Rolling waves greeted the shore with a hint of salt while we waxed our boards. We sat on driftwood logs soaking up as much of the morning sun on our exposed skin as possible before tucking our arms and legs into wetsuits. With the anticipation of surfing too much to handle we dashed into the blue. Quickly, is the only way to go about entering the chilly pacific waters on the coast of Vancouver Island. This island outing wasn’t just about the surf – which was excellent – it was about exploring with friends and celebrating adventure. In usual Gibbons fashion, we took a spin on the “classic” Tofino trip by toting along a luxury accessory to enjoy après surf. Curious? Check out the video by Beacon Media Group below find out what we brought with us!
As you can only imagine, traveling with a towable sauna was a treat enjoyed thoroughly. Following each surf session we’d warm up in the sauna with friends, new and old before dashing back to the beach for another go. The brisk coastal climate of Vancouver Island is best enjoyed in a thick wetsuit or peering out a sauna window with a beach in sight and we were able to do both back to back for days on end. Now that’s how you make your own adventure!
BEHIND THE SCENES
Sounds completely unconventional? Absolutely, but that’s where adventure finds it’s way into a normal trip. Sure towing a sauna wasn’t the fastest form of travel, but it surely made us enjoy it that much more and gave us the opportunity to hone in on our trailer driving skills. Slow travel allows for more pit stops to take in the scenery and increases chances of creating friends along the way. A win, win.
Recognize that sauna? We hoped you would! It made it’s first appearance on Gibbons Whistler last fall as we built it from scratch and assembled it at a near by backcountry location to enjoy with friends for the day. Since it’s first appearance, we disassembled it, hauled it back to Whistler where we reassembled it on a tow-able trailer. If you missed the initial video, check out the first sauna video here, and be sure to read the DIY blog on how we built this beauty!
THE APRES
A solid surf session just doesn’t feel complete until it ends with a sunset, a bonfire and a cheers to celebrate a day well spent. A day with friends is always worth celebrating, as is any successful day of fun in our beautiful province! Many of the beaches in the Tofino and Ucluelet areas allow bonfires right on the beach creating the perfect backdrop for an après, just be sure to check with local authorities prior to starting a fire as there are regulations to follow. We’re pretty big fans of earning your après and a surfing adventure definitely fits the bill! Curious on what an ultimate après session is, how to earn it and how to best in enjoy it? This blog’s got it all, Earn-Your-Apres.
Apres Earned.
The new Gibbons Après Lager was of course the beer of choice for our end of day celebrations. It seems to pair nicely with a sunset and a group of friends. The laid back vibes in Tofino and Ucluelet are worth exploring on your next BC adventure whether you’re there to surf, sauna or explore the coast line you won’t be disappointed with this gem. When you’ve sampled the island goods and come back to see us on the mainland, test out an Après Lager for yourself at one of our venues including Longhorn Saloon, Tapley’s Pub, Norman Rudy’s, Stonesedge Kitchen, Garfinkel’s Whistler, Buffalo Bills, and Firerock Lounge. Or take it to go on your own adventure by purchasing six packs from the Nesters Liquor Store. Après Lager merchandise for the biggest of fans can be purchased at most Gibbons venus and at the Gibbons Hub located at 111-4090 Whistler Way.
