Exploring the Rapidly Flowing Global Tidal Streams at Their Swiftest Point

Living the Thrill at the Skookumchuck Narrows

The windswept waters of the Skookumchuck Narrows, a.k.a. the "Skook," present a captivating underwater world for daring divers, nestled in the heart of the Salish Sea north of Vancouver, Canada. This narrow, shallow channel funnels an astonishing 200 billion gallons of water on a single tide, generating awe-inspiring standing waves, whirlpools, and rapid currents that can reach 16 knots (30 km/h or 18 mph). Combined with its mystique as one of the world's fastest tidal rapids, the Skook is a sensation-seeker's paradise.

Yet, the Skook's enigmatic allure lies not merely in its treacherous waters but in the brilliant collection of marine life that thrives amidst the currents. Fast-moving waters are like lifeblood to marine creatures, transporting precious nutrients across vast distances. Here, teeming schools of fish, bold anemones, resilient sea stars, and intricate sponges paint a kaleidoscope of color against the rugged channel walls. However, only those who can adapt to the threadbare edges can survive – anything with even a modest height finds itself cast away by the relentless current.

Diving into the Abysmal Blue

The pulse quickens as Kal Helyar, Porpoise Bay Charters' experienced captain, steers our vessel towards the Skookumchuck Narrows – the Everest of scuba diving. Diving here is not for the faint-hearted, with its unpredictable currents and treacherous waters. Yet, with Kal's assuring gaze, there is an air of comforting caution that permeates the boat.

"Some call it a toilet bowl, but if it's a toilet bowl you're doing it wrong," Kal quips with a grin. "We only go in the water when it's an easy drift in the current." We follow him as he leads us to the wall where the current is most potent, our hearts racing as we gear up and jump into the water. A shroud of green algae blankets the surface, parting to reveal a vibrant tapestry of color beneath.

Harnessing the Current

A delicate dance between man and water ensues as we leverage the current to our advantage. Holding onto the rocky walls and using gentle kicks to navigate, we maneuver ourselves through the chaotic underwater landscape. The current, though relentless, reveals its hidden treasures – delicate sea anemones, brilliant orange sponges, and enigmatic sea stars etched against the channel walls.

Suddenly, the current abates, and we find ourselves floating among a field of thorny green urchins – a serene end to our exhilarating dive. As saltwater trickles from our helmets, we can't help but feel that we've shared a moment with the wild heart of the Skookumchuck Narrows.

Top Underwater Photography Tips for High Current Dives

Unleashing the potential of your camera in the fast-moving waters of the Skook requires skill, patience, and a keen understanding of the currents. Here are some tips to help you capture the magic beneath the surface:

Keep Close to the Bottom or Conceal Behind Structures: In high current, keep a low profile to reduce your silhouette against the flow. On walls, find shelter behind rocks or outcroppings to avoid being swept away.
Utilize Two Fingers to Grasp Rocks: Reduce the risk of bashing into the reef by holding onto rocks with two fingers, allowing for more stability and dexterity.
Establish Camera Settings Ahead of Time: Look for areas with minimal current to adjust your camera settings and strobe positions before venturing into rapid waters.
Carry a Light and Keep an Eye on Your Buddy: The silt and nutrients carried by the current can reduce visibility, making it essential to communicate with your buddy and signal your location with a light whenever necessary.
Remain Calm and Control Your Buoyancy: Maintain steady buoyancy to navigate the erratic upwellings and downwellings inherent in high current dives. Keep calm, breathe, and make frequent buoyancy adjustments to stay on course.
To capture the vibrant life of the Skookumchuck Narrows, divers should follow Kal Helyar's lead, as he navigates the underwater world amidst the bluewater and reef.
Adjusting camera settings and strobe positions ahead of time is crucial when diving in high-current waters, such as those found in the Skook.
When diving in strong currents, divers should keep close to the bottom or conceal themselves behind structures to reduce their silhouette and avoid being swept away.
To minimize the risk of injury, divers should utilize two fingers to grasp rocks instead of relying on a single hand, providing better stability and dexterity in the fast-moving water.
Carrying a light and maintaining regular communication with a dive buddy are essential in high-current dives, as reduced visibility caused by silt and nutrients can make it challenging to navigate and locate one another.
Remaining calm and maintaining control over buoyancy is vital for successful dives in high-current environments like the Skookumchuck Narrows, allowing divers to navigate erratic upwellings and downwellings with ease and grace.