Phone was ringing.... on the other end was James Manke, "Bro!" "Want to come to Surge Narrows with us to Longboat surf this week?"
I didn't really have to think about this much at all "Hell yes!" was the response that eagerly left my mouth, and a couple of days later I was racing to the boat ramp on quadra island to put onto the water and paddle this well known tidal race only for the second time, despite living near it for the last 8 years. This was also a good chance to get in some training in the long boats before our up coming Grand Canyon Project paddling Sea Kayaks fully loaded down the Colorado River, over Ten days.
The Crew I was with was large and also large in skill range. there were where complete beginners who had come along just to watch and enjoy the beautiful day and stunning scenic flat water paddling near the area, others where intermediate paddlers pushing there limits and enjoying the chance to paddle with the handful of experienced boaters who where present.
My first trip to "Surge" earlier this year had also been with James and the local older generation wave riders Al Drummond, and Brent Arnold. The first trip had turned into a lot of fun with us all pushing multi boat surfs on the wave, and this trip was no different. The wave that forms at Surge is much more forgiving than the big wave at Skookumchuck, though it is variable enough to keep you on your toes, and really gets you to work hard to control your boat, especially when the foam pile forms up.
here are some pics from the day, thanks all who came and had a fun day.
J
I discovered this video thanks to a friend about Davey Du Plessis's almost tragic encounter with the dangerous Human Element during his source to sea attempt of the Amazon in
late August; the adventure community was shocked to learn that he had
been ambushed in the Amazon, shot, robbed and left for dead. Fortunately
he survived, was airlifted to Lima, Peru and received the best medical
attention possible considering the circumstances. After that, the story
went quiet and Davey has shared little information about his harrowing
story.
