Hi,

I'm new to surfing. Haven't actually even tried it yet. I've been an avid watcher of surf videos for a while and just recently researched surf schools and am finally going south on a learn-to-surf vacation in Feb.

I had no idea people surfed around here! Someone directed me to this site and I'm so excited to learn of this. I've heard of surfing in Wisconsin, but had no idea it was happening on Lake Ontario.

My question is: when, where, how do you surf in and around Toronto?

I realize no one is going to want to deal with someone new like me, but if there's anyone out there kind enough to give me some info or tips or any kind of guidance, I would really appreciate it. I'm really starting from scratch here.

Thanks for reading.

Christine

Buy a copy of the book Surfing The Great Lakes. This will get you started.

There is surfing at Ashbridges and Bluffers when the wind is coming towards those beaches.

You might want to try surfing this summer or take a vacation to Costa Rica or Hawaii and get surf leasons.

If you are really extreme than you get a six mil wetsuit, booties, gloves, and hood and a surfboard and someone will help you out. My wife dives all year round and has competed in our surf contests in the dead of Winter. If you aren't someone who is put off by a cold wave splashing you in the face and snow falling around you in the water than this is for you right now. If anything that I just wrote put's you off than frigid water surfing isn't for you at all. There are a lot of guys that don't surf in the snow.

I surf when and where I can regardless of the weather. It's who I am.

Also Silent sports www.silentsports.com is at the top of younge st and has lots of surf stuff in stock,
dan

Might also check out wyldewoodsurfclub.com and lakesurf.com for more local surf info and to order surfing the great lakes book. You can get the book at anybookstore too by ordering, ISBN is 0-9646310-7-5
2000, 2004
PL Strazz
Big Lauter Tun Books
PO box 25094
Chicago IL
USA
60625

Also Silentsports has 'Unsalted-a great lakes adventure' surf DVD in stock
Good luck,
dan

Thanks for the info!!!
christine

I'm going to Costa Rica to learn in February.
But I'm not at all put off by the bad weather here... hopefully will be joining all you out there with wetsuit and booties.

christine

hehehe i the last time i saw a girl paddaling out was like 2 years ago sence i moved here. SURFS UP

I saw a couple of girls surfing down at "the Bridge" in Hamilton last September. Just be sure to have fun.

My one impossible wish is that I once could have surfed in the Great Lakes with Rell Sunn. She is my hero!

I saw those young surfer women at The Bridge and my board got loose and nearly hit them. I shouldn't have lent my leash out but I didn't want to see a young guy surfer perhaps have problems.

My wife Christine bodyboarded at the late December ESA-Great Lakes surf contest we held at Ashbridges. This is probably where all the geese are that surfer Christine mentioned. This Christine who posted here about surfing near all the geese isn't married to me.

Gender has nothing to do about being a core surfer or diver in the extreme cold months. It is all about having the proper gear to go safely into the water and possessing an attitude that is intrepid instead of being vicarious.

Welcome all female surfers to this ESA Great Lakes District surf forum and to the Great Lakes.

Thanks for the warm welcome boys! I was hoping to make it out to watch last Saturday, but had to do a photoshoot. I'm totally stoked about surfing the Lakes!

Finally watched Unsalted... didn't realize you were a celebrity Magilla. I'm new, remember... I've been only familiar with the saltwater-surfing world... That's all gonna change.

Anyway, can't wait to meet all you guys. Take it easy on me... I'm new. I'll try to keep out of your way...

Magilla, Rell Sunn is my hero too. Her spirit and famous generosity will always be an inspiration to me.

SURF LIKE A GIRL!!!!!

u sounds pretty pumped up for surfing "Smiley face" dont worrei ur the only new here, i've only been surfing with the crew for couple of months and let me tell you something this guys are amazing, this guys where the ones who tought me that waes dont have to be big in order to compete or surf..... anyways im pretty sure the crue would be happy to have you. cheers

Hey Christine! Nice to know there is another girl out there thats excited about surfing on the lakes! As another girl who's really, really new to this as well, I can tell you the one time I was able to meet some of the people off this forum and get out for the first time, they were all super friendly and helpful. Couldnt meet a nicer group of people!

I'm happy to hear from everyone! I'm glad to see I'm not the only new one.
Hope to see you all out there someday.

Robin, sounds like we are in a minority, being girls... not that that's a bad thing...
Email me. I'd love to hear about your surfing. Sounds awesome.

i love surf betty's i'am from atlantic beach n.c. and i've seen girls who rip and would show me up anyday.and i consider myself an above average surfer.you go girl e-mail me in the spring i'd be more than welcome to give you some pointers.

Most excellent. Thanks Josh. You guys are awesome. I'll be in touch after my Costa Rica trip. Email me anytime!
C

Hey! Good to know there are people out there that want to help! I luv it! Look forward to meeting some more of you!