Hurricane Oho remnants bring high winds and waves, elating B.C. surfers

High wind and wave warnings along B.C.'s West Coast haveVancouver Island's surfers suiting up.

A series of three storms are predicted to hit this weekend, as Hurricane Oho winds down.

Parks Canada has issued a storm warning for Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island's west coast, urging beach-goers to be cautious along the shorelineas waves could reach up to seven metres.

Early Saturday, Oct. 10, a gale warning was issued on Environment Canada's website, warning of high winds and wavesthat could pound the shores of Tofino and Uclueletinto Sunday.

That warning is being seen by some as an invitation.

Surf shopowner Brendan Muehlenberg said hewaits all year for winter storms to bring big surf.

"It's kind of cool to see some storms again, because the last couple of winters have been pretty mild," he said.

Muehlenbergsaid the big waves usually do not arrive until November, December or even January, so the promise of wild weather has had some West Coast residents staying inside, while others prepare to paddle out.

High winds reaching 70 to100 kilometres anhourare also predicted for east Vancouver Island, HaidaGwaii and North Coastal B.C., including the Sunshine Coast.

"Winds will ease later this morning, as the [cold] front moves south of the area,"Environment Canada warned on its website.Wind could cause "damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows," the warning said.