Peter Devries of Tofino smashes the lip of a wave during the second round of competition at the O'Neill Cold Water Classic. (Keven Drews/Canadian Press)

An influential U.S. magazine has named Tofino the number one surf town in North America.

Outside Magazine, a highly regarded resource for outdoor recreation, has published its first annual editors' choice awards, listing all the best things to see, do, wear, eat or drink in the outdoors.

In the editors' words, "the best surf town in North America is in Canada. Who knew?"

Many people in the surfing community in the tiny town on the west coast of Vancouver Island have bragged about the area's great waves and swelling surf culture for years. The international recognition is welcome, if overdue in the opinion of some.

"I think it's great," said Jonny Jenkins, manager of The Storm Surf Shop. "I think it's probably about time. Let's put it that way."

Wetsuit surfing

Everything about Tofino makes it a unique place to surf, said Jenkins.

The area is known for its great natural beauty and a water temperature that averages a bone-chilling 11 C, requiring wetsuits for anybody who challenges the waves.

"The scenery, the wildlife, the, you know, the uniqueness in terms of how cold it is in terms of how much rubber you have to put on to even survive out there."

Last year, Tofino resident Peter de Vries beat out 140 international competitors to win the O'Neill Cold Water Classic in front of the hometown fans.

It was the first time the prestigious tournament was ever held in Canada.