Spot Info: [Refresh Current Flow For All Spots] Last Refreshed: 09-08-2010 3:29:01 PM MDT

Name:		Skook		Current Flow:	Please Enter USGS Gage #
River:				Water Temp:
Country:				Turbidity:	?
Region:				PH:	?
State:				Min Flow:	12 knotscfs
City:				Ideal Flow:
Lat, Long:				Max Flow:	15 knotscfs
Gage Name:
USGS Gage#:
Gage Url:		http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide/tideshow.cgi?site=Sechelt+Rapids%2C+British+Columbia+Current+(use+with+caution)
Predict Url:		none defined... find one at NOAA
Notes & Directions:		The Skook. Paddlers travel from all over the world to experience this phenomena. The Skookumchuck Tidal Rapid forms when the tide rises in the ocean, and accelerates as it is constricted through the channel leading into a large fjord area. During the tides, approximately 200 billion gallons of water jets through the narrow channel at speeds of 10-17 knots during flood tides. It is an amazing site to see, even if you werent going to kayak. Skookumchuck means Strong Water, and this area will not disappoint. Besides the wave that is sick to surf in a old Rave or other long glass boat... there are giant ass whirlpools that i would be afraid to get into, perhaps dishing out terminal/oblivian mysteries. Not suggesting you drop in them in your slinky destination boat at max flood tide! BUT, i would guess at the correct (smaller side) levels, you could get quality and controlled world class mysteries, just like Singing Eddy or some other tidal spot.. To get to the Skook is quite an ordeal. First, you must get into Canada, easier for some than others. Usually the Canadians are cool, but are suspicious of kayakers, so most of the time you get stopped and inspected at the Border. Once in Canada, you need to get to Highway 1, and to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, about 20 minutes outside of Vancouver, BC. The ferry to get on is the one to Langdale, and it runs roughly every two hours (BC Ferries Schedule). The ferry is quite nice, but quite expensive, so planning ahead and carpooling up is essential (BC Ferries Fare Schedule). Keep in mind that your car will probably be charged Overheight because of the kayaks, nearly doubling the cost of crossing. Note though, that you dont need to pay for the ferry on the way back. ferry schedule: http://www.bcferries.bc.ca/schedules/mainland/vasc-current.html ferry fares: http://www.bcferries.bc.ca/schedules/mainland/vasc-current.html Once on the Ferry, its a smooth 45 minutes to Langdale. From Langdale, its another 1:20 to the tiny town of Egmont, the small town that is only known for its access to Skook. From the town, you can either put in at the Marina and paddle in, or hike in on the popular trail. More than 60,000 people per year hike the 2.5km in to see the tidal rapid. If you look at a tide chart or calculator, there are a few things to look for to understand the rapid, and when it will be flowing. On the chart, there is a max flood, max ebb, and slack. The max flood is the fastest the rapid will run during a tide, and is what is important. Optimal surfing flows occur between 12-14 knots. The other thing that is important to remember is that the flow begins two hours before max flood, and lasts two hours after. A max flood at 9pm is great, except the last 2 hours will be in the dark. You also need to figure in a 45 minute hike/ paddle out. tide calculator: http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide/tideshow.cgi?site=Sechelt+Rapids%2C+British+Columbia+Current+(use+with+caution)
Quality:	Exploratory Poor Moderate Great Epic

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