Strong north winds and little to no ice make for ‘remarkable’ P.E.I. winter surf season [Video]

Surfers in Prince Edward Island say mild winter conditions have made for a “remarkable” season this winter.

“For there to be next to no sea ice … that was really something unique,” said Andrew MacLaine, co-owner of the Rustico Surf Club based in North Rustico, P.E.I.

MacLaine remembers months of sea ice when he was growing up. The North Shore was typically not accessible from January until the end of March.

This winter, however, was different. With a strong north wind and little to no ice in the water, conditions were perfect for a cold plunge.

“We were able to actually surf because there were few barriers,” MacLaine said.

While it’s been a great season, he said the surfing community on the Island still remains small.

You have to be drawn to this adverse weather experience and be up for a lot of cold, hypothermic times.— Andrew MacLaine

That’s because the cold …