Learning Center

Taking Care of Mental Health Through Water Recreation

As a small business and as Canada’s surf brand, we stand behind the current research and cold water community. Here are just a few of our favourite forms of outdoor water recreation that contribute to our mental health during the long cold months of the year.

Surfer's Voice: Interview with Geoff Ortiz

In this edition of Surfer’s Voice, we spoke to Geoff Ortiz, a long-time Great Lakes Surfer and local legend. If you’ve ever surfed around Toronto, you’re bound to have bumped into a smiling Geoff— either holding a paddle or camera. We chatted about how he got into surfing and lake surfing in particular. Having surfed the lakes for nearly two decades, and having photographed countless other surfers on Lake Ontario, Geoff holds a unique place in the Great Lakes Surf community—thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Geoff!

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your First Hardboard

It's graduation day! You’ve had a lot of fun on your foamie, but now you’re ready to step up your Great Lakes surfing game! You’re ready for a board with a little more speed and maneuverability. There are countless things to consider when choosing your first hardboard. Luckily, we have created this quick guide for you to make it simple when choosing what will be your next board to join your freshwater quiver.

Unleashing the Wave of Change: A Manifesto for Inclusive Surfing

In the sublime realm where the water meets the horizon, a battle rages for the very soul of surfing. It is a struggle against the currents of racism, homophobia, xenophobia, and misogyny that plague our beloved sport. As a queer...

The Rise of ROXY: Boardshorts, Women’s Surf Culture, and the ‘90s

If there was ever a time to launch a surf brand for women, the ‘90s would be a sure bet. The sister brand of Quiksilver, ROXY made its debut in the summer of 1990 as a women’s swimwear line and grew from there, becoming one of the defining brands of the decade as women’s surfing reached new heights.

Brand Spotlight: KASSIA+SURF

As females presently continue to push for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the surfing industry, we figured now was a crucial time to highlight one of our favorite brands we carry in-store, KASSIA+SURF. Kassia+Surf pushes the limits of women's swimwear,...

Brand Spotlight: BING Surfboards

If you have walked through the doors of Surf the Greats you have probably seen our famous surfboard rack decorated with a wide range of surfboards and colorful options... Today, we want to highlight one of our most beloved brands: BING Surfboards, whose innovative designs and passion for growing the surfing community is why we will continue to carry this brand at Surf the Greats.

Kook Advice: Overcoming the January Blues

January in Canada can be a hard time for a lot of us. The days are grey and short, it’s right in the middle of winter, and the holidays are behind us, which can often leave people feeling more susceptible to the stressors of life. We’re human! We love sunshine, plants, and social connection, and we’re deprived of most of these things for about four months of the year.

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome in the Water

At Surf the Greats we are here to tell you that it's okay to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Here are just a few tips and tricks that we have learned over the years to help you tackle imposter syndrome surfing on the Great Lakes and how you can have fun in the lineup!

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