Hero Hole: A Thanksgiving Treat

Carl Jacks, gettin his sinus' filled with the good ol' Columbia


It is that time of year again-cool breezes and the sun shining on the beautiful fall colours. We are also faced with a transition of outdoor sports. Mountain bikers thrive in the cool temps, skiers wait anxiously to get out on the pow and kayakers are watching their beloved rivers lower to winter levels. Good thing we live in the kootenays, where no matter what time of year we are enjoying world class kayaking. So far this fall I have been on some exploration creeking and frequent trips to the local play spot, the one and only Rock Island. Hero hole and Trail wave come out every April from the 1st to the 30th and again in the fall from late September to the end of October. It usually drops slower in the fall, which is perfect for experiencing all the different forms that the numerous features take. We start with hero hole as a wave with a perfect tongue in the middle for setting up all kinds of your favourite tricks. Trail wave is flat but a wave behind it I like to call "Tail wave" due to the fact it is formed on the tail of Trail wave. As the level drops, hero becomes more of a cartwheeling frenzy hole and the upper wave known as trail boasts enough room for a game of 5 person king of the wave. Even river surfers can jump on and experience epic rides. The spot is perfect, bring a non paddler to soak sun rays on the warm rocks to enjoy a first hand look at what us crazy kayakers are addicted to. The spot has becoming more and more popular as the word gets out. Be sure to make some solid contacts in the river side parking lot as paddlers converse over beers and snipits of scotch.

Myself, Tyler and Jeremy on Trail Wave.


see you on the water,
Chris Ryman