My cousin and I moved here together from London.
If decent rugby, lively social, good people, skiing, amazing scenery, fun and adventure are your thing. Then I can’t think of a better place to spend a few years than in White Rock with Bayside. I spent by far the best two years of my life there.
Let’s start with the club, The people really make it. From the younger players to the SOBs (old boys) They will all go out of their way to help you when you need it and alongside this have a genuine interest in getting to know you socially. When you arrive, People all around the club and town know about the “new imports” as you’ll be known, and are proactive in meeting you and usually sharing a beer.
The rugby is good and game days are great with decent crowds and a fun atmosphere. There is an old-school attitude, meaning everyone sticks around for boat races, beers and food with their teammates after the games. Playoffs at the end of each season, give a big ending, with higher pressure games, larger crowds and a feeling of an important climax to the season. As an Englishman, I Think our system lacks this.
We had a class, huge house “Ruckingham Palace” that the club helped us sort. We hosted after-party’s pretty much every week. Think American Pie. The Canadians love to send it, so you’re always in for a large one. Besides the club and rugby. White Rock is a beautiful social and friendly town, surrounded by many truly amazing places. Some of the trips we did whilst there were crazy. RV Ski trip across Canada and America, tubing, saw wild bears, Calgary stampede, Vegas, The Canadian Rockies, summer lakes and lots more.
I honestly couldn’t recommend the place more. My sister came to visit 4 times she loved it that much. It took me a good 6 months to get over it after leaving, as it did become my home. I made lifelong best friends, and have returned twice on holiday. Whilst writing this I am in Australia for a wedding where 7 of us “imports” that lived together have reunited after 5 years. If you’re looking for an adventure with rugby at the heart of it. Or perhaps are unsure what to do next with your life. Go and play for Bayside, fully immerse yourself in the club, culture and place. I guarantee you will not regret it.
Fins up!!!