Big Bus on the Ottawa- Ruth Gordon doing her thing!

May 2, 2006

By Ruth Gordon. Learn more about Ruth.

Luck is on my side. After arriving home from an epic trip in Africa and Europe I have been fortunate enough this past week to enjoy high water on the Ottawa River. Not just your standard high water, but the flood level that only occurs once a year, within a window of only a few days.

The Ottawa River level fluctuates significantly over the course of the year. One special rapid, The Lorne, plays host to some of the best waves in the world; in low water you’ll find the dynamic speed of the Garburator Wave and in high water the beautiful green faces of the Buseater. The Buseater is known for it’s two faces, the Big Bus and the Mini Bus. And when the river is too high for Mini Bus, chances are Big Bus is just right.

The Big Bus is elusive, having only shown it’s face a for a few days over the last 5 years. A large surging wave that builds, curls and breaks this wave offers up some big air, big carnage and lots of fun!

With no eddy service a walk is required and almost welcome after the beatings the wave can unleash. Hiking up either the river left or right you’re given a chance to enjoy the entertainment and take a little rest if needed.

This week the shore was lined with a host of amazing paddlers, the likes of Billy Harris, Tyler Curtis, Mariann Saether, Joel Kowalski, JK’s own Nick Troutman, Pat Camblin, Marlow Long, Seth Warren, Tyler Bradt, Laura Nash.. and the list goes on.

For me the wave was a test of my physical stamina: holding strong on a rudder, waiting patiently as the wave would build, and then finding confidence that this pass would be the one.. and going for it. Over the three days the majority of my time was spent front surfing with a handful of tricks throw in.

Locals and keen big wave surfers alike had been watching the infamous Buseater wave for almost a week before it happened: the star must have been aligned, because the sun shone, the river dropped and the Big Bus reared its head.

Ruth