Canada’s Vancouver Island is nothing like the world’s most famous surf breaks in Hawaii and California. For one, it’s not warm. The beaches aren’t covered in smooth, golden sand. There’s no waves right off the highway. It’s just not a place that people think about when they think about surfing.
That’s exactly why professional surfer Hanna Scott loves the place. She appreciates the raw beauty of the dramatic coastline, where the powerful ocean meets lush, old-growth forest and mountains. Even if the waves are blown out, just being in that environment often feels like enough. Hanna’s relentless pursuit of her passion, and unique expression for the sport and places she loves made joining the Vans Surf Team a no-brainer.
Vans, an action sports brand, equips people with high quality gear so they can pursue their passions and inspire others. We met Scott, a longtime Vans athlete, on Vancouver Island to explore her favorite spots and test the brand’s new UltraRange Exo Hi Gore-Tex MTE-3 hiking boot.
“There’s something really special about where we live. We have all of this wild nature and space,” said Scott. “To get to most places, you’re driving a few hours and hiking a bit. There’s a ton of surf breaks, but you’ve got to work for it.” With all of the extreme weather she encounters, Scott relies on high-quality gear that can protect her from the elements.
Hanna Scott, Professional Surfer, Vans Team Rider
Gear Patrol StudiosThe thing about being a surfer on Vancouver Island is that you’re always dealing with the elements — cold temps, wind and rain. Surfers there have a bit of an edge to them and Scott is no exception.
On the island’s west coast, the weather can change fast as frequent storms blow in. The trees on the shoreline bend away from the waves, having adopted a permanently wind-blown form. “The ocean here is always cold,” said Scott. “You’re never not in a wetsuit.”
Gear Patrol Studios
Gear Patrol Studios
Gear Patrol Studios
Gear Patrol StudiosScott isn’t immune to the cold. In fact, she’s super sensitive to it. But she loves surfing so deeply and wants to be out in nature, that she doesn’t think much of the temperature and chooses to surf year round in the wind, rain and snow. It makes her feel alive. “The weather is going to be whatever, so if you just don’t let it stop you, you’re always going to be stoked that you went out,” said Scott.
Gear Patrol StudiosGeared Up for the Elements
Gear Patrol StudiosScott drives around the island in her trusty pickup truck, which she knows can get her down any back road she finds when sniffing out waves. Under the truck’s fiberglass camper shell, a Decked drawer system keeps her gear organized and accessible. She always has her wetsuit with her, and usually packs a small quiver of boards — a longboard, a fish and a shortboard — to make sure she’s ready for any conditions. Scott also totes a canteen of warm water, booties and a thick puffy jacket for staying warm, especially after long sessions in the icy Pacific.
Gear Patrol Studios
Gear Patrol Studios
Gear Patrol Studios
Gear Patrol StudiosGetting to and from surf breaks requires hiking through the dense coastal forest, and the UltraRange Exo Hi Gore-Tex MTE-3 is ideal for navigating that soggy, rugged terrain. It’s made with GORE-TEX breathable waterproofing to keep feet dry, plus insulation for extra warmth. A MTE-3 outsole with All-Trac rubber provides traction on slippery surfaces.
Scott loves how comfortable they are and how she doesn’t ever have to think about what shoes to wear. “You can be in them for a long day, doing a bunch of different things, and you’re never going to have to change them,” she said. “You’re going to stay warm and dry.”
Price: $210
Gear Patrol StudiosGreater Victoria is honored to be based on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen-speaking and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.