At Drew Burke's Tofino Surf Camp I experienced the most exhilarated oneness with nature and with fellow learning-to-surf enthusiasts. From booking my days to organizing transportation to the Camp, Drew took care of every detail of my trip with utmost care, efficiency and attention. While I originally registered for a three-day stay, within a few hours of being at the Camp I knew that I wish to extend it for the full five-day option. Drew brought our four-member group together so effortlessly and with such warm energy that despite the differences in age and geographical origins we bonded immediately. Our common goal was to learn to surf and that was enough to carry us for the whole week through breakfasts, lunches, and dinners together with a mutual sense of trust and friendship. All the included meals at Jamie's Rainforest Inn were delicious and huge, supplying all of us with nutrition to remain fit for surfing. As we were learning to speak 'surfing' we were also learning about Tofino and the Pacific Coast of Vancouver Island during our walks in town, on the beaches and in the rainforests. Drew's vast knowledge about surfing and about the environment of the Pacific Rainforest was invaluable to making my experience at the Tofino Surf Camp unforgettable. My dream of learning to surf has come true. Being in the waves has made me feel free and like a kid again. I don't know if it is the negative ions of the ocean or just simply hanging out with great company, but I certainly had an epic time surfing the waves. Our instructor, Adam, played a key role in helping me understand the technical side of surfing from figuring out wave heights and frequencies, to practical first steps and safety with the board in the water, all recapped with videos after breakfast daily. Fitted wetsuits, warm-up exercises coupled with lots of fun and laughter in our group made me stoked for surfing forever. Paul's beautiful photos captured many moments and movements of surfing, as well as made visual souvenirs of our forest hike. The end of August sun kept shining brilliantly all throughout the week, making my adventure in Tofino extra special. Thank you, Drew, and the Pacific Surf Co. for this awesome experience in the Tofino Surf Camp, and making me want to surf again and again! Next time I am also going to bring my stick to paddle out to point break ;). Agnes Vancouver, BC read more

I really can't say enough positive things about Tofino Travel. I had been surfing before but was still essentially a novice, and wanted to go to a camp where you surf for several days in a row to solidify the skills more. As the previous reviewer said, this was the only surf camp in Canada and it didn't disappoint. I was travelling solo, so the idea of a group camp was a great way to meet people and surf lots! We had a tough week for waves from a surf standpoint, but we still got out there every day, caught some big waves, and had a ton of fun. Adam and Alan were our instructors for the week, and their passion for surfing was evident. We first learned the basics if waves and wind and conditions in 'class', then went out to apply that knowledge to the actual surf. They were great at getting us out there catching waves, even when the waves were more choppy and unpredictable! It was physically exhausting (I would recommend getting to a reasonable level of upper body fitness for the camp) but so fun. I'd go back to Tofino to surf in an instant. Drew was a fantastic guide throughout. From the moment he picked me up from the airport in his vintage Volkswagen van, to the last day of camp when he dropped me back off at the airport (exhausted but incredibly happy after the week of surfing), he was professional, knowledgeable, hilarious, timely, and approachable. He clearly is very passionate about not only surfing but everything 'Tofino'. On our hikes he was a fountain of facts about the flora and fauna, the cultural background of Tofino, and just about any other random topic you could get him on. He seemed to know everyone in town, and seemed to be very well liked by everyone in town as well! I was a bit skeptical of staying in a dorm at first...something about my own room and own bathroom was appealing, but once I got there I realized there was nothing to be worried about. The dorm at Jamie's was incredibly clean, spacious, with 2 bathrooms and sinks. We had the dorm to ourselves several nights, at capacity for one, and it was never an issue. Overall I would highly recommend Tofino Travel (and the 5 day camp, go hard!) Drew should be commended for putting together such a great program! I can't wait to go back (with friends in tow this time!) read more

Best vacation dollars spent in a tough economy. Initially, when I first started planning a surf camp I had pinned locations around the world. When I realized the cost associated with that I started looking closer to home. This is the only surf camp in Canada I could find. Tofino Travel and the 5-day all inclusive surf camp did not disappoint. As a novice surfer I was amped to go. I even decided to purchase a new board. Emailing Drew with all kinds of questions about purchasing a board, I truly appreciated every timely response and insight he had (which is a massive amount regarding surf boards). He managed to temper my excitement for 2 months via email and when I arrived one of the first things he said was "lets go find you a surf board". Amazing! With new board in hand, it was time to surf. The instructions from Alan (totally filled the father figure roll in my life for that week) and Adam (Pacific Surf School) was fantastic. Every morning they were eager to get us on green waves out the back! The video feedback and morning coffee sessions discussing the days previous surf was also a huge help. As for Drew (our guide, chauffeur, local expert, pacific rim extraordinaire), he was nothing short of amazing for the week. Riding around in the surf van, funky tunes pumpin', Yogi (Drew's dog) chillin' in the back made for a surreal experience. One of my best memories from the trip was meeting Drew out back in the water at Cox bay. We were out in "Lando's" corner and I looked up to see massive rocks and spruce all around. The swell was relaxed that day but Drew knew exactly where to catch the best waves. Again pretty surreal setting. Learning about the Nuu-chah-nulth, cedar trees, vicious Sundew's, beach fires, Tofino brewing company, Jaime's Rainforest Inn staff and food, Storm the Surf shop (See Monty!), the drive from Port Alberni to Tofino, the mortar rounds at the dunes, the list could go on and on...Was a great experience. Can't wait to be a repeat offender. Thank you Drew and Tofino Travel. read more

Wicked! I just spent 5 days in Tofino on the all-inclusive surf camp and had an awesome time. From the surf instruction, to the guided tours with Drew and his dog Yogi, everything was excellent. Our surf instructors, Allen and Adam, were top notch. You could really tell they had a passion for surfing and teaching, and were the perfect amount of pep to get you up in the morning. Getting in the water on the first day was incredible and really motivating! The pace of the camp is just right. Surfing every morning really wakes you up and gets you pumped for the day. Then whether you're hiking Pacific Rim National Park, touring the town, or relaxing on the beach, there's always something to do. The accommodations were clean and comfortable, and there's even a beautiful inlet a quick walk from the hotel where you can relax and have some quiet time. You could take this camp multiple times and have a different experience every time. Because the group sizes are fairly small, it doesn't feel like you're being herded around like you would in a large group. Drew was an awesome guide and was super hospitable! He's your guy when it comes to local history, flora, fauna and "can I eat this berry" questions. He really went all out to make the camp seamless, worry-free and fun. Also, you get to ride around town in his sweet VW van! This isn't just your typical "tour". It's really an immersive experience, cramming all of Tofino's beauty into a short 5-day trip. Had a wonderful time and I'm already planning my next trip out! Thanks Drew! read more

I don't use words lightly, and I especially don't use words like "magical" or "transcendent" lightly, so here is my review: The 5-day Surf Camp with Drew and his crew was magical and transcendent. This trip was about more than just surfing; it was about heart and merriment, about letting go and going for it. There aren't many people like Drew in this world, so make the most of his knowledge, insight, and humor, as well as his love for Tofino, the surf, and spending time with friends both old and new. There also aren't many places like Tofino, so do yourself a favor and GO THERE NOW. As for the surf itself, I am not sure you could ask for better conditions for learning or advancing. My one piece of advice is to trust your instructors! They are passionate about surfing but also about teaching, and they make a point of being experts at both (shout out to Allan). Go at their pace, listen to their positive as well as constructive comments, and have confidence that when you leave, you will have been set up for success wherever and whenever you surf next. (I took a lesson in NY the week I returned, and my instructor was so impressed with the knowledge I brought back with me.) So thank you again Drew, Allan, and Adam for all that you gave and all that you are. Oh, and one last thing: build a bonfire on the beach!! You will be too exhausted to do it, but do it anyway. We did it on the final night, and it was a beautiful way to bid farewell. read more

For over a decade I've wanted to learn how to surf. For whatever reason I always had an excuse why I couldn't: I'm not fit enough, I'm not strong enough, I'm not adventurous enough, I don't have enough time, and most importantly, I can't do this on my own. And when I signed up for the surf camp with Tofino Surf Camps, I still felt this way along with a lot of anxiety about attending it. But when I arrived at the camp and met Drew, the owner of Tofino Travel Co., the instructors Allen and Andrew from Pacific Surf Co. , as well as the other camp attendees, my anxiety diminished. The environment of the camp is one of support, inclusiveness, and fun. Getting loaded into the Volkwagen Vanagon to head to the beach for surfing or on the next hiking adventure, walking the shores of some of the most stunning beaches in Tofino, getting your a$$ handed to you while trying to conquer a wave, and seeing what the ocean has to offer beyond its beauty and raw power, are just a few highlights of this camp. It was a pleasure getting to know Drew, and his perspective of surfing, life, environment, and all that Tofino has to offer. For me, the experience is far better than any words I can use to describe it. It felt like more than just a camp, but an insight into a different way of life. The only way to understand is to experience it yourself. read more

Every part of this multi-day tour and surf camp is well thought out and made as easy as possible. The hostel was clean, secure, and the food was fantastic. Drew (and his black Lab "Yogi") were the perfect tour guides through the wilderness and town of Tofino. He shared his knowledge of the current goings-on of the area as well as it's history. Ecological mind-frame and First-Nations relevance seemed to be consistent themes in Tofino and the tours reflected this. Drew also got a feel for what his guests were all about and had no trouble relating parts of his tours to each individual. When someone has passion for what they do, it shows. The surf camp gave a comprehensive perspective of what it would be like to adopt a surfing lifestyle and to be in tune with the ocean. I know much more about weather and surf conditions and will never look at a swell the same way again. Allen and Adam as instructors were enthusiastic and informative. They provided an atmosphere on the water where you can make all the beginner-mistakes you need to without judgement. Video analysis in the mornings and a "report card" at the end of the week really gave me a good idea of what I do well, and what I can work on. read more

Yew! This is a really awesome way to learn how to surf and get an insight into the surf culture. The team is small, so there is plenty of time for feedback on your surfing, and everybody fits into Drew's nice van, which is great because then you are always going as a team for hiking or sightseeing. Drew knows a lot about Tofino, the history and the nature, so if you are just slightly curious about anything, there is a good change that he knows. The atmosphere is chill and relaxed, which makes it a great environment for learning and gives you a lot of flexibility of doing more or less of the things that are planned - for me it was doing more surfing at sunset. Thank you for a great experience! read more

Go to surf camp! It is the best experience ever! Drew is the perfect host and you will want for nothing. Our group referred to him as 'mom'. The surf instructor was fantastic, the Inn was comfortable and the food was plentiful and delicious. Drew will show you an amazing time and his sidekick, Yogi the dog, will keep you smiling. Go! I am going back. Diana read more