Windsurfing and Kite boarding
Windsurfing Around Vancouver Island
Nitinat Lake
Perhaps the most well known Kite Boarding and Wind Surfing location on Vancouver Island happens to be one of the more difficult to access. For the patient and committed rider however, the one hour gravel road is well worth it. Close to Port Alberni this active kiting location has consistent thermal wind conditions between May and September It is also the host location for the popular Wind Fest event held at the beginning of August. Along Nitinat’s shores is the local first nations reservation and a convenient provincial campsite.
Parksville
Park at Oar Road to access Columbia Beach along Parksville’s shores. Southeasterly winds give great conditions for kiting and surfing in this area.
Tofino
The small surf town of Tofino has ample activity for Kite Boarders. It is better known as a winter/fall kiting destination.
Comox Valley
The Comox Valley also has some great wind surfing and kite boarding locations. Goose Spit in Comox being the most well known. Neighbouring Kye Bay near the Comox Valley Airport is also frequented by wind riders. Miracle Beach and Saratoga Beach further north near the rural community of Black Creek also offer great wind conditions for the savvy opportunist.
Nimpkish Lake
Like Nitnat Lake, this lake is a large lake that gets steady wind and will make for some good rides during summer months. You want to be there on days when the wind is blowing northwest and it will be great if it is fogged out in Port McNeil. This is not a place for beginners as wind gusts can come up quickly taking you by surprise. Make sure you bring lots of bug spray since the bugs will leave you itching for days afterwards. The water is much cooler than Nitnat as well, so make sure you are prepared.
