WHAT THIS IS​

Have you ever wanted to go surfing, but feel intimidated? Have you done a surf lesson or other sport lesson before and felt like you needed to slow down, or admit you're nervous? Do you want to spend time surfing in a way that fosters connection to yourself and the land, not just "conquering the wave"? Do you want an awesome squad to surf, celebrate and laugh with?

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This is a small, intentional weekend that weaves together:

• beginner-friendly surf instruction (more advanced folks welcome)

• gentle, supported ocean experiences

• therapy-informed group facilitation

• time for reflection, integration, and connection on the land

• FUN and community
   

You’ll be supported both in and out of the water, with space to process, rest, and integrate along the way.

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WHO THIS IS FOR

This may be a good fit if you:

• Are new to surfing or early in your learning

• Feel nervous, unsure, or want more support in the ocean (and don't want to feel the need to pretend you feel otherwise)

• Want a slower, more intentional approach 

• Are open to reflection and shared group space

• Want to surf in a way that is about connection to yourself and the land, not just performance

• Value a small, supportive environment
   

THIS MAY NOT BE THE RIGHT FIT IF:

• You’re looking for high-performance coaching or rapid progression

• You’re an experienced surfer wanting advanced instruction

• You prefer a private or one-on-one experience

• You are currently in acute distress or needing a high level of mental health support
   

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• 3 days and 2 nights of group camping

• 2 guided surf sessions with in-water support

• Full surf gear for the weekend (board + wetsuit)

• 1 introductory ocean experience to build comfort and familiarity

• Facilitated group circles for intention-setting and integration

• A creative reflection + connection activity

• A small, supportive group (max 6 participants)

WHAT THE WEEKEND LOOKS LIKE

THURSDAY EVENING

Arrival + opening circle on the beach
Gentle ocean activity to build familiarity and safety

FRIDAY

Morning: game + intention setting + guided surf session
Afternoon: creative reflection + connection activity
Evening: group dinner out + optional campfire

SATURDAY

Morning guided surf session
Closing circle + integration
(Participants are welcome to stay and surf on their own afterward)

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INVESTMENT

$700 CAD

• Includes all programming, surf gear, and campsite fees.

• Participants are responsible for their own transportation, food and camping gear.

• A portion of the experience (estimated $450) may be eligible for reimbursement under extended health benefits, or to FNHA for indigenous folks. Please inquire for details.

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ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

 

This weekend is facilitated by Cate Nash, a registered counsellor (RCC, MSW, RSW) and surf therapy practitioner with over a decade of experience supporting people through anxiety, grief, trauma, and life transitions.​

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Cate’s relationship with the ocean didn’t start early in life. Her first real experience in waves at age 19 was humbling, and for a long time the ocean felt more intimidating than inviting. Over the years, through slower, supported surf experiences, her relationship shifted from something to “get good at” into something that helps her regulate, slow down, and feel more in touch wither her body and aliveness.

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That personal shift is what led her into nature-based healing. After 2 years in Tofino, she moved to Perú to volunteer and train with a surf therapy program where she had the pleasure of supporting local women and girls. She then joined the Surf Sister team as a surf instructor and continues to facilitate nature-based, experiential programming in her current role as a mental health clinician and nature mentor with Take a Hike and her private practice Steady & Wild.

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In 2023, Cate started hosting free community surf sessions for women, femmes and non-binary folks on Southern Vancouver Island, and continues to run a WhatsApp chat for a community of over 70  surfers. 

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Cate is known for being grounded and warm in her facilitation. She has a way of helping people feel at ease quickly, especially when something is new or a little outside their comfort zone, with space for depth, reflection, humour, and no expectation of getting anything “right.”​ 

 

She focuses on creating environments where people feel safe enough to try something new, and supported enough to stay with themselves through it.

 

Learn more about Cate here
 

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

If you’ve had a difficult or overwhelming experience in the water, a virtual 1:1 session may be required prior to the weekend to help ensure the experience feels supportive and appropriately paced.
 

LOCATION 

Ucluelet & Tofino, British Columbia | Thursday August 20th - Saturday August 22nd, 2026
Exact campground details will be shared upon registration
 

HOW TO REGISTER

1. Complete the intake form here

2. Cate will follow up and schedule a short call to ensure fit

3. Submit payment to secure your spot
    

Spots are limited to 6 participants.
 

🌊 This is a space to slow down, build trust, and meet the ocean—and yourself—a little differently.

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