After years away from Canada, living and surfing in Los Angeles and Costa Rica, I felt it was time for a new chapter. Surfing had been a central part of my life, and I’d explored some of the most incredible surf destinations in the world—chasing breaks in Panama, Nicaragua, Mexico, California, the Caribbean, Peru, and even Ireland. Each trip added layers of adventure and connection to the ocean, but I started to crave a shift, something that would challenge me in a completely different way.
Whistler became the perfect answer. The mountains offered a chance to swap ocean swells for snow-covered peaks, trading the rhythm of the waves for the flow of fresh powder. Snowboarding has a similar freedom to surfing—a connection to the natural world and a sense of exhilaration that’s hard to match. Beyond that, Whistler provided a sense of community and balance that felt ideal for raising a family.
Whether it’s a crisp morning on the slopes or the camaraderie found in an après-ski gathering, I’ve found parallels between surfing and snowboarding that fuel my passion for exploration and remind me why I’ve embraced this mountain town as my new home.
Moving to Whistler has been a reinvention of sorts—a way to stay connected to the natural world while challenging myself in a new environment. Now, living here with my family has brought a sense of completeness to the adventure. We’ve found a home in this mountain town where every season offers something new to enjoy—whether it’s carving lines in the winter, biking trails in the summer, or simply soaking in the beauty of the alpine. Whistler has not only become a playground for me to continue my pursuit of adventure but also a place where my family can grow, explore, and create lasting memories together. – Patrick ‘Paddy’ Smyth