Check out the best tidal bore waves around the world!
In this article, we discuss the best tidal bore waves around the world that you can surf!
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If you’ve never heard the term before, it’s possible you might be thinking, “What exactly is a tidal bore?”
Put simply, a tidal bore is a wave formed from an incoming tide as it travels up a narrow river or bay against the flow of the current. This phenomenon forms a breaking wave that can measure anywhere from 2ft up to 15ft! Even better, these waves can be ridden for up to 20 miles in certain locations around the world.
Of course, there are dangers inherent to paddling and surfing in this type of moving water. A small excerpt from National Geographic explains:
“A tidal bore can be quite violent. The bore often changes the color of the river from blue or green to brown as it whips up sediment. Tidal bores can tear vegetation like trees from their roots. This makes the recreation sports of river surfing and kayaking very dangerous. Surfers from China to Alaska have been pulled into the river, bay, or ocean. Even watching a bore can be dangerous: Tidal waves have been known to sweep over lookout points and drag people to the churning river.”
In order to safely surf these waves, you must have experience paddling in moving water and surfing. Without these two prerequisites, this fun activity becomes dangerous. If you consider yourself experienced or if you’re going with someone who can help you on and off the water, then, by all means, head out there!
If you’re interested in surfing the endless wave and experiencing a brand-new adventure, we put together a list of the best tidal bore waves you can surf around the world.
1. Turnagain Bore, Cook Inlet, Alaska
Wave Height: 3-10ft
Our first location takes us to Alaska with the “most picturesque bore in the world,” located in the Cook Inlet. The Turnagain Bore is located in a glacial fjord just east of Anchorage. This part of Alaska has the second largest tidal range in North America which gives rise to the perfect wave you can surf in this location. The best time to surf here is during the equinoxes when you have enough sunlight. There’s just one thing…
It’s COLD (duh). Temperatures here hover around 40 degrees Fahrenheit (on temperate) days so don’t take a step off the plane without a high-quality winter wetsuit in hand.
One thing to keep in mind – an array of wildlife can follow the bore up the bay (including Beluga Whales), so you need to stay aware of your surroundings as you glide through the water.
2. The Pororoca, Brazil
Wave Height: 3-14ft
This is Brazil’s most famous tidal bore. The indigenous name Prororoca translates to the “great roar” and for good reason! It holds the title of longest wave on Earth. It runs up to 500 miles inland. To surf it, you need to be here in late Spring between February and March. Surfers from all over the world head here to get a taste of the action. Including Mr. Robby Naish of Naish boards. Check out his adventure below!
3. The Dordogne, France
Wave Height: 2-10ft
Have you ever seen 77 surfers on the same wave? Most people haven’t. But that’s what took place on the Dordogne tidal bore located in France!
While it may not hold the same size or distance as the other waves on our list, it’s a great place to surf your first tidal bore for the safety and comradery of everyone involved. Just watch out for the crowd and try not to bump into any fellow surfers while on the water!
4. The Benak, Malaysia
Wave Height: 3-12ft
If you want to have the ultimate tidal bore experience, the place to do so is at the Benak in Malaysia. This area is famously known as the location for the Benak Festival held around surfing the tidal bore wave located here. While it’s unclear if the festival is still held annually, it remains a great place to experience your first tidal bore surf!
5. The Silver Dragon, China
Wave Height: 10-30ft
This tidal bore rises from the Qiantang Jiang River in China. What makes this location powerful? The river contracts from 62 miles in the bay to just several feet while at the same time having the river bed rise. This combination creates the world’s largest and more featured tidal bore wave. And it has the track record to prove it. This tidal wave has claimed the lives of several surfers over the years…
So, while it might not be accessible to every paddler out there, it’s still an impressive site to see!
6. The Severn, Bristol, Great Britain
Wave Height: 5-25ft
This bore forms on one of Britain’s longest rivers – the Severn. This river is fed by the Atlantic Ocean which is the source of the largest tidal range in the world. And it’s this drastic change that produces the bore that travels for up to 31 miles inland. That means you can surf a single wave for up to 30 miles! If…you have the stamina.
7. The Bono, Kampar River, Sumatra, Indonesia
Wave Height: 13-20ft
Is it possible to ride a barrel and make it out? Yes, of course. But is it possible to do it on a tidal bore? At the Bono…you can! This might be the most perfect wave on our list. Due to this feature, plenty of surfers head here to experience this long wave. Sounds perfect, right? Well, not exactly.
This stretch of river is also home to snakes, crocodiles, and plenty of mosquitoes. But if you are in the mood for a true adventure, it’s easily one of the best waves you’ll ever surf in your life.
8. The Baan, Hooghly River, India
Wave Height: 5-10ft
Our last location takes us to the Baan, located in India. You might be wondering why it’s called the Baan. Well, this wave received its nickname after the Autobahn located in Germany. And what’s the Autobahn famous for? Speed.
This wave provides plenty of speed. The river from which it’s produced is a tributary of the famous Ganges River and it produces the tidal bore here that runs for up to 25 miles. Even better, the waves here can reach up to 10ft in size with clean barrels. While you might not be able to escape the barrel like our previous location, it’s still one heck of a place to surf.
Ready to Get Out There?
If it’s your plan to head out to one of these locations, make sure you are prepared! Contact a local pro, grab the right gear for your journey, and have the correct knowledge to make your time on and off the water safe.
Where can you find all the information you need? Check out the rest of our Knowledge/Resources page for additional information on SUP, surfing, and travel. And become a Member today to save up to 20% off at participating outfitters around the world!
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