The Elk is one of those runs that’s short but oh so sweet, like Belgium chocolate…even though I don’t like chocolate… I’ve heard people that do say that stuff is delicious. The Elk is just outside of Fernie B.C. and is a great start to the season in western Canada. This little mission was formed though the power of Facebook, ah yes Gragtmans would be proud!

Oh so delicious (Photo Scott Feindel)

I’ve been driving a lot lately, I drove out west after team trials 40 hrs, then headed to Enderby 7 hrs, then back to Calgary which is another 7hrs, then got up early the next morning for the 3 hour trek to Fernie. The weather was bleak and cold and I wasn’t super stoked with my decision to make the trip after so much time in my car. That all changed once I got to the bottom of the put in falls, Leap of Faith.

The view from the take out (Photo Shon Cottrill)

Leap of Faith has to be one of my favourite drops. You hike in a few minutes from the road, scale down this rock cliff to the water then seal launch into the gorge above the drop. At low water you can catch eddies and chill out before you take the plunge but the water wasn’t all that low, meaning you drop in and head right for the falls. The lead in is full of boils and surges a lot which adds a little bit to it. Below the falls is an awesome big water canyon, plenty of sub outs and pushy water left the crew smiling. Special thank to Shon “Flex” Cottrill for giving us a place to stay!

Here’s what you see from the bottom…when I’m coming down (Photo Shon Cottrill)

Kelsey Thompson