Vitals
- Locale: Egmont, British Columbia
- What It's Like: Classic tidal rapid surfing. Character changes with the speed of the current. Awesome surroundings.
- Class: III, massive volume.
- Scouting/Portaging: N/A.
- Level: Depends on the speed of the current in the channel - see links below.
- Time: The wave will be in good form for 2-4 hours, depending on the tide exchange.
- When To Go: Spring through fall. Usually runs during the night in the winter.
- Info From: Many visits.
- Other Beta: None.
- Map: Click here for a map of the area.
Description
Skookumchuck is a classic surf wave found at the Skookumchuck Narrows tidal rapid in the Sunshine Coast region of southwest BC. This wave, formed when a rising tide tries to squeeze its way through the narrows into Sechelt Inlet, is everything from a small rolling wave to a foaming beast good for throwing any trick, and everything in between. Really, there's not a lot to say about Skooks aside from it's a great place to hang out, even if you're not a hard core play boater.
Here is some basic info to plan a trip there. Skookumchuck is found at Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park near the town of Egmont on the Sunshine Coast. You can only access the Sunshine Coast by ferry from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. Egmont is a small town with not much more than a pub and a general store. There is camping nearby. The wave forms on a flood tide when the current is greater than 11 knots. It is appropriate for intermediates at lower tides (11-12 knots) while advanced boaters will enjoy it more in the 13-16 knot range. On the higher end (15-16 knots) the wave will green out during the flood cycle. 12-15 is generally seen as optimal. The run out can get pretty heavy on large tides. You can get to the wave by either paddling out from Egmont or by hiking along a well maintained trail. Both options take about 1 hour.
Useful links:
Canadian Government Tide Charts - Use link to 'Predictions' and find Volume 5, Sechelt Rapids.
Skookumchuck Tide Chart - Information about Skookumchuck Narrows. Includes a link to viewing times. XL flood tides are when you should go.
Skookumchuck Current Predictor - A tool to forecast the expected current speed. 12-15 is the optimal range.
BC Ferries - Transport to the Sunshine Coast.
Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park - BC Parks home page.
Klein Lake Regional Park - A nearby campsite.
Back Eddy Marina and Resort - Camping, cabins and the pub.
There are other things to check out in Egmont, particularly places to stay, so do some research if none of this works for you.
Launching from the wharf in Egmont.
The first surfs are on a rolling green waves. Because the tide is always changing, no two rides have the same wave.
Just as the wave starts to break.
It's a really cool spot.
Updated Nov 24, 2011
