Emily Ballard

My name is Emily Ballard and I’ve been on this island my entire life, I grew up in Nanaimo but always knew I wanted to live in Tofino. I moved across the island when I was 18 and never looked back! I adore cold water surfing and the laid back, quiet lifestyle in Tofino. There’s so much to see and experience in the natural world out here and being surrounded by it is incredible. Surfing next to whales, sea lions, and seals. Watching the sun rise and set over the tree-lined shores. I absolutely love it. I also grew up doing all kinds of dance and seriously love performing. I get my kicks for that from competing in surf contests. I’ve surfed in, and won, contests in Hawaii, Canada, and the US as well as traveling to Australia and California to compete in the Longboard Qualifying Series. Everywhere I’ve traveled has been incredible but nothing beats Vancouver Island. Cold water for life, baby!!!