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The Severn Bore is a world-famous tidal bore that flows up the River Severn during spring high tides. It's known for its unique surfing experience where the wave can be ridden for miles, with the record being around 6 miles. The wave changes a lot based on the river flow, tide height, and following winds, so you can expect a variety of shapes and sizes. The best spots are around Newnham down to the Severn Bore Inn, where there are nice open walls of whitewash and various shoulders, though tighter peelers can be found closer to the bank. It wraps up near the weir, and interestingly, you can even get a rideable wave back down the river after it hits the weir at Over. It’s a spot that's popular with longboarders, kayakers, and waveskis.
The surf here works best with a southwest swell direction, and it handles swell sizes as small as 1 ft (about 0.3 meters) which makes it accessible for intermediate surfers. Waves can break left or right over sand, so there’s a bit of variety to explore. The preferred wind direction is from the northeast, and the ideal time to surf is during high tide. It’s worth noting that the wave can change quickly—one moment it might be overhead, and the next it can suck back into the bank, so be prepared for rapid shifts in conditions.
When surfing The Severn Bore, keep an eye out for submerged objects like tree stumps that can really disrupt a ride. There are also hazards like barbed wire and dead sheep along the banks, so it’s wise to plan your exit strategy and never surf alone or at night. If you're looking to catch the same wave multiple times, it's easy to drive between access points, which makes for a fun session chasing the bore.