MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Summer 2018

64 ML BLUE SUMMER 2018 33 34 Sandbanks Provincial Park, near the tip of a headland that juts into Lake Ontario just west of Kingston, is best known for its sandy beaches, clear water and packed campgrounds. Add palm trees and warm up the water about 20ºC and one could mistake it for the Caribbean. The surfing scene here is nothing like the tropics, but when a swell rolls in or the wind kicks up, there are definitely rideable waves—especially if you’re on a stand-up paddleboard, which makes it easier to catch ankle busters for a fun zip back to the beach. The first time I tried SUP surfing at Sandbanks, on my 10-foot Level Six hardshell during last September’s summer-like heat wave, I instantly understood why some people devote their lives to chasing waves. I hit the warm shallow sparking water at Outlet Beach, paddled out and pivoted onto a three-foot breaker—and flew back toward the shore. Then did it again. And again. And then declared aloud my sincere desire to move to either Hawaii or California (though Australia would also suffice). I only relinquished the board when my 12-year-old daughter wanted to give it a shot, and with her smaller frame and flatwater paddling experience, she quickly mastered the pivot turn and was soon sliding across the face of small waves. My next outing, a month later, was different. I drove to the same beach with the weather forecast warning of wind gusts up to 100km/h per hour and the surf report promising six-foot waves. I had to battle through the onshore wind to make it to the water from the parking lot, struggling to keep the board’s nose down, lest it take off like a sail. The foamy choppy water was still warm and the waves were crashing but rideable, though I was careful to fall upwind from the board whenever I bailed, lest it take off my head if caught by a gust. Be sure to check Magic Seaweed or another online surf report before you head to Sandbanks, as conditions range from flat to too blustery (which I discovered this past spring, when 120km/h winds prevented me from even making it from the parking lot to the beach). And if you’re planning to camp, be aware that Ontario Parks reservations can be made up to five months in advance, with prime spots typically booked fast. —Dan Rubinstein DIY: enter “Sandbanks” into magicseaweed.com for a surf report. Park site: ontarioparks.com/park/ sandbanks FULL DAY TRIPS Eco-Adventures on The Bruce The Bruce Peninsula’s turquoise waters and towering Niagara Escarpment cliffs have been drawing record crowds in recent years. And while that traffic is understandable, it’s not always advantageous. The Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association (BPBA) has a mandate of conservation, sustainable development and capacity-building in this unique global biosphere area. As such, they are offering guided Eco- Adventures on the Peninsula that not only let you see some of the best places in the Bruce, but let you contribute to their conservation cause at the same time. This summer they are offering a long list of unique adventures—like Bushcraft on the Bruce, a Soul Stroll, Biking the Bruce, Quest for Fire and Feathers, Flocks and Towering Rocks. Adventures range in length, with most running two to three hours, and are led by knowledgeable local guides who will help you see things you would otherwise walk right by. If you’re thinking of visiting the Bruce Peninsula this year, check out the BPBA’s Eco-Adventures first. Give back to the biosphere while learning about this beautiful destination at the same time. —Allison Kennedy Davies DIY: bpba.ca A BPBA Eco-Adventure in progress. ALLISON KENNEDY DAVIES Sandbanks SUP Surf Sandbanks Provincial Park. REBECCA LAMB/COURTESY PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY