Surf's up: Thrill-seekers ride waves for FIVE MILES as tidal bore creates huge wall of water

Daily Mail Online: Surf's up: Thrill-seekers ride waves for FIVE MILES as tidal bore creates huge wall of water
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.

A 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.

'Bore fever' is gripping the area with adrenaline junkies using larger 'stand-up boards' and using paddles for extra propulsion as the phenomenon achieves greater prominence in the surfing community.

The Turnagain experience, he told the website, was unique: 'The one where you could catch the wave right after breakfast and ride it till lunch.