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Mount Robson, River Fraser, Deck Popper Wave

Deckpopper Wave Playspot: Canada, British Columbia, Alberta, Mount Robson, River Fraser, Deck Popper Wave (bottom of Fraser Canyon)

What's it like

This wave shows up any time the river is at medium flows. It's the only park-and-play spot on the Upper Fraser river and is pretty good, but very trashy. You can also put in upstream at Overlander Falls, and run the canyon down to the wave. The wave is at the takeout, so if you don't want to deal with the serious whitewater upstream, put in here.

The wave is a mixed wave/hole with a slight diagonal character. It can be frustrating or lead to really big moves. This isn't the kind of place where you can go and throw a bunch of smooth cartwheels. It's really fast and powerful. Super big air is possible. It's called Deck Popper because because it has a tendency to...

During June and July the wave is around most of the time. If the melt happens fast, it may wash out for a week or so. When the water is lower, in May and September, it is only a small diagonal riffle, or occasionally a rock.

If you choose to run the canyon, some other super surfing opportunities may be available, depending on level. Generally, just upstream from the Bridge, there is one of the fastest, sweetest waves you can imagine. However, it's a 1 timer, and it only appears at medium-high flows, when the Fraser Canyon is grade 5- and a little scary in a playboat.

How to get there

From Jasper, Alberta head west to Mount Robson, BC (the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies). When you arrive at Robson, there is an intersection. If you turn right, you'll get to the info center and gas station. If you go left, you can follow a small road for 300 meters, past a campground to a one-lane bridge. Park just before this bridge. This is also your takeout if you want to run the canyon. You can see the wave downstream from the bridge. Upstream is the Fraser Canyon, and Overlander Falls. Some really good pushy whitewater to be had. To run the canyon, drive about 1 kilometer back up the road to Overlander Falls, and walk down the path to the river.

More info

Kayakwest.com, or e-mail [mail address protected from spambots with javascript] for more info or someone to go boating with.

Locals

Maybe fisherman, campers, etc. Hardly any boaters.

Info sources

Spencer Cox

Surfrider Foundation
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