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The Allure and Peril of Riding an Alaskan Wave for Six Miles
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Pete Beachy observed a tidal bore wave at Turnagain Arm, Alaska, a rare natural phenomenon where incoming tides create a surge of water against outgoing currents.
- The tidal bore can reach heights of up to 10 feet and speeds of 10 to 15 miles per hour, allowing skilled surfers to ride the wave for miles despite cold conditions.
- Turnagain Arm's tidal bore is one of about a dozen surfable bores worldwide and is becoming increasingly popular among big-wave surfers and local Alaskans.
- The nearby town of Girdwood promotes the tidal bore as a unique extreme sport attraction, providing tide charts to help surfers catch the best waves.
