“It’s Trippy”: Surfing Community Astounded After Riding Country’s Longest Wave Born Out of a Rare Tidal Phenomenon

In the heart of the picturesque Turnagain Arm, a rare and captivating tidal phenomenon transforms the normally serene waters into a thrilling tidal bore. Local surfer Pete Beachy, along with a close-knit group of surfing enthusiasts, revels in the unique opportunity to ride the country’s longest wave, stretching for miles rather than mere seconds.

Drawn by the allure of this extraordinary experience, surfers from across the nation converge on Turnagain Arm, seeking to conquer its enchanting tidal bore. With its exhilarating ride lasting from five to 15 minutes, and even up to an hour for the adventurous, this wave creates an unforgettable surfing journey.

Riding the Mile-Long Tidal Bore

Recently one youtube video was posted on the “Alaska Public Media” account, which states, for Pete Beachy and his fellow surfers, Turnagain Arm’s tidal bore is a true surfing paradise. Unlike traditional waves, this tidal phenomenon surges twice daily, offering surfers an exhilarating experience like no other. Beachy, a Girdwood resident, cherishes the rare opportunity to ride the wave for an impressive four to six miles, with just two waves a day. But this incredible journey isn’t limited to Alaskans; surfers from all corners of the country are drawn to the allure of the long wave.

In fact, Beachy started a guide company in 2015 to help experienced surfers from other regions navigate the intricacies and potential hazards.“It is challenging to learn, but once you master it, you can ride the wave for minutes,” he said. The extended ride time allows surfers to accumulate a month’s worth of board time in a single wave. It is a unique and thrilling aspect of Turnagain Arm’s tidal bore.

On a sun-kissed afternoon by the scenic Seward Highway, Beachy and a group of seven eager surfers prepared to embrace the tidal bore. Joe Sullivan, who traveled from Hawaii with his daughter Pueo, described the experience as unparalleled. While he had ridden waves under a minute long elsewhere, Turnagain Arm offered a thrilling ride lasting from 5 to 15 minutes and is for those who ventured further, an astonishing hour-long adventure.

The enigmatic tidal bore in the Surfing world

The Turnagain Arm’s tidal bore, is also known as the bore tide. It is a captivating natural wonder caused by the remarkable 40-foot difference between high and low tide. Every 12 hours, as the tide comes in, the unique shape of the channel funnels the water that gracefully travels the entire length of the Arm. It is one of the few places in the world where tidal bores occur regularly.

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As Beachy guided the group into the water, he emphasized the importance of safety while surfing in the area.  Particularly due to the treacherous mud flats that can act like quicksand. Beachy demonstrated how to navigate and escape the mud safely. Paddling out, the surfers faced a wholly different scenario compared to ocean surfing.

Instead of battling multiple waves, they eagerly waited for the single-bore tide to approach. As it finally arrived, they deftly hopped onto their boards and embarked on an enchanting and lengthy ride. As the day concluded, the surfers reveled in the ideal wave conditions. Along with this, Beachy looked forward to tomorrow’s new adventure on the Turnagain Arm.

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