Oliphant & Sauble Beach Kitesurfing Guide

By Sam Medysky and John Bryja

The number one spot for beginner kitesurfers in the province of Ontario, Canada is unquestionably Oliphant. This place holds special significance for pro rider Sam Medysky, who’s been frequenting Oliphant since 2002. The journey began with his father, Daniel Medysky, launching a kiteboarding school in Sauble Beach, Ontario, back in 2001. The inaugural season in Sauble was a success. However, the bustling summer crowds and challenging deep water conditions prompted Daniel to scout for alternative teaching sites. During one such exploration, he chanced upon the serene Oliphant fishing islands. Since that serendipitous discovery, it has become both the heart of the Medysky family’s kiteboarding school and a premier kiteboarding destination in Canada.

The Scene:

Oliphant is a group of islands just off the coast of the Bruce peninsula. The islands provide shelter creating some great flat water kiteboarding conditions. Since Oliphant is a small cottage area it’s fairly uncrowded. Not many beach goers know about the area.The local school is kiterider owned and operated by my Father Daniel Medysky and I. We’ve been in business since 2001 and were the originals pioneers to discover the spot. We try to keep the kiteboarding safe and friendly at our home spot. If your kooking out or not respecting the local community or rules we will be the first to let you know. We are all about keep it fun, safe and keeping access to our gem of a spot.

Riding Locations:

South Oliphant

Oliphant is a pretty spectacular place because you can ride nearly every wind direction. Not to mention Oliphant is all sand bottom and fresh water. The south bay referred to as “South Oli” or the “Government Docks” is best on a South, South West and South South West. South Oli provides water depth from ankle deep to chest deep for near 700 meters. It can handle over 30 kites within the bay and many more if you don’t mind taking a couple tacks upwind outside of the bay. An added bonus in the South Bay is the washrooms at the Government Docks. With the water levels up right now, there is no beach driving, but the riding is amazing.

Local Hazards: Power lines, and the boat channel that runs parallel to the shore on the right side.

North Oliphant

Sand Bay Cove also referred to as “North Oli” is good on a West, North West, North and even a North East. The best direction for North Oli would be a North West as it’a the cleanest wind direction for the bay. North Oli is a much larger bay than South Oli and can accommodated easily 100+ kiters. (Parking is more limited now because of high water levels). The water conditions are fairly similar starting out very shallow and slowly getting deeper over 700m off shore before dropping off.

Local Hazards: With the water high, the launch can be a bit tight up against the road. There is a big car sized boulder in the middle right hand side of the bay to watch for when the water levels are low. Parking in on the North side of the road, watch for children, and cottagers that share the water with us. No they don’t want you to jump over their heads.

Sauble Beach

A mere 10 minutes south of Oliphant lies Sauble Beach, a destination reserved for seasoned professionals. Recognized as one of the premier wave riding locations on the Great Lakes, this 11 km freshwater sandy stretch buzzes with swimmers during the summer. However, as autumn sets in, Sauble Beach truly shines. Local enthusiasts often gather at 6th Street or 10th Street, with the latter usually being less crowded due to its one-way access. Waves can surge to impressive heights of 15-20 feet during November’s stormy spells, and you’ll find the local community to be incredibly welcoming.

Insider’s Tip: The beach entrance south of Sauble Beach’s downtown has been restricted, and now only cottage owners can access the stretch. It once boasted a drive-on feature with uncomplicated access. Nowadays, for SW winds, locals prefer 6th Street or further north. The wave break, located about 400 yards directly in front of the restrooms at 6th Street, boasts the most pristine and towering waves on the entire beach.

Conditions (Gear to bring):

Based on the season, wind conditions can vary from mild to robust. I suggest arriving equipped with your complete kite range (from 7-12 or larger) and both a standard and a light wind twin tip. Summer offers warmth but wind unpredictability. Our primary wind sources are frontal winds influenced by high and low-pressure systems. During hot periods, a thermal boost can occasionally occur between the islands. For optimal kiting conditions and frequent water days, August through October is ideal. However, there have been instances where July proved windy nearly every day.

Wet Suits Considerations:

Lake Huron’s temperament can be unpredictable with east winds blowing the warm surface water away. It’s not unusual to be in board shorts at Sauble Beach one day and find yourself needing a 4/3 wetsuit the very next day. For Oliphant visits between May and September, a 3/2 shorty is advisable. However, depending on the prevailing wind and frontal systems, there will be days suitable for board shorts or a 4/3 wetsuit. Locals stretch the season into November / December with 5/4 and 6/5 wetsuits but lake effect rain and snow squalls can put an early end to the season.

Other Things to do:

The Bruce Peninsula is a haven for those who appreciate natural beauty and outdoor activities. While the region boasts a myriad of attractions, the Grotto, despite its allure, often gets swamped with tourists, making it less than ideal for those seeking a tranquil experience. Reservations are required for parking to access Halfway Log Dump June 17 to September 4.

However, the peninsula is home to several other hidden gems that offer equally, if not more, captivating sights without the overwhelming crowds:

1. Lion’s Head (30 min from Oliphant): Named for a rock formation that looks somewhat like a lion’s profile, this area is a hiker’s dream. The Lion’s Head Trail is part of the larger Bruce Trail and winds along the Niagara Escarpment, offering sweeping views of the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay. Its challenging cliffs and serene forest paths make it an exhilarating hike for both beginners and seasoned trekkers.
2. Half Way Log Dump trail (1 hour from Oliphant): A lesser-known treasure of the peninsula, Half Way Log Dump is famous for its striking white cobblestone beach and azure waters. The area provides not just beautiful sights but also an opportunity for bouldering, with smooth, limestone cliffs serving as the perfect playground for rock climbing enthusiasts. The hike is a challenging 2-plus hour long trail.
3. Day Trips to Wiarton and Tobermory:
   • Wiarton (11 min from Oliphant): Known as the gateway to the Bruce Peninsula, Wiarton is a charming town famous for the annual Groundhog Day festival featuring Wiarton Willie, the weather-predicting groundhog. Beyond this quirky claim to fame, the town has a rich history, scenic waterfront parks, and a variety of local shops and eateries that showcase the area’s unique character.
   • Tobermory (1 hour from Oliphant): Sitting at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, Tobermory is a picturesque harbor village known for its shipwrecks, clear waters, and the Fathom Five National Marine Park. Visitors can take glass-bottom boat tours to witness the sunken vessels, explore the quaint shops, or simply savor the local seafood delicacies.

Where to Eat

Local Food Truck Highlights: In the spring you can often find SandWitches stationed in the park along the main road, but don’t count on it. Meanwhile, Sauble Beach boasts a plethora of delightful dining options. For those craving unique Mexican dishes, Casero Taco Bus is a must-visit, offering more than just your average tacos and burritos. (Small portions big price but worth it.)

For burger enthusiasts, Smash Burger provides both a patio dining experience and a take-out option. If you’re in the mood for Chinese, Sam highly recommends Channing’s, especially for hearty meals. For a chic dining ambiance, Hayday, made famous from the Netflix show “Motel Makeover”, is an excellent choice for dates and people-watching. If you’re traveling from Collingwood and seeking something off the mainstream, Coral’s Caribbean in Wiarton offers delectable Roti and meat patties. Another Wiarton pick off the beaten path is the restaurant Fired Up at the Wiarton Airport. Their pulled pork poutine is great. An off menu El Porko Sandwich is even better.

If you are camping and you are passing through Wiarton be sure to pick up some sausages from Sullivan’s Butcher shop. The Maple Sausage are amazing.

Local Knowledge:

During the summer, Oliphant typically experiences stronger winds compared to Sauble Beach, often demanding a full kite size smaller. While it’s a bit of a trek to wing at Oliphant, opting for a 55cm mast can be beneficial. The kiting experience here is unparalleled! Plus, the night skies over the Bruce Peninsula offer some of the most spectacular star-gazing opportunities globally.

Getting there

From Toronto make sure you don’t hit rush hour. Coming to Oliphant and Sauble Beach for the weekend can take a while if you leave on a Friday night. It’s a popular tourist and cottaging location so Friday nights can be busy on the road to Sauble and Oliphant. It can be a solid 3.5 hour drive from the city.

Oliphant Kitesurfing Schools/shops

Jack N Jills Surf Shop (Sauble Beach)

https://www.jacknjillssurfshop.com

Sauble Beach Kitesurfing School
www.kiterider.ca

Hangtime Windsports

https://www.facebook.com/hangtimekiteboardingsaublebeach

Where to Stay
June Motel (impress your non kiting partner), AirBnB, Too many places to list… Red Bay Lodge is 10 min north and kind of cool.

Camping:
http://www.fiddleheadresort.com (Spot 1)
https://www.trilliumwoods.ca
http://www.campoliphant.ca
https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/saublefalls

Need to know (quick facts)

Airport Code: YYZ (Toronto international) There is actually an international airport in Wiarton (10 minutes away) but zero commercial flights.

Average wind strength: 15-22mph

Best Months: July – September

Cost Factor: Fairly inexpensive

Local pros: Sam Medysky, David Drinkwater, Hayden Stewart, Elliot Drury, John Bryja (Kitesurfing Magazine publisher). Not pro but very famous… 85-years old+ Fred.

Writer Bios:

Sam Medysky began learning how to kite in 1998 and in 2004 at the age of 13, won his first competition in the junior division of the Velocity Games US Open. In 2008, Sam graduated high school and moved to Brazil to train to pursue his dream as a professional kiteboarder. In 2009 he joined Best Kiteboarding as an International Competitor after winning a wild card entry to the REAL Triple- S Invitational, a competition featuring the top professional kiteboarders from around the world. Since then he has become the 5x Canadian National Champion, 2014 AWSI Kiteboarder of the year, has taken 1st in the KTA (kite tour Asia) and has been invited to several prestigious invitational events such as the REAL Watersports Triple-S and the Red Bull King of the Air. Sam Medysky now is the North American Airush rep and now calls Squamish, BC home.

John Bryja is the publisher of Kitesurfing Magazine. He has called Sauble Beach and Oliphant his home spots since 2001. He heads up the local kitesurfing club, and attended more than 20 hours of meetings with the town to help maintain kitesurfing access for local and visiting riders.