Skookumchuck

by Ryan Bayes

Last weekend some friends and I abandoned our families and the lure of turkey dinner to heed the call of Skookumchuck rapids off the coast of British Columbia. For many of us, myself included, this would be our first trip to the mighty Skookumchuck rapids. Skooks, as it’s often referred to is a massive surf wave and huge hydraulic caused by the tide of the Pacific Ocean trying to squeeze a massive amount of water through a somewhat narrow pinch. As the water speeds up to push through the channel it falls over a ledge on the right side and forms what is arguably one of the best surf spots in the world.  After just one trip to Skooks I now know why people looked at me so weird when I told tell them I’d never been.

If you’re headed out here bring a few boats. The Dagger Axiom was a huge hit to paddle since it was the only thing able to get on the wave. Of course don’t forget your playboat though since Skooks is known for it’s playboatability.

Skooks is only a short ferry ride and a short drive from Vancouver, this means there can be some big line ups. On Sunday there were 30+ people in the eddy making for upward of 20 minute line ups to surf the wave. Luckily for us, Canada and our neighbours to the south don’t share the same Thanksgiving. This meant come Monday we had the wave to ourselves.

I know there’s no shortage of pictures from Skookumchuck on the internet, but here are a few more anyways.

Laura having her first shred ever on Skooks. She brought a Dagger Axiom 8.5 and it turned out to be a great idea. The Axiom was the only plastic boat there that could surf the wave once it greened out.

Shane Vollmers airing out the bottom of his boat.

Curtis McHale with his first ride at Skooks.

There aren't to many places around the Fraser Valley to get nice big bounces. I think I threw more blunts in my first ride than I have in the last year.

This wave is so much fun, its makes landing moves very easy, even if you don't often throw moves

Shane and I shredding it up in the surf boats. The wave cycles through a few stages where only long surf boats and longer boats can ride it.

Me loving the greasy speed of the Dagger Axiom 8.5, 10 minute long green wave surf sessions are good for the soul.

Laura and Carrie with the new FraserValleyWhiteWater stickers . . . oh yaaa

Skookumchuck from FVWW on Vimeo.

Tags: dagger axiom, kayaking, skooks, skookumchuck, surfing, wavesport flyer