It seems Cobourg has become quite the destination for surfers whenever Lake Ontario decides to serve up some impressive waves.
When the conditions are right, surfers and paddle boarders appear to make their way to Cobourg from around Northumberland County — and even from well beyond the area — to take advantage of the waves rolling toward Victoria Beach.
Monday evening, August 24, 2026, was one of those nights.
Paddle boarder Adam Szipjda, 39, made the trip from Oshawa to Cobourg, hoping to take advantage of what turned out to be some near-perfect conditions for an evening on the water.
With strong winds pushing waves toward shore, Szipjda could be seen riding the waves toward Victoria Beach before paddling back out to do it all over again.
The activity quickly attracted the attention of people strolling along Cobourg’s east pier.
Several stopped to watch as Szipjda timed the waves, rode them toward shore and then headed back out for another run.
There was certainly a chill in the air, and the evening wind made the conditions feel even cooler.
After riding his final wave of the evening into shore, Szipjda admitted it was a little chilly.
But there was one thing that made the experience considerably more enjoyable.
Thankfully, he didn’t fall into the water.
And with Lake Ontario temperatures and an evening breeze, getting dunked would have made for a considerably colder experience.
For those watching from the pier, however, the combination of wind, waves and a paddle boarder riding into shore provided some free entertainment.
As Lake Ontario continues to show its wilder side, Cobourg’s shoreline is proving once again to be a popular spot for those looking to take advantage of the waves.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
