Internet in awe as surfers ride “insane” rare wave in Alaska

A video of surfers catching a wave that can only be spotted in Alaska in the United States has captivated viewers on TikTok.

The moment was captured in a video was posted by Ben Gravy (@bengravyy) and has garnered over 807,000 views since it was shared on August 10.

A note at the bottom of the clip warns viewers “do not attempt,” explaining that “the actions in this video are performed by professionals or supervised by professionals.”

The footage sees a couple of surfers attempting to ride a “tsunami”-style large wave, overlooked by a snowy Alaskan mountain backdrop. A note overlaid on the video reads: “Surfers encounter tsunami in Alaska and surf it.”

Despite the description, the wave featured in the clip is, of course, not a tsunami but rather a bore tide, as quickly pointed out by several other users in the comments section.

The video later focuses on one of the surfers who is shown in a full head-to-toe bodysuit, trying to remain balanced on the surfboard as the powerful waves come crashing in. The surfer is later shown elated over his successful attempt, laying back down on the board as the waves die down.

A Rare Wave ‘Phenomenon’

Also known as tidal bores, bore tides are waves that can reach as tall as 25 feet, “sounding like locomotive trains, foaming and frothing along at speeds between 6 and 24 mph,” notes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The NOAA says: “The only locations in the United States where tidal bores occur regularly are Turnagain and Knik Arms.”

The Turnagain Arm and Knik Arm are two waterways that branch out from the Cook Inlet, which stretches from the Gulf of Alaska to Anchorage in south-central Alaska.

Both of these waterways are “uniquely suited” for the formation of tidal bores for the following two main reasons, as outlined by the NOAA:

• They’re both adjacent to a body of water with a large range in tide.
• Their configurations are “narrow, shallow and gently sloping, forcing the rapidly rising tide waters to form a tidal flood with a raised abrupt front.”

Described as an “international phenomenon,” bore tides can be seen in more than 60 locations across the globe.

In North America, in addition to Alaska, bore tides have been spotted in the Bay of Fundy in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia as well as the Colorado River in Mexico. “The Colorado River bore has practically disappeared due to other reclamation projects which include a series of dams in the Colorado River to regulate the flow,” the NOAA notes.

The highest bore, which is known as the pororoca and can be around 25 feet tall, is found in the Amazon basin and spans across several miles of river. “The effects of this bore have been noted as far as 500 miles up river,” the NOAA says.

The Tsientang River bore in China is considered one of the strongest bores, “barreling up the river at between 18 and 24 mph near the city of Hangchow,” while the British River Severn bore has been known to carry surfers upstream for miles, according to the NOAA.

‘Once in a Lifetime’ Moment

TikTok users were impressed by the surfers riding the rare wave in the viral clip.

Po Sway Bentley said it was “insane” and Nancy agreed, simply writing: “Crazy.”

“An amazing once in a lifetime…respect my friends,” said josephdessaint.

The VIZIN noted: “He almost looks like he’s standing. So cool.”

User valeriegoulding18 said it was “nice long ride,” while user2605421615650 wrote: “Amazing.”

Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok and email.

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