Skookumchuck !!! it needs no introduction, this is probably one of the most iconic “Big Waves” in the world. Yet, it is different from every other wave out there. It builds, with the speed and exchange of tidal waters, from flat into a foam pile finishing as a giant standing green wave, all the while keeping its glassy smooth face. It is perfect for intermediate paddlers in its early stages, growing into a formidable big air machine for the skilled play boater. Recently, we were lucky enough to catch a perfect tidal exchange (peaking around 14 knots), with some good weather (good on the coast is not raining). Unfortunately, several other groups connected the dots and made the trip, making for a rather busy eddy line up. No matter, as we had a wicked group of friends to enjoy the time off the water with. Always a highlight when visiting Skook is hitting up the Back Eddy Pub for the infamous Skook-Burger. Like its named counterpart, this thing is a monster, and not given the proper respect can ruin the rest of your day. Tyler Fox Photos: Tyler Fox, Louise Urwin, Blake Mahoney, Kate Devine, Johnny Maltais, Sam Ewing Before heading all the way out to skook, you will first want to make sure you are going to have a wave there to surf at all. Google search “Skookumchuck narrows tide exchange” and you will get a couple different sites (Predicting the tides isn’t an exact science so check a few). You are looking for a peak flow that is anywhere from 12.5 - 16 knots and also occurs during daylight hours. The wave will start forming a couple hours before peak flow and will stay for an hour or so after peak. If it is peaking around 12.5 the wave will stay quite small and not very steep, if it is peaking around 16 it will rise through the good surfing stages quickly and will completely green out for a period of time around peak. Ideal seems to be around 14 knots, with a steep green wave but still catchable. Once you are sure you’ve got a good tide, you need to catch the ferry from Horseshoe Bay (just north of Vancouver) to Langdale. From there its is an hour or so drive up the coast to the small town of Egmont. Make sure to get any supplies you will need in Sechelt as Egmont is a very small town. From Egmont put in down on the wharf and paddle into the wave (Looking from the dock it would be to your right). If you try to paddle to the wave too early you will find it difficult as you will be paddling against the outgoing tide. Best to wait for slack tide and go then. You will paddle until you get to a point of land jutting into the water creating a narrow. You will also see a large plaque up on the shore with Skookumchuck Narrows Marine Life pictures on it.
Dave Crerar
Louise Urwin
Tyler Fox
Emily Luskins
Drew Lyall
Sam Ewing
Dave Nieuwenhuis
Johnny Maltais
Blake Mahoney
Luke Nieuwenhuis
Kate Devine
Super Mega side bounce
Slick side bounce to green grind
Enjoying the silky smooth
the mother of all green grinds
carving it up
Skook in all its beauty
Black Sheep Baby!
Laid out
Flash Back
A nice little bit of air time
Tyler going big
Drew showing that the locals know how its done!!!
Skook-Burger !!!