Thrill seekers ride waves for five miles

Chris Lawrence - 

The Arctic Circle is not typically noted as a surfing paradise but enthusiasts might be trading their favourite golden beaches for the chillier waters of Alaska if these pictures are anything to go by.

The video shot above the Cook Inlet on Alaska's south coast shows surfers riding waves for an incredible five miles.

While most surfers might be happy to stay upright for 20 seconds these thrill seekers have exploited the famous Turnagain tidal bore for an experience unlike any other.

Tidal bores occur at only a few places on the planet, including the River Mersey, River Ribble and the River Severn in the UK. The phenomenon take place when a high tide is forced into a narrow stretch of water.

But the size of of the Turnagain Arm, a 43 mile long and 1000 feet deep channel of water, gives surfers a unique opportunity to ride the roaring waves for up to half-an-hour.

The bore happens every day but it varies in size from just six inches to six feet high so surfers have to predict when they think the biggest waves will arrive.

As well as its length, the Turnagain bore is renowed for its display of natural beauty. The wall of water has been seen to jump with salmon and other fish, while birds-of-prey often haunt the sky looking for a catch.

Read and see more... 

Posted via http://batavia08.posterous.com batavia08's posterous