Surfer Jamie O’Brien recently ventured to Alaska with the goal of riding the legendary Turnagain Arm tidal bore, a wave formed by the dramatic tidal shifts in the region. Despite an initial failed attempt, O’Brien and his team ultimately succeeded in riding the freezing, yet exhilarating, wave.
Tidal bores—waves created when an incoming tide travels up a narrow river against the current—are one of nature’s most captivating phenomena. These waves can grow to immense lengths, making them a unique challenge and attraction for surfers. While tidal bores are found around the world, some, like Brazil’s Pororoca and the 7 Ghosts bore in Sumatra, have achieved fame. O’Brien, well-known for his adventurous surf expeditions, set his sights on Turnagain Arm, just outside Anchorage, a location he had surfed before but this time, conditions were optimal.
According to local surfer Pete, who is credited with sharing “America’s longest wave,” Turnagain’s tidal bore can provide a ride of up to six miles, which can take surfers over an hour to complete. With such high expectations, O’Brien prepared for what he anticipated would be a monumental experience.
However, the first attempt was not to be. After traveling all the way to Alaska, O’Brien missed the perfect tidal window. “Mission failed,” he said, visibly disappointed, after the unsuccessful attempt. “Good thing we’re here for a few more days,” he added, keeping his spirits up.
Fortunately for O’Brien, the tidal bore’s unique nature, driven by the region’s significant tidal swings, offered him a second chance. After a night of reflection, he expressed optimism: “I had 24 hours to think about it. I was really bummed on myself, but it’s all good. These things are very unpredictable. Maybe today we’ll really get it going.”
The next day, with the lessons of his previous attempt and guidance from local surfers, O’Brien was in the right position. This time, he caught the wave of a lifetime. “We did it!” he exclaimed after the ride. “That was incredible. That wave was insane… I’m tired. That was one long wave! Definitely worth the wait.”
O’Brien’s successful ride stands as a testament to the allure of tidal bores and the thrill of chasing waves in some of the world’s most remote and challenging locations.