Surfing in Acadia
Surfing in Acadia
By Geneviève Diotte
For passionate surfers, surfing is a topic we could talk about for hours and hours!
With their fluid and natural movements, the pros make this sport look so easy! Yet once in the water, many people can testify that surfing is the complete opposite of easy! In reality, so many things must perfectly align in order to create that perfect wave everyone dreams of riding...
Before heading into the water, there are many changing variables to consider: the type of wave, its size and direction, the winds, the tides, the ocean floor, and much more! Each of these variables will inevitably be part of every surf session.
What is Acadia?
You read the title “Surfing in Acadia” and probably thought, “But what is Acadia?” Well, it’s a place in our hearts for those who consider themselves Acadian!
However, here we will speak more specifically about surfing in the Acadian Peninsula, a region in the North-East of New Brunswick where the vast majority of people consider themselves Acadian!
In the Acadian Peninsula,
waves are generated by wind — what we call “wind swell”* (explained below). According to the geography of the Acadian Peninsula, in order for waves to form, the following wind directions are necessary: North, North-East (locally called “Nordet”), East, South-East (“Suet”), and South. Different wind directions make certain spots better than others. To get quality waves, the wind must switch to the opposite side or drop to almost zero.
A few hours after strong winds and the directional change mentioned above, the result is a clean swell that is super fun to surf.
‘’Wind Swell’’
A "wind swell" is created by wind blowing over the surface of the ocean. The speed and strength of the wind directly affect the waves. The depth of the ocean floor also plays an important role in the equation. The deeper the water, the bigger the waves can become (of course)!
‘’Swell’’
Waves that move away from their source are called “heave,” commonly referred to as “swell” in surfer language. The stronger the winds are in the “source” zone, the bigger the swell will be and the farther it will travel. The longer the wind blows in that zone, the longer the swell will last and it may even continue after the wind has stopped or changed direction.
That is exactly what we look for when surfing in Acadia! A large source area of strong winds (in the directions mentioned earlier) and if the wind can completely switch sides, that’s ideal! This results in clean waves that are truly enjoyable to surf!
The Seasons
The main surf seasons are spring and fall, when storms are more frequent, generating more wind and power in the waves. However, when conditions allow, we also surf in the summer and even in winter, navigating through floating ice!
The Community
The surfing community of the Acadian Peninsula counts approximately 10–15 people and falls directly under a group we call Acadie Surf. Acadie Surf is a non-profit organization that exists to promote water sports in the region so people can fully enjoy it.
Favorite Spots
Surfers of the Acadian Peninsula have a few favorite spots: Miscou Lighthouse, Val Comeau, and Chiasson Office.
Of course, each of these spots has its own character! Here’s what sets them apart:
- Miscou Lighthouse, located on Miscou Island, is known as “the end of the world” since it is the farthest North-East surf spot in New Brunswick. Its waters are characterized as the meeting point between the Bay of Chaleur and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Surfing at Miscou also means surfing with seals! Yes indeed! Many of our friends are in the water!
- Val Comeau offers kilometers of beach where people often go for long walks and breathe in the salty air! In summer, this place is quite busy, while in fall and spring, surfers take advantage of the swell!
- Chiasson-Office, located on Lamèque Island, is often recognized as a must-visit for kitesurfers since it compares to some of the best kite spots internationally. The Kiteboard Pro World Tour was even held there in 2009! The waves found here can also be excellent for surfers.
Types of Boards
The length and type of board depend on each surfer, their level, and their personal preference. Longer boards with higher "volume" are often recommended since the waves here are not as powerful as those in Hawaii! That’s why we can’t wait to test the TAIGA Longboard in the waves of the Acadian Peninsula.
Surfing in New Brunswick
Overall, in New Brunswick, surfing remains a relatively uncommon sport. Often, surfers drive to Nova Scotia where the forecast is posted on well-known surf websites, making it more reliable and providing better quality waves more consistently.
One experience we would love to try is surfing the Tidal Bore in Moncton. We are also told that surf can sometimes be found in the Saint John area in the southern part of the province.
Many spots are still waiting to be discovered!
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