Surfers Conquer the Raging Severn Bore Tidal Surge
You’ve heard of surfing epic waves in Hawaii, Tahiti, or Australia. But how about surfing a tidal wave right here in the UK? That’s just what the brave souls at the Severn Bore do every year. This mighty tidal surge barrels up the River Severn near Gloucestershire, creating waves over two meters high. As the roar of the incoming bore echoes across the river, seasoned surfers paddle out to meet the wave head-on. The Severn Bore only happens during spring tide seasons, but when it comes it’s one of the biggest tidal bores in the world. Strap on your wetsuit and join the diehard crew who live to surf this gnarly inland wave. You’ll see why they call it the ultimate river rollercoaster ride.
Surfing the Severn Bore – An Epic Ride on the UK’s Tidal Wave
Timing is Everything
The Severn Bore only occurs during spring tides, so you’ll need to check the tide tables to find out when the giant wave is rolling through. The bore tends to be biggest around the equinoxes in March and September, sometimes reaching up to 2 meters high! When the conditions are right, get ready for one of the most thrilling rides in the UK.
Pick Your Spot Wisely
The river Severn winds through Gloucestershire, so there are several spots where you can catch the bore. The most popular surfing spots are Stonebench, near Gloucester, and Minsterworth. These wide stretches of river are perfect for beginners and pros alike. Arrive a couple of hours before high tide to grab your spot, get your gear ready, and watch the wave build up momentum as the tide rushes in.
Hang On Tight!
When the bore hits, there’s no time to hesitate. Paddle hard to match the speed of the wave and then jump to your feet. The fast-moving tide will sweep you downriver at up to 13 miles per hour as you carve through the churning brown water. The ride usually lasts 30-90 seconds, but in that short time, you’ll experience an incredible natural high. Just be ready for a splashdown at the end as the wave peters out!
Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just fancy an adventure, surfing the Severn Bore is a thrill like no other. Time it right, choose your spot, and hang on for the ride of your life on one of Britain’s most awesome tidal bores!
What Is the Severn Bore Tidal Wave?
The Severn Bore is one of Britain’s most spectacular natural phenomena. It’s a large tidal surge wave that travels up the River Severn in Gloucestershire. As the tide comes in from the Bristol Channel, the wave starts forming and travels at up to 15 miles per hour.
It only happens during spring tides
The Severn Bore only occurs during the spring tides around the equinoxes in March and September. During these tides, the sun and moon align to create the largest tidal ranges of the year. The large volume of water entering the funnel-shaped Bristol Channel creates a tidal wave that surges up the Severn.
Surfing the wave
The Severn Bore has become popular with surfers who try to ride the huge wave. The record for the longest surf ride is held by Steve King, who managed to stay on the wave for 7.6 miles in 2014. The wave can reach up to 6 feet in height, making it a thrilling challenge. Many surfers describe the bore as one of the best surfing experiences in Britain because of its power and speed.
Impacts on wildlife
The Severn Bore also has a significant impact on the river’s wildlife. Fish like salmon, shad, and lampreys use the wave and increased tidal flow to help them migrate upriver. Birds like oystercatchers, sandpipers, and gulls fly alongside and feed on small fish and invertebrates stirred up by the wave. Otters also follow the bore to hunt for fish in the turbulent waters.
The Severn Bore only lasts around 30 minutes but transforms the river into a rushing, roaring spectacle. Whether you experience it by watching the wave surge past, riding it on a surfboard, or seeing its impact on the local wildlife, the bore creates a dramatic display of the power of nature.
Top Tips for Riding the Severn Bore Surge
Pick the Right Spot
To experience the full thrill of the Severn Bore, choose a wide section of the river with few obstacles. The bore surge travels fastest in the center, so aim for spots with a steep bank you can easily climb up. Stonebench and Minsterworth are two of the most popular spots for bore riders.
Time it Right
The Severn Bore happens when the incoming tide travels up the river, creating waves up to 6 feet high. Check tide tables to find days and times when the bore will be the biggest. As a rough guide, the largest bores happen around the equinoxes in March and September. For the biggest thrill, go on a spring tide when the sun and moon are aligned.
Gear Up
You’ll want a wetsuit to protect against the cold water, especially in early spring and fall. Booties or water shoes will also keep your feet warm and help you grip the riverbed. Consider wearing gloves, a helmet, and protective gear like elbow and knee pads. The bore can knock you off your feet, so safety is key.
Paddle Hard
As the bore approaches, wade into the river and start paddling to match its speed. Once you’ve caught it, paddle vigorously to stay on the crest of the wave. Lean into the wave and bend your knees to keep your balance. If you feel yourself losing control, turn your board to face the shore and paddle out of the bore. The key is to go with the flow—don’t try to outrace the bore or you risk getting tumbled in its wake.
Enjoy the Ride
Riding the Severn Bore is a thrill like no other. Feel the surge of water lift and propel you along, the roar of the wave in your ears. Take in the sight of the bore rolling along the river, the ancient forest stretching around you. When you successfully navigate the bore, you join the ranks of surfers who have conquered this natural phenomenon. The memory of this wild watery adventure will stay with you for life.
The Best Spots to Catch the Severn Bore in Gloucestershire
Stone bench Viewpoint
For one of the best views of the Severn Bore, head to Stonebench Viewpoint. This spot sits high on the bank of the River Severn, giving you an eagle-eye view of the bore as it races by. Get there early to claim your viewing spot and watch as the initial surge of water flows under the stone bridge, picking up speed and size as it heads downstream. The power and noise of the wave is truly a sight to behold from this vantage point.
Minsterworth Ham
Further downstream, Minsterworth Ham offers another prime viewing location with spacious grassy banks ideal for picnics while you wait for the bore to arrive. When the bore approaches, you’ll hear its thundering roar before you see it. Expect waves up to six feet high, especially during spring tides! The wide open space here allows for panoramic views of the bore so you can see its full power and fury on display.
Over Bridge
For thrill-seekers, head to Over Bridge, just north of Gloucester. This spot features a pedestrian bridge spanning the River Severn, giving you a heart-pounding view of the bore surging under your feet. Watch in awe as the churning waves smash into the bridge supports below, sending spray high into the air. The bridge may shake from the force of the bore, demonstrating its tremendous power. If you’re brave enough, stand on the downstream side of the bridge for maximum adrenaline!
The Severn Bore only lasts a few minutes as it races by, so timing is everything. Check the local tide tables to determine when the bore will pass by the viewing spot of your choice. Then, claim your viewing position at least an hour in advance to ensure you get the best view of this spectacular natural phenomenon. The bore may seem ferocious, but its beauty and power will leave you in awe of nature’s wonder.
Severn Bore 2023 Dates – Don’t Miss This Epic Tidal Surge!
The Severn Bore is one of the UK’s most spectacular natural phenomena. This epic tidal surge occurs in the River Severn in Gloucestershire, England, and only happens during the equinoxes in March and September. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, witnessing the Severn Bore should be on your bucket list.
March Dates
The highest tides of the year happen around the spring equinox, so the March Severn Bore is the biggest. In 2023, the key dates to catch the tidal wave are March 20th through 24th. The surge can reach up to 10 feet high, giving surfers an incredible ride. Even if you’re not surfing it, watching surfers conquering the raging waves from the riverbank is a thrilling sight.
September Dates
The autumn equinox also produces strong tides in the Severn, though slightly smaller than in March. The 2023 September Severn Bore will occur from September 18th through 22nd. While the wave may only reach 6-8 feet high, it’s still an impressive display of nature’s power and a unique opportunity to witness a rare event.
The Best Viewing Spots
Some of the most popular places to view the Severn Bore are Stonebench, Over Bridge, and Severn Bore Inn. These locations give you panoramic views of the river so you can see the tidal wave coming from a distance. As the bore approaches, you’ll hear its thunderous roar. Then it speeds by, crashing over the riverbanks if it’s an especially high tide.
Whether you brave the rapids and surf the waves or watch from the shore, experiencing the Severn Bore is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see one of Britain’s most stunning natural phenomena. As the tidal surge crashes through, you’ll be in awe of nature’s raw power and fury. If adventure and natural wonders thrill you, make sure to mark your calendar for the 2023 equinox tides and witness this epic event.
When did people first start surfing it?
People have been riding the Severn Bore for centuries. The first known surfers of the bore were 17th-century salmon fishermen, who would ride the wave on their boats. The bore was first surfed on wooden boards in 1929. Surfing the bore grew popular in the 1960s and 70s, and today hundreds of surfers flock to ride the wave every year.
The pioneering surfers
A group of Australian surfers brought modern surfing to the Severn Bore in the 1960s. They were amazed by the size and power of the wave, and news of the bore spread through the international surfing community. Locals soon followed, crafting surfboards and wetsuits specifically for the bore’s low temperatures and rough conditions. These pioneers helped establish surfing the Severn Bore as an extreme sport for expert wave riders.
Riding the wave
The bore wave travels upstream against the river’s current at up to 15 miles per hour. Surfers have to paddle hard to match the wave’s speed and then quickly jump up onto their boards. The fast-moving wave only lasts for about 30 seconds, so surfers have to ride it as far as they can before it peters out. The hardest part is staying on your board – the bore’s churning white water makes for an uneven, turbulent ride. Only the most skilled surfers can ride the bore for more than a quarter mile.
Modern surf events
Today, the Severn Bore’s reputation attracts surfers from around the world. Major surfing events are held on the bore, like the Bore Wave Championships and the Boring Extreme Wave Riding Championships. These events bring competitors and spectators together to watch surfers take on the bore’s challenging conditions. The bore has gained fame as one of the most extreme river surfing spots, not just in the UK but globally. Its huge size and raw power put it in a class by itself for surfing dangerous tidal bores.
Riding the Severn Bore is not for the faint of heart. But for expert surfers seeking a thrilling wave, there’s nothing quite like conquering the raging tidal surge of the Severn Bore.
when is the next 5 star Severn bore
When the conditions are just right, the Severn Bore transforms into a powerful tidal wave up to 2.8 meters high that surges up the river at up to 13 miles per hour. The largest bores, rated five stars, only happen a few times each year, typically in the spring and fall. To catch a five-star bore in all its glory, you need to keep a close eye on the tidal predictions.
Monitoring the tides
The Severn Bore’s size depends on several factors, including the alignment of the sun and moon, which creates higher high tides known as spring tides. Check tide timetables in advance to determine dates when higher spring tides will occur. On those days, if the low tide before the incoming high tide is very low, it means there is a large volume of water that will surge up the river, creating the largest waves.
Know the bore ratings
The Severn Bore is rated on a five-star scale, with one star being the smallest. A five-star bore can have waves up to 2.8 meters high, compared to just 0.3 meters for a one-star bore. The biggest and best bores usually happen in the spring, from March through May, and then again in the fall from September to November. The largest bores often coincide with the autumnal and spring equinoxes.
Head to the best viewing spots
For the best view of a raging five-star bore, head to the upper reaches of the river, between Stonebench and Maisemore Weir. Popular viewing spots include Stonebench, Upper Lode, and Tewkesbury. Arrive at least an hour before the scheduled bore time so you can get a good viewing position. The massive waves are a stunning sight as they crash over the riverbanks. You’ll get soaked by the spray but the experience of seeing the power of nature in full force is well worth it.
Timing is everything if you want to experience the full power and glory of a five-star Severn Bore. Doing your research, understanding the tide predictions, and getting to the best viewing spots will increase your chances of witnessing one of Britain’s most spectacular natural phenomena in all its foaming, raging splendor.
Conclusion
So there you have it, surfers and thrill-seekers. The Severn Bore tidal wave is a truly epic natural spectacle, offering experienced riders monster waves unlike anything else in the UK. It takes serious skill to tackle these ferocious peaks and troughs, and the Bore isn’t for beginners. But if you’re an advanced surfer looking for your next big challenge, be sure to add this incredible tidal phenomenon to your bucket list. Just make sure you know what you’re doing out there and surf safely. The Severn Bore will test your limits, but the rush of riding these natural beasts is one you won’t
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