The Cetus on edge
Month: November 2009
The Cetus on edge
The past couple years I’ve spent a considerable amount of time chasing after big tidal rapids like Skookumchuck, Okisollo, Bay of Funday and others for the Pacific Horizons and Eastern Horizons films. While on face value the goal of shooting these locations appears to revolve around capturing big, scary looking footage, tidal race sea kayaking is actually what I consider “fun” in a sea kayak. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy all aspects of the sport, but playing in the tide has become an addiction. An obsession to find different features, waves and challenges that keep pushing my abilities and interests. This year we honed in on another new location. The Butze Tidal Rapids in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Considered to be the largest tidal rapids on the west coast, we did as much prep work as possible before boarding the ferry at Port Hardy and traveling 15 hours north.
Bryan Smith taking a downriver line through the big ebb at the Butze tidal rapids. Photo by Phil Tifo.
Bryan Smith, Paul Kuthe, Dave White and Nick Jacob all hanging around the camera. Photo by Phil Tifo
Dave White surfing a side channel wave 10 feet from camp.
Bryan Smith walking across one of the main islands at the Butze Tidal Rapids. Photo by Phil Tifo.
Getting packed to leave for the Butze Tidal Rapids at the Port Hardy Ferry Terminal. Photo by Phil Tifo