Skookumchuck Rapids

The Skookumchuck Tidal Wave, known to paddlers simply as Skook, is truly one of the great whitewater wonders of the world attracting paddlers from across the globe. Not only is it a great whitewater feature, but it's in an incredibly beautiful natural setting, the wave is accessible and user friendly for those who are just learning playboating fundamentals, it's a great place for spectators or just hanging out on the rocks and enjoying the show, and watching it form right before your eyes and then disappear a few hours later can only be described as truly magical.

The Wave

The wave begins to form within a few minutes of slack low tide as the flood cycle begins and water rushes back into the inlet. As water squeezes through the Sechelt Narrows, the maximum current velocity during any one tidal cycle can range between 1 to 17 knots. The current velocity on any given day depends on the differential between low and high tides which are in turn determined by the phases of the moon (be sure you understand how to read the current tables as the wave does not form every day and is generally best a few times a month). The wave itself forms as the water flows across a bedrock ledge that extends out into the channel. The configuration of this ledge means that the wave only forms on the flood or incoming tide.

As the flood begins the wave starts forming as a series of small-amplitude, long-period waves. If it's your first time and you're feeling a little uneasy about this 'monster' known as Skook, then get out there right away at the start of the cycle and get comfortable on these nice easy waves. One important note is managers of the park land where this site is located have identified issues with resource degradation associated with folks launching their boats and scraping the marine life off the rocks. Keep your activities restricted to the area right near the eddy and don't make a long slide across the rocks. Within an hour or so of slac

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