“Welcome to the Skookumchuck Narrows,” says Dylan Graves in the latest edit on his always entertaining YouTube channel. “A rapid known to tide enthusiasts and kayakers for its huge standing wave and crazy eddies.”
The Narrows, or ‘Skook’ as the locals call it, is a legitimate, rideable standing wave formed when 200 billion gallons of water flow in and out of three separate inlets. “With larger tide fluctuations, such as the one we are here for, a wave can form,” Graves continues. “Usually ridden by kayakers, Nick Legge-Wilkinson – the guy I’m with – is Skook’s first regular surfer.”
What is the main difference between Skook and other river waves in North America and beyond? According to Nick, it is the unique danger that lies beneath. “Whirlpools, holes, recirculating water, layers of water, getting stuck in a swirl of water and not being able to get back to shore… it’s a lot of water flowing here, and what happens after you fall is absolutely scary. ”
As you’ll see, The Skook also offers a wedge, a wall, a bowl, and sometimes even a section, making the risk worth the reward. After gaining control of the main wave, Graves dons a helmet and heads for the “tubesteak,” the mythical slab section that is rarely, if ever, ridden. While we don’t want to spoil the Ender, let’s just say Graves ends up half a mile downriver, rattling, after narrowly avoiding an underwater rock and a whirlpool. Click play to see Graves tackle his most dangerous river adventure yet.
