7 boats, 6 people, 4 bikes, 3 dogs all in a big red van.
As a stranger at Tim Horton’s said, ‘you guys look like fun.’ Little did she know we had just spent five epic days at the Skookumchuck narrows – in our minds we were the epitome of fun!
Stephen Wright had rallied the troops weeks, even months beforehand. I had been on the fence as to whether I wanted to make the 2-day drive north from Reno, but as I recounted my travels of 2008 I could not find one big wave, soul surfing session. That was it; I NEEDED to go to Skook.
Stephen, Jessica, Clay, Nick, Dane and I arrived to warm sunny weather and I held my breath; anything is possible on the coast. Each morning in the dark we would load up our bikes and backpacks and venture out onto the trail (lights required the first few mornings). For 3 days the fog lifted and opened up to sunny skies. Anyone who has been to Skook knows sun at any time is a major bonus (let alone in November).
For some reason we had the wave all to ourselves those first three days; a short line, sunny skies and great tides. We were in Skook heaven.
I was mainly working on airscrews (which still need some work) and the boys were battling with every trick under the sun and some new ones too. Everyone had some unforgettable rides.
Big thanks to Stephen, Jessica and Clay for most of the photos. And Nick and Dane for the excellent video http://www.jacksonkayak.com/jkvideos/200811281.html
Trip highlights:
1. Clay’s circa 1980 hat
2. Dane’s Powerbar face
3. Biking the trail with the dogs
4. Steep green faces
5. Sun
6. Local Martin Mees and his excellent cinnamon buns
7. Fire by the ocean
8. Early mornings and early to bed
9. Airscrew/face plant practice
10. Ninja turtle visit
