Over the last couple of weeks the internet has been abuzz with the video of the 7 Ghosts, a tidal bore wave situated in Sumatra, Indonesia. If you follow this blog, you would have no doubt already seen my articles on this amazing place. This got me to thinking that there must be more of these "waves" that are surf-able. And indeed there are. Apparently there are about 100 rivers world wide that produce these tidal bores. A quick note on how they work - In most tidal rivers the change from ebb to flood is a gradual process. The ebb current downstream slows, there is a period of slack water and then very slowly the flood tide starts flowing upstream. In a few rivers however, the behaviour is remarkably different. The onset of the flood tide is marked by a distinct and sometimes very vigorous wave - a bore. (Thank you the National Oceanography Institute.)
So, I went investigating and can now show you the four premier tidal bores for surfing.
1 - The Severn Bore
In the UK the most famous and spectacular example of a river bore is the Severn Bore, and as such it attracts thousands of tourists. it has also been surfed for many years.
2 - The Quiantang River
The largest tidal river bore in the world, China, can be 4m high, 3km wide and travel at speeds in excess of 15 mph. At certain locations reflected waves can reach 10m and the roar can be heard over an hour before its arrival.
3 - The Pororoca Brazil
The pororoca (Portuguese pronunciation: [poɾoˈɾɔkɐ]) is a tidal bore, with waves up to 4 meters high that travel as much as 13 kilometers inland upstream on the Amazon River and adjacent rivers. Its name comes from the indigenous Tupi language, where it translates into "great destructive noise". It occurs at the mouth of the river where river water meets the Atlantic Ocean. The phenomenon is best seen in February and March.
4 - 7 Ghosts Sumatra
Recently discovered this unique river wave even has its own surf camp. Made famous by a recent Rip Curl Search trip.
So now you know where to go for some fresh water surfing! Notice ow these are all very brown water spots, use ear plugs!
So, I went investigating and can now show you the four premier tidal bores for surfing.
1 - The Severn Bore
In the UK the most famous and spectacular example of a river bore is the Severn Bore, and as such it attracts thousands of tourists. it has also been surfed for many years.
2 - The Quiantang River
The largest tidal river bore in the world, China, can be 4m high, 3km wide and travel at speeds in excess of 15 mph. At certain locations reflected waves can reach 10m and the roar can be heard over an hour before its arrival.
3 - The Pororoca Brazil
The pororoca (Portuguese pronunciation: [poɾoˈɾɔkɐ]) is a tidal bore, with waves up to 4 meters high that travel as much as 13 kilometers inland upstream on the Amazon River and adjacent rivers. Its name comes from the indigenous Tupi language, where it translates into "great destructive noise". It occurs at the mouth of the river where river water meets the Atlantic Ocean. The phenomenon is best seen in February and March.
4 - 7 Ghosts Sumatra
Recently discovered this unique river wave even has its own surf camp. Made famous by a recent Rip Curl Search trip.
So now you know where to go for some fresh water surfing! Notice ow these are all very brown water spots, use ear plugs!
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