“Welcome to the Skookumchuck Narrows,” says Dylan Graves, in the latest edit on his always entertaining YouTube channel. “A tidal rapid that’s well-known by tide enthusiasts and kayakers for its massive standing wave, and insane whirlpools.”
The narrows, or “Skook” as its called by the BC locals, is a legit, rideable standing wave that’s formed when 200 billion gallons of water travel in and out of three separate inlets. “On bigger tide swings, like the ones we’re here for, a wave can appear,” Graves continues. “Usually ridden by kayakers, Nick Legge-Wilkinson — the guy I’m with — is Skook’s first surfing regular.”
So, what’s the main difference between Skook and other river waves in North America and beyond? According to Nick, it’s the unique danger that lies below. “Whirlpools, holes, recirculating water, layers of water, getting stuck in a churning piece of water and not being able to make it back to shore…it’s a high volume of water running here, and what happens after you fall is definitely scary.”
As you’ll see, The Skook also provides a wedge, a wall, a bowl, and sometimes even a section, making the risk worth the reward. After getting the handle on the main wave, Graves straps on a helmet and sets out for the “tubesteak”, the mythical slab section that’s rarely — if ever — ridden. While we don’t want to ruin the ender, lets just say Graves ends up a half mile down the river, rattled, after barely avoiding an underwater rock and a whirlpool. Click play to watch Graves tackle his most dangerous river adventure yet.
