional cost.
INCLUDES: Paddle Canada SUP Coastal Surf certification, Beach side accommodations, Video Analysis, Coastal Surf Swag Bag sponsored by Quiksilver, FCS, Tofino Brewing and more.
*Board and wetsuit rental packages available.
** Contact norm@normhann.com to confirm your spot and receive a detailed itinerary.

Tofino, British Columbia: Reigns as the jewel of Canada’s west coast. The stunning beauty and ecological diversity of Tofino’s location in the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is the source of all activities. Imagine, all in one place, fishing, kayaking, whale watching, bear-watching, bird watching, camping, hiking, storm-watching and First Nations cultural touring. Surfing is big here, and Tofino was named the best surf town in North America in Outside Magazine’s 2010 Editors’ Choice awards.

COASTAL PADDLE SURF INSTRUCTORS:
Norm Hann: Norm is a sponsored Canadian paddleboard athlete and racer with Boardworks Surf Canada, a Quiksilver Waterman Ambassador and Paddle Canada SUP Instructor Trainer. Based in Squamish, B.C. Norm runs Norm Hann Expeditions which focuses on coastal expeditions and standup paddleboard instruction. Norm has also been active in the conservation and protection of the Great Bear Rainforest and the British Columbia coastline through his Standup4Greatbear Society.

Mike Darbyshire: Mike has been outside and on the water for most of his life. Surfing and kayaking led him into the Stand Up Paddleboard world and he hasn’t looked back. In a few short years SUP has given Mike opportunities to travel around North America, explore new places in his own backyard and help develop the Paddle Canada SUP Instructional Program. Mike is an excellent instructor, talented paddler and is stoked on all disciplines of SUP including surf, touring, racing and river; and is excited to share it with whoever he can! He run’s the SUP program at Deep Cove Kayak and is sponsored by Starboard, Kokatat and Werner Paddles.

Catherine Bruhwiler: Catherine is a life long local Tofino surfer who loves to spend most of her time in the ocean. She is a talented surfer with a beautiful style and is an incredible ambassador for her hometown of Tofino, B.C. As a Paddle Canada SUP Instructor she teaches paddleboarding full time through her business Tofino Paddle Surf. When she is not teaching surfing for her brother’s Sepp and Raph or paddleboarding she will be found traveling and surfing with her kids. With her vast experience growing up on the ocean and surfing, Catherine brings a wealth of local knowledge to the course. Catherine is sponsored by Roxy, Level Six and Aftanas Surfboards.

Payment:

To secure your place in the course we require a 50% deposit with the remainder of the balance to be paid 30 days prior to course start date. Email transfers can be made to norm@normhann.com and cheques can be made payable to Norm Hann Expeditions.

Course Location:

The course takes place in Tofino, BC and will be run out of our beautiful beach house located right on South Chesterman Beach. The house is fully loaded with outdoor showers and hot tub. Chesterman Beach is an excellent location for this course as it provides a number of different surfing locations that will allow for a good progression from smaller sheltered waves to larger breaking waves. Accommodation is included in the price but does not include food or travel costs. Accommodations are available for additional nights at an additional cost. Here is where the house is located.

What to Bring:If you do not have any of the gear listed below please inform one of the instructors

• Surfing Gear
  • Board (Boards can be provided for an extra cost but if you have your own feel free to bring it. For specific board requests or questions please contact one of the instructors)
  • Leash
  • Paddle (Paddles can be provided. Please let one of the instructors know if you need a paddle)
  • Wetsuit (4mm or 5mm hooded suit is recommended)
  • Neoprene Surf Booties (5mm or 7mm)
  • Neoprene Gloves (optional but strongly recommended on colder days)
  • Rashgaurd (optional)
  • Towel
  • Personal Items (House provides beds, sheets, blankets and pillows)
    • Clothing
    • Toiletries
    • Pen and Paper
    • Food
      • Food is not provided during this course. The house has a fully equipped kitchen. Participants are encouraged to cook together particularly for dinner and breakfast. If 10 people try and cook individual meals we won’t have any time for surfing! If you are interested in doing group meals please contact Mike Darbyshire with dietary concerns/requests.
      • Given that this course can be physically demanding we strongly recommend cooking healthy nutritious high-protein meals. Please also bring plenty of snacks.
      • The running water in the house is safe to drink but if you prefer filtered or bottled water please bring your own.

Tentative Itinerary

Friday March 14, 2014:
Afternoon: Participants arrive and check into the house any time after noon.
Evening: Introductions and Course objectives

Saturday March 15, 2014:
Morning: Etiquette, Prone Surfing, Launching into waves
Afternoon: Catching Waves, Bracing
Evening: Video

Sunday March 16, 2014:
Morning: Bottom turns, Angled take-off
Afternoon: Advanced turns, trim

Monday March 17, 2014:
Morning: Expression Session (optional surf)
Check out of house by noon.

Contact:
Norm Hann Expeditions
P.O. Box 656
Garibaldi Highlands, B.C.
V0N 1T0
604-848-8792
norm@normhann.com