Surfin' the bore tide

A bore tide is a phenomenon where the leading edge of the incoming tide builds a wave or crest of water. The wave  travels up a narrow channel in opposition to the outgoing current. 


Along the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet south of Anchorage, Alaska, a good bore tide is cause for celebration. Locals turn out to surf, kayak the wave and observe the event. 

The water begins to churn

Turbulence becomes visible

The wave cuts across the channel

Attention turns to the rising water

Surfers wade out across what at low tide are mud flats

The wave is high enough to offer a good ride

Where the channel widens, the wave subsides