Frequently Asked Questions

  • Absolutely. No previous surf experience is required for our Classic Weekend and Surf Camps! We will set you up with a beginner lesson and we can help you sort out the gear.

  • Our trips include different things depending on which trip you select. Registration will always cover camping in Tofino, meals, and a tee-shirt, however, everything else varies depending on the trip.

    Check out our trip options for more information and each trip’s breakdown.

    Please note: Our standard trip prices do NOT include the following: surf gear (we can organize rentals for an additional fee), camping gear, transport to/around Tofino, and alcohol/breakfasts/lunches/snacks.

  • Each trip price varies depending on what is included. Check out the trip pages for individual trip prices.

    Dates and prices for trips are typically released in February of that year.

  • We understand life happens and we do our best to work with you to fill your spot and issue a refund. However, please review our cancellation policy before registering.

  • Tofino is a rainforest and unfortunately we cannot control the weather or surf forecast. We ask participants to come prepared with gear for all weather. Surf Sister has a threshold for when the wind is too strong to host lessons, and we defer to their criteria when determining whether or not to run the lesson. All other surfs are optional, and participants are encouraged to make their own decisions about whether or not they wish to surf. In cases of bad weather, we will plan alternate activities.

  • Registration information is typically available in February for that year.

    In order to register, review the available trips and follow to the information page for the trip style you’re interested in registering for. Once you’ve decided on a trip, fill out the registration form in its entirety. We will send you a confirmation e-mail upon receipt of your registration form with some more information and payment options. You will then have 24 hours to submit your payment in order to secure your spot.

    Please note, payment for registration is via e-transfer or via Paypal for credit card. If you have questions about payment or want to set up a payment plan, please contact us prior to registration.

  • Unfortunately not. Everyone needs to be over 19 years to participate in any of our surf experiences. But, you can still join the Bitches ‘n Barrels community in Victoria! Check out more information on our community and local Victoria events here.

  • Unfortunately not. All participants must be strong swimmers and comfortable swimming in variable ocean conditions. This includes, big waves, strong currents, and rips. Participants must have swimming endurance and be able to hold their breath for a reasonable period in order to participate.

  • You’ll need a full suit wetsuit (at least 4/3mm for summer, 5/4mm for shoulder seasons), booties, gloves (optional in summer, but nice to have), a surf board that is appropriate for your experience level, a leash, and wax (if you’re not surfing on a soft top).

  • No problem! We can get that sorted out with you. Wetsuit, booties, gloves, a surf board, and a leash are all included in your lesson. After the lesson is over we will help you rent gear for the rest of the weekend. More information on our rental program can be found here.

  • SportsRent in Victoria has all the camping essentials at a really reasonable price. You can also find a lot of used camping gear on Facebook Marketplace for great rates. Or you can always borrow from a friend or relative.

  • If you’re new to surfing and unsure what to rent, look for something long, wide, and high volume. Anything over 9’ is a great place to start, and soft-tops are awesome for learning (we call them the confidence builders).

  • The trip starts and ends in Tofino, so you’re responsible for coordinating your own transport. We can help by trying to facilitate a carpool with other participants, but ultimately you’re responsible for getting yourself to/from/around Tofino.

  • Yes, there’s cellphone service throughout most of Tofino, however, cell phone service at the campground is hit or miss and you may not get killer reception at some of the beaches.

  • Yes, the campground has wifi. We wouldn’t recommend relying on it for taking important Zoom calls, but it works to check emails and stay connected.

  • Typically we can accommodate a couple vans/campers, however, it will vary depending on the trip and how many tents we need to fit in our space. Reach out and we will see what we can do! If you have not communicated and received approval that we can accommodate car camping on your trip, please assume you are sleeping in a tent and pack accordingly.

    Please note that we cannot accommodate trailers/RVs. Basically anything considered a Class B RV or larger cannot be accommodated on our shared sites. If you’re unsure, reach out beforehand to coordinate.

  • We cannot accommodate trailers/RVs. Basically anything considered a Class B RV or larger cannot be accommodated on our shared sites.

  • No. We cannot accommodate folks that are not registered for the trip on our campsites.

  • Unfortunately not. While we truly love animals (and while our trip leads will often have their four-legged friends on summer trips), we cannot accommodate participants bringing pets. We apologize for any inconvenience.

  • Our meals are easily made vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, and nut free. If you have other allergies or dietary concerns, please contact us to discuss options.