Surfing Vancouver Island  

The Canadian Junior Surf Team, youth from Canada under the age of 18, are hoping to compete in the DaKine ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in Panama, April 14-22, 2012.

Kalum Temple, Jesse Clarkson, Colin Coulson, Marco Mignot, Lola Mignot, Micheal Darling, Simon Bauer

They need donations to help pay travel expenses and jube jubes, anything helps.
Visit http://canadasurfteam.blogspot.com/ to find out how you can help

Noah Cohen Signs Multi Year Deal with Rip Curl Jan 10, 2012

International surfing company Rip Curl is thrilled to announce elite Canadian surfer Noah Cohen signed with the brand this week. Noah has entered into a multi-year deal with Rip Curl to kick off the New Year.

"Rip Curl has a momentum here in Canada that I am happy to join. The crew is great and I believe they are going to support me and help me to push my career further over the next few years." Noah added: "And the wetsuits are the best. To surf where we do, you need the best products you can get."

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Koreski @ www.jeremykoreski.com

The 22-year-old Tofino native has been at the forefront of surf media coverage in Canada and is poised to become the next face to represent cold-water surfing around the world. Noah knows Rip Curl well having competed in all five of the annual Rip Curl Stew Surf Competitions, winning two of the five including the most recent in June of 2011.

Nick Russell, Rip Curl Canada’s General Manager, said Noah is a great fit for the brand.

"The Rip Curl brand has been built on technically superior and innovative products and having these tested and refined by world class athletes. The addition of Noah to our Global Surf Team provides us with a marquee Canadian surfer to drive our brand in this market. Noah is an incredibly talented and driven young surfer and we could not be happier to have part of the Rip Curl team," Russell said.

Noah rounds out Rip Curl Canada’s surf team that includes Canada’s top female surfer Leah Oke, and charging up and coming surf talents Jacob Albury, and Simon Bauer.

He also joins the ranks of Rip Curl International’s elite athletes, Mick Fanning, Owen Wright, Matt Wilkinson, Gabriel Medina, Taylor Knox and Dillon Perillo.

Rip Curl Canada’s Marketing Manager, Myrosha Daley, said Noah was a great addition to the program.

"I am very excited to add Noah to the team. His talent and attitude are second to none. I am looking forward to his activation as an athlete with the Rip Curl brand involving him closely with our US and International surf team initiatives."

Rip Curl - The Ultimate Surfing Company http://www.ripcurl.com/

Victoria, BC Canada ­ Sitka and Pacific Wild, a non-profit conservation organization, are excited about the release of ‘Tipping Barrels’ ­ a film by Ben Gulliver. ‘Tipping Barrels’ is a unique combination of surfing and environmental journalism that follows surfers Arran and Reid Jackson on a trip into the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, where they learn more about the region and the issues confronting it.

The main issue presented in the film is Enbridge’s proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline, which would pump crude oil from Alberta to Kitimat, on the North Coast of British Columbia. Here it would be loaded onto super tankers bound for markets in Asia and the U.S. Over 225 super tankers a year would transit the narrow waterways that make up the Great Bear Rainforest, putting one of the Earth’s most ecologically sensitive and intact ecosystems at risk of an oil spill.

The video accompanies other efforts by Sitka to bring awareness to the proposed pipeline, such as donating the profits from past clothing designs and an upcoming t-shirt designed with Stan Robinson to the efforts against the proposal. Sitka also recently held a fundraiser in their Victoria shop with photos by Ian McAllister, Thomas Peschak and Michael Reid displayed as part of a silent auction. There will be a similar event in Sitka’s Vancouver store soon.

Sitka and Pacific Wild stand together with First Nations groups and thousands of concerned citizens, in the effort to keep the Great Bear Rainforest oil tanker free. They invite everyone concerned about the future of B.C.’s coast to watch the film and help spread the word. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so through Tides Canada at http://tidescanada.org/support/pacific-wild/.

Victoria, BC Canada – Sitka is proud to announce that Pete Devries will now be riding on Sitka Surfboards. Both Sitka and Pete are heavily rooted in surfing on Vancouver Island, making the partnership a natural move. Pete joins Sitka’s surf roster with the likes of Noah Cohen and Leah Oke. Pete also has a part in the upcoming Taylor Steele film, “Innersection” premiering worldwide Wednesday, November 30.

Sitka joins Pete’s sponsor roster of Hurley, Monster Energy, Reef, Storm Surf Shop, Clif Bar, Sobo Restaurant, Nixon and D Surf.

About Sitka Sitka was born from the West Coast of Canada where the mighty Sitka Spruce calls home. Like the Sitka Spruce gravitates to the ocean and flourishes, so too does the SITKA brand. They are a brand of like-minded individuals that are inspired by the ocean and it’s surrounding environment. SITKA collaborates with artists, surfers, skaters and all those that share the same passions to produce an active lifestyle brand that is true to their roots. The majority of their garments are produced with organic cottons and a selection are produced with bamboo as sustainability and fair-practice are two of the cornerstones of their business beliefs.

Innersection World Premiere

Last year Local Tofino Surfer Peter Devries with the help of filmographer Jeremy Koreski, won a top 5 ranking in TAYLOR STEELE’s Surf movie INNERSECTION.

Competing against surfers from all over the world – INNERSECTION is a movie and competition all in one. The idea is to watch the movie and vote for the part you deem the best! The winner takes home $100,000!

Being the only Canadian to win a part in this fantastic surf film, HtO is doing their part to support Peter Devries’ effort to make his mark on the international surf scene. Come and take part in the WORLD PREMIERE on November 30th 2011 and show your support for Pete, Jeremy and our local surf community.

• presented by HTO Surf Shop
• Victoria Conference Centre 720 Douglas STreet Victoria, BC
• Wednesday, Nov. 30th, 2011 7:00 pm - 12:00 am
• Prize Draws and Music by: DJ Murge
• 19+ (ID required) Tickets $15 at HTO - 1314 Broad St
• $12 in advance
• $15 at the door - If there are any left!
• it's best to get in soon to get your Tickets - last year we sold out in 4 days and people who snoozed missed out....

Surfrider Vancouver Island is hosting our 3rd Annual Paddle Out for Public Access this Sunday November 20th at Jordan River

• 12 - 3pm
• BBQ

Freshest Wave - A Great Lakes Surf Event

• more at http://www.surfontario.ca/events.htm

Isaiah Oke
2002 Roxy Quiksilver Surf Jam

Isaiah Oke has sadly passed away this week. It has been a very tragic time for everyone in Renfrew and the family.

I am raising donations on behalf of the family to help out Isaiahs wife and kids as well as to cover the funeral expenses. Hopefully the monies raised will ease some of the burden on the family at this time.

If you feel it in your heart to contribute please drop off a donation at my store Salts Clothing at 561 Johnson street, Unit 105 in Victoria (beside Baggins Shoes down the Paperbox Arcarde Hallway).

If you are not in Victoria then you can send donations via paypal to JGraham@saltsorganic.com and mark it donation in the message box.

» A much-loved surfer rides his last wave. Isaiah Oke's ashes spread at Sombrio - theglobeandmail.com
"On Saturday, a smaller group of friends and family headed east along lonely Highway 14 for an informal ceremony at Sombrio Beach. Mr. Oke’s ashes were spread atop the sea foam, washing up on the sand and the water-smoothed rocks of the beach on which he had been born.

It is also the place where the ashes of his father, his sister, and two brothers have been committed to nature in recent years."

Got Design Chops? Feelin’ Artsy??

Surfrider Vancouver Island Chapter is looking for you to help design a t-shirt with meaningful, stylish design that folks will want to wear ... and that will help promote our Chapter! CONTEST CLOSES NOVEMBER 1, 2011 ... (You’ll want to make sure your design is completed soon so folks have time to vote!)

The concept could be something as simple as designing a cool looking image using the Surfrider Foundation logo, or could focus in on one of the specific things we do: BEACH CLEAN UPS, THE PADDLE OUT, SURFING, etc.

The design contenders will have their designs posted on Facebook and displayed for all to see and vote on. The winning design will be printed on stylish & organic t-shirts by the kind folks at Salts Organic Clothing and sold to our members, and anyone interested! Runners up will also be featured on stickers and future event posters!

OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES & REGULATIONS ON OUR FACBOOK PAGE: ‘SURFRIDER VANCOUVER ISLAND’

The Queen of the Peak is returning for its second installment and has grown on the success of its inaugural year. The now two-day all-female surf contest is scheduled for Oct. 15-16 in Tofino, the surfing capital of Canada.

The late development of the surf scene in this area has meant a significant female presence of women in the water as they learned the sport alongside men. The organizers of Queen of the Peak thought it was time to recognize the talents of local women with their own contest.

Women from all over Vancouver Island will vie for over $2,500 in cash as well as prizes. The short board winner will receive $1,500 among other prizes. The long board winner will receive a new longboard (valued at $1000) as well as prizes.

The contest is set up to be female-friendly, with child care and dog sitting services on the beach for contestants. A massage tent staffed with Wickaninnish Inn Ancient Cedars spa staff will massage competitors after their heats. The Tofino-Ucluelet Culinary Guild is serving food on the beach.

Included in entry fee for contestants is a wine and cheese Welcome Reception at Surf Sister and Awards Gala multi-course dinner at Shelter Restaurant. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Westcoast Community Resource Society.

Queen of the Peak is designed to be a good time at the beach for local female surfers, their partners and friends and families.

The organizers are hopeful the event will continue to grow in the years to come while attracting female surfing professionals to Western Canadian waters.

• more info at Surf Sister Surf School 1-877-724-7873

• Come on by Ocean River for a fun afternoon of SUP racing. This short course is a recreational, all ages event.
• Registration is only $10.00 and is available from 10:00am to 1:30pm the day of only.
• Short Course Recreational, single heat race (2:30pm)
• 1824 Store Street, Victoria, BC
• Parking is free on the street Sundays!
• Race starts at 2:30pm
• Bring your board and PFD, no board rentals will be available for the race.
• for inquires; 1 250-381-4233

3rd Annual Haida Gwaii Expression Session - November 1-5th.

• details to follow.
• entry and media contact.
  Michael @ North Beach Surf Shop 250-626-SURF

• http://canadiansurffilmfestival.com/

FLOAT - A RIPCURL Movie Premiere

• Wednesday, September 21 · 7:00pm - 10:30pm
• HtO Parking lot at 1316 Broad Street Victoria, BC
• More Info An evening of SURF MOVIES on a massive OUTDOOR CIMEMA screen. Live music by Special Guests. A chance to win awesome prizes. Beer and wine Garden.
• 19+ Event - ID will be checked at the door.
• Beer by Pilsner
• $10 tickets at HtO - $15 at the door if any are left....
• Selling fast
• Entry Ticket will count as one raffle ticket for the RIPCURL WETSUIT raffle
• Profits go to 'WATERS EDGE PROJECT'
• Live music Special guest and DJ MURGE
• Dress warm......
• After Party TBA.
• http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=236508963063964

Restless Josie will air Thursday's at 8:30 on CHEK TV Starting September 15th.

The first episode focuses on Tofino and the Rip Curl Stew.

• http://www.restlessjosie.com/

PARKS CANADA INFORMATION BULLETIN
Parks Canada continues closure of Kennedy Lake day use area following cougar attack

UCLUELET, September 7, 2011 ­ Parks Canada is continuing the closuree on Kennedy Lake day use area until further notice as a result of the cougar attack on a visitor that occurred on August 29th. All other areas of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve remain open.

Parks Canada has removed equipment at the Kennedy Lake day use area that was in place to capture the cougar involved in the attack. The decision to remove the equipment was based on the elapsed length time since the attack occurred. Wildlife biologists believe that there is both a decreased chance of catching the target animal, and an increased risk of catching other animals at the site. The traps did not harm any wildlife during the period of use.

While monitoring efforts have confirmed bear activity at the site in recent days, no cougar activity has been observed. Staff will continue to monitor the Kennedy Lake day use area throughout the fall and winter in order to better understand wildlife activity in the area.

Parks Canada continues to ask the public to advise us on any wildlife sightings. Please call 1-877-852-3100 with any specific details regarding the time and location of the sighting and information about animal behaviour.

Parks Canada would like to remind the public of the following safety tips for visiting wilderness that is shared by cougars:

• Keep dogs on a leash at all times
• Never approach a cougar
• Carry pepper spray and an airhorn

On first sight of a cougar:

• Take aggressive action to scare it away immediately
• Do not run
• Maintain eye contact and create as much noise as possible
• Wave arms to appear larger
• Pick children up
• Use pepper spray and airhorn if available

Vancouver Island SUP Series Race #5 Victoria - Gyro Park Cadboro Bay - Sept 04, 2011

• register 10am - race 11am

• Friday Night Luau
• Surf Expo & Art Show with Live Music
• Surf Classic Competition @ Point Michaud
• Award Ceremony
• Surf Classic Dance with Live Music
• Fun Surfing Day
• http://www.surfpointmichaud.com/

Canadian Waterman Festival - Aug 19-21, 2011

• races and events for Stand Up Paddle Boarding, and Sailing
• http://www.canadianwatermanfestival.com/

the Canadian premiere of Float, the new surf film from Rip Curl, screening next week during KNOW?SHOW in Vancouver. Float traces the Tip 2 Tip Project, Rip Curl's six-month boat trip that steamed from end to end of the Indonesian archipelago and found a mind-addling amount of perfect surf along the way. Directed by Andrew Buckley, the film stars Dean Brady, Dillon Perillo and Bruno Santos, with Mick Fanning, Owen Wright, Matt Wilkinson, Taylor Knox and others making appearances as well. As the press release says, it's "one boat, six months, 13,000 islands and 25,000 Bintangs." lf you're in the Lower Mainland, we'd be stoked to see you at the London—it'll be a fun night for sure.

• The London Pub
• 700 Main St. Vancouver, B.C.
• August 18th, 2011 8:30 p.m.
• w/ Live Music by The Neu Music and DJ Vinyl Ritchie
• Presented by Rip Curl, SBC Surf and Monster Energy.

Water's Edge Project Update

The Water’s Edge Project is back from Barra de la Cruz, Mexico. The project was well received in the community and we are all happy with the outcome. All main aspects of the project were successfully established and are now set-up for future development.
The project introduced three main programs in the community: The surf club, an environmental awareness course and recycling center, and four first aid stations. Together these programs will help the pueblo of Barra build and maintain a stronger, safer and cleaner costal community.

Surf Club Up And Running
From the moment we arrived, the community of Barra showed interest and excitement for the Water’s Edge Project and were excited to see it get underway. The first program introduced was the “Surf Club”. By establishing a community-run surf club, the local young surfers will have a chance to try out the latest surfboard technology. Also, by providing the club with a selection of board shapes and sizes, the local surfers will be able to find a surfboard shape that will help take their surfing to the next level. Six surfboards were donated along with materials to fix and maintain the boards.
It was really inspiring to see the kids so excited to set up the club and start using the boards. They selected two people to be in charge of checking out the boards for daily use. As the week went on, we had a chance to see that the Club was running smoothly all on its own.

Community and Beach Cleanup a Big Success
The second part of the project established the environmental program. We were happy to meet a local named Pepe, who is a strong supporter of this program. Pepe is well respected in the community and became our environmental ambassador for the program. He helped us to organize the beach cleanup and recycling class. We also gave a talk at his restaurant about single use plastics and their impact on the environment. After the meeting, we handed out reusable water bottles for the kids to fill up. The group started the cleanup at the local sports field and then cleaned up along the road and ended at the beach. When we arrived at the beach, the Surf Club had organized some tourists to help with the cleanup. Together, we filled 30 bags of trash. We then separated the materials that could be recycled.

Recycling Unit Construction Near Completion
After the cleanup, we talked to Pepe about building a recycling unit near the beach. He was really excited about the idea. Next, we went into Hualtulco and bought materials to build the recycling unit. By the end of our trip, the unit was almost completed. We arranged with the town of Huatulco to pick up the recycling every month. The money collected will go towards keeping the area garbage free and to help build more recycling units.

First Aid Stations In Place; Kits Being Distributed to Families and Schools
The first aid program was established through the local doctor. Our interview with him helped us reaffirm the need for first aid supplies in the community so we set up four main first aid stations. The stations are now located at each school, Pepe’s restaurant and hostel and at the beach. Some locals helped make first aid signs to be hung at each location. With his medical background, Christian taught each recipient the importance of having the kit available for emergency use. He also explained about the contents in the kit and how to respond to an emergency situation. The doctor will distribute the 60 small kits to the local families.

Documentary in the Works
The entire project was documented by Chris Hannant and will be made into a short documentary and screened later this year.

Thank You!
We are thankful to all the support from everyone who made this project possible. Thanks to everyone who came to the fundraiser at Luz Gallery in July prior to our departure. Special thanks to our sponsors: Luz, Sitka, Coastline, HtO, Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub, LaTaquisa, Electric, Rip Curl and Ainey Construction, Marc Alonzo, Chris Hannant Photography!

Water's Edge Project

Epic Surf Co is Victoria's newest Surf and SUP Shop, with old fashion customer service and quality products. Inside our gear bay you will find a wide assortment of everything Surf and SUP from paddles to planer's, pfd's to sun screen. Come check out the latest in Epic fashion! We are a authorized USblank dealer for the backyard builder to the seasoned professional, Epic Surf has all your shaping products.

Working in conjunction with one of Vancouver Island most respected shaper's, Jason Heinz gives Epic customers a lot of options with very affordable board prices and unbeatable craftsmanship. Owner Michelle Zeleschuck has plans to expand this business as sales of SUP's and Surfboards are heating up with surf season around the corner.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for: Groupon ads for rental gear, SUP demo days, Island Race Series, our Grand Opening and the Herald St Block Party where local filmmakers Purpose Pitch Productions will release "Shaping the Dream" featuring master shaper Jason Heinz.

On August 9, 2011, Allen Edwardson, 32 years old, will attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest time and distance surfed on a wave created by a boat. Barbie Mayor, Canadian and International Judge will officiate surfer Edwardson's world record attempt on Shuswap Lake, BC.

The record of 3 hours, 55 minutes and two seconds that Edwardson plans to smash is currently held by Panama's Gary Saavedra set earlier this year after traveling 41.3 miles on the Panama canal.

Allen Edwardson has surfed for 7 years lives and trains on the Shuswap. The owner/operator of North Shuswap Barge Adventures plans to set the world record just days before his birthday.

NEED A RIDE TO THE BEACH? Launch of New Vancouver Hitchiking Website is Making Summer Travel Easier on the Wallet. Visit www.hitchtofino.com for more insight. With the summer finally here Vancouverites can start planning for the long weekends and lazy days on the beach. One website is hoping to help as many locals get to the waves as possible. HitchTofino is an online meeting point for Drivers and Hitchers to carpool their way to the beaches so they can ‘Surf more, spend less’.

Launched as the sister site to HitchWhistler, the mountain carpool site started last year and already boasting over 1,200 members, HitchTofino is hoping to do the same for surfers as HitchWhistler has done for shredders.

This free site allows people to register as a Driver or a Hitcher, post trips and/or connect with others heading over to the Island. Drivers can specify how many petrodollars they want for the trip, the when and where and then wait for Hitcher’s to message them through the site. In the process everyone gets a top up of green karma as they reduce their carbon footprint and potentially make a new buddy with a shared love for surfing.

"When we launched HitchWhistler back in November 2010 we had no idea it would be so popular, we realised very quickly that people liked the concept and that there was a potential for building more rideshare communities based on a shared passion. The obvious next step was Tofino, to connect those looking to hit the waves this sumer with those heading to the beach.

We added other popular Island locations such as Victoria, Ucluelet and Nanamio for those on the Island looking for a cheaper way to get around.” says site founder Flo Devellennes.

surfers: Christian Moutinho, Mick Fanning, Shane Dorian, Leah Oke, Dane Reynolds, Keegan Varney, Alex Gray.

6 to 9 pm

Tickets are 15$ – includes a raffle ticket, movie and appies from la taquisa. sold at: Sitka, Coastline and HTO

All proceeds will be going to Waters Edge Project. The event will include a silent auction and raffle featuring products and gift certificates from local businesses as well as vacation rental packages to Ucluelet, BC. We will provide food(appetizers from Mexican restaurant LA TAQUISA) and drinks(Beer by donation) and present the project along with a short film, "My Home, Our Home" by Chris Hannant, about the location in Mexico. Proceeds from the event will help fund The Waters Edge Project in Barra de la Cruz, Mexico.

We will be raffling lots of prizes and some huge prizes are being donated for our silent auction.

• Sitka boys and girls package
• Rip Curl wetsuit.
• Watches from Nixon
• Sunglasses from Electric eyewear
• Gift certificates from Coastline
• Gift certificates from HTO
• Poster signed by Tony Hawk(Limited edition and also by Mark cunninham)
• Skateboard(Longboard)by Gold coast
• Head phones and bags by nixon
• and a few others.

The silent auction has a 40hour labour donated by Ainey construction and also a 3 night waterfront accomodation in Ukee. Bids can start online on the FB page(watersedgeproject)

We are accepting used or new surfboards to donate to the coastal community of Barra.

Thanks,
Christian.
www.watersedgeproject.org
The Waters Edge Project – Defending and nurturing environmental ambassadors to advocate and uphold cleaner and safer coastal communities.
For more info about the fundraiser email info@watersedgeproject.org

"O’Neill regrets to announce the cancellation of the O’Neill CWC Canada for 2011. Extensive consultation and discussion with key event stakeholders, along with a short period to properly prepare for the event, has led to this decision. During preliminary planning it became clear a shorter than usual planning window jeopardized the success of a 2011 CWC in Nova Scotia.

After establishing the Cold Water Classic series and professional surfing the last two years in Tofino, British Columbia, O’Neill explored the idea of bringing the 2011 CWC to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The beautiful and unique location would serve as an exciting new chapter to the CWC series. O’Neill intends to review Nova Scotia as a possible CWC location for 2012.

O’Neill would like to thank the Halifax Regional Municipality, all local agencies, and the community for their support and input."

Lambrecht surfboards is offering two build your own wooden surfboard clinics this summer in Pemberton BC . These clinics will allow you to build your own wooden surfboard from reclaimed wood. At the end of this clinic you will have a board ready to be glassed.

• July 15- 17
• Sept 16-18

Leah Oke is heading to the world surfing games in Panama (along with a handful of other surfers) to represent Canada at the World Surfing Games in June-July.

The organizers of the Tall Tree Music Festival Launch Party have offered to donate all proceeds to help send Leah to the WSG!

• April 30, 2011
• Strathcona Hotel Rooftop Surf Club
• Fundraiser to send to Leah Oke the World Surfing Games in Panama

Surfrider Vancouver Island is hosting a dune grass pull at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve the weekend of April 30/ May 1. We aim to remove invasive grasses from the dunes on Wickaninnish Beach. These grasses are effectively stabilising the once dynamic system supported by Wickaninnish Beach & we are losing one of the few coastal dune systems in British Columbia. Please come help us out. Free camping for the weekend at Greenpoint Campground, courtesy of Parks Canada. The dune grass pull will take place on Saturday, April 30 and the rest of the weekend is devoted to surfing & s'mores. Contact Hawley for more information at hawley@uvic.ca.

Tofino Policing Priorities - Spring - Summer - Fall, 2011

In partnership with the District of Tofino Council, and with the support of the local First Nations communities, the Tofino RCMP is committed to maintaining public safety while fostering a healthy family orientated community. In order to meet these challenges two (2) policing priorities have been identified with the District of Tofino Council, and in consultation with the First Nations communities and local residents. The priorities are:

#1: Open Liquor and related offences: Unfortunately, the community of Tofino has suffered some significant losses, and in most, liquor abuse played a key factor, and

#2: Beach Fires after 11:00 PM: the multitude of beach fires create an environmental impact, and at times also serve as a drawing point for large and unruly gatherings.

Open Liquor: Section 40(1) Liquor Control and Licensing Act: "...a person must not, in a public place, consume liquor or possess liquor in an open container"

Beach Fires: Tofino Outdoor Burning Bylaw No. 1071: "Ensure that the fire does not burn between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM (Note: Fires are never permitted on Cox Bay or in Tonquin Beach and Park).

The Tofino RCMP will be strictly enforcing contraventions of the Liquor Act and Outdoor Burning Bylaw. In addition to the seizure of open liquor, and/or the extinguishment of a beach fire, individuals can also be fined $230.00 for open liquor, and fined $50.00 to $250.00 for fire violations.

The Tofino RCMP urge Tofino residents to set the example in regards to responsible alcohol use and possession and the lighting of beach fires. Tofino visitors are asked to respect the wishes of the Tofino residents and their neighbouring First Nations communities.

For more information please contact the Tofino RCMP at P 250-725-3242 or visit us at 400 Campbell Street, Tofino, BC.

Re: Tofino RCMP addressing Community Policing Priorities

On April 15, 2011, between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM Tofino RCMP patrolled Tonquin Beach Park and the Light House Trail, Tofino, BC. Police located at Tonquin Beach a small group around a beach fire with open liquor. The fire was extinguished, and an adult male was charged with Possession of Open Liquor (LCLA 40(1) $230.00 fine). All remaining liquor was destroyed on site.

A subsequent patrol of the Light House Trail located two young adult males smoking, and in possession of, marijuana and open liquor. They were arrested and transferred to the Tofino RCMP Detachment. They were subsequently released and are required to attend Tofino Provincial Court this summer to answer to an allegation of possession of marijuana (Section 4(1) CDSA). As a condition of their release both individuals were banned from ALL Tofino Parks. An exception was made for one of the adults to enter upon the Tuff City Skate Park, and Village Green, at specified periods which will be closely monitored by RCMP.

The above policing actions were in support of the Tofino RCMP Policing Priorities as established with the Mayor and Council of the District of Tofino, and as discussed in the March 10, 2011, Tofino RCMP Town Hall Meeting. The two priorities are Open Liquor (and alcohol related offences) and Beach Fires after 11:00 PM. The Tofino RCMP's goal is to work with the community and agencies to continue to foster a safe and friendly community environment by preventing the abuse of alcohol, and the gathering of persons at beach fires, which can lead to community and policing concerns.

Residents and visitors are reminded that Beach Fires are not permitted after 11 PM, and at no time on Cox Bay or in Tonquin Beach Park.

For more information, or inquiries, please visit the Tofino RCMP Detachment situated at 400 Campbell St., Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0 P 250-725-3242

TOFINO, BC, 2011-February-24 – North Chesterman Access Improvements

Construction for the North Chesterman – Lynn Road Improvement Project will begin on Monday, February 28th, 2011, and is expected to be completed by Friday, April 8th, 2011. During this period, the North Chesterman parking lot and the associated beach access will be closed.

Beach users may use any of the other five beach accesses along Lynn Road and Chesterman Beach Road. Beach users are encouraged to use the South Chesterman parking lot. Temporary parking is also available along the west side of Howard Drive and the north side of Osprey Lane.

The project comprises the following:

• A permanent washroom and change room facility;
• Outdoor showers;
• Improved pedestrian and cyclist access;
• Bear proof garbage and recycling receptacles;
• Tsunami warning system; and
• Drainage improvements.

Please attend and let your voice be heard that Staffed Lightstations are Essential for the Pacific North Coast management area
for more information contact
Jim Abram 250-285-3355 / 250-830-8005
Have a say in the future of your coast

Have a say in the future of your coast

• Bella Coola – February 28. Bella Coola Valley Inn. 4411 Mackenzie Street.

• Campbell River – March 2. Maritime Heritage Centre. 621 N Island Highway.
• Port Hardy – March 3. Providence Place Inn. 7050 Rupert Street.
• Kitimat – March 7. Kitimat Valley Institute. 1352 Alexander Ave.
• Prince Rupert – March 9. Crest Hotel – Skeena Room. 222 1 Avenue West.
• Skidegate – March 10. Skidegate Community Hall. Front Street.

Please join us. Please help spread the word.

the new film by Taylor Steele 'Innersection' Free

Thursday Feb 24, 7:00PM

Nevermind Restaurant 3292 W 4th Ave Vancouver

There's 2 weeks left for voting and Pete and Jeremy are in the top 5....and it's VERY close! Vote for Peter Devries at http://innersection.tv/news/222. You need a vote code, which is found in the DVD, you go to the "winners" section to vote. We will have DVD's available at the screening, and most surf shops carry them.

Talk to your local Shaper

Newly formed custom surfboard company Switchblade Surfboards, allows Vancouverites to do just that.

Switchblade Surfboards, is owned and operated by Chris Worgan and Ryan Lillies. We’re providing surfers with hand crafted, made-to-order decks including custom artwork and ding repair service. While still relatively new to the scene, we are dedicated to being part of an important group of next generation hand shapers. Listening to the surfer while involving them is a fun part of the whole board making process. Everything from overall shape and foam volume, to glass weight and fin set up can be disused in order to get the perfect board. It’s important to know what the surfer is looking for in a board, and it’s also important to know where that board is coming from. Wherever you live, talk to your local shaper. If you happen to live in Vancouver, you can contact Chris and Ryan at Switchblade: 604-842-7869, email at switchbladesurf@gmail.com or view our work online at www.switchbladesurfboards.ca

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Senators praised for decision on staffing of lightstations
Minister will still make the final decision

Quadra Island: The Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans has made their report public into the issue of staffing of lightstations and has made some very strong recommentdations to the Conservative government. It will now be up to the Minister and the Cabinet to implement those recommendations. The announcement was made at a press conference in Ottawa at 1:00 pm (EST) Dec/21/2010.

Jim Abram, a director for a large portion of the coast represented by the Strathcona Regional District and leader of the fight to keep staff since 1985, was extremely pleased with the recommendations but cautiously optimistic about the final decision yet to be made by Minister Gail Shea. “I have been dealing with this issue for far too many years and it just keeps coming back to the public to fight all over again”, he said. “The Conservative government has supported staff on lightstations since they were in Opposition in 2003 and right through to the present day, yet senior managers in the Canadian Coast Guard continue to bring this misguided program before Ministers for implementation. This government needs to put this issue to rest by affirming its support for staffing of lightstations and inform the Coast Guard that they do not want to see it come up again.”

Alice Woods, acting President for the BC Lightkeepers Local of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, said, “I was confident that the Senators would come back with positive recommendations based on the overwhelming support from the users of the safety services offered by staffed lightstations. Every time the Coast Guard attempts to take staff off of stations, the users come out in droves to tell them that the services are essential to the safety and the economy of our province and our country.”

The recommendations will now be submitted to Minister Shea for consideration and for a final decision on the matter… etc….

“We trust that the Minister will do the right thing and listen to the users of the services”, Abram concluded.

Jim Abram & Alice Woods