Photos: Turnagain Arm bore tide

Surfers ride the tidal phenomenon

By Bob Hallinen
Updated: July 29, 2024 Published: July 28, 2024

Surfers ride the bore tide on Turnagain Arm along the Seward Highway south of Anchorage on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (Bob Hallinen Photo)

The bore tide in the Turnagain Arm attracts surfers and paddle boarders, especially when the tide swings are great, resulting in a bigger wave.

The wave forms as water from the rising tide comes rushing in and meets the waters of the low, outgoing tide. It forms a wave that can reach over 6 feet tall and can move at speeds of more than 10 miles per hour.

A surfer talks with spectators after riding the Turnagain Arm bore tide along the Seward Highway south of Anchorage. (Bob Hallinen Photo)

Surfers hang out in the calm waters after riding the bore tide on Turnagain Arm. (Bob Hallinen Photo)

Surfers make their way to shore after riding the bore tide on Turnagain Arm. (Bob Hallinen Photo)

Allessio Caruevali, from New York, walks up the bank after riding the bore tide on Turnagain Arm along the Seward Highway south of Anchorage on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (Bob Hallinen Photo)

Bob Hallinen

Bob Hallinen has been a photojournalist in Alaska since the 1980s and has traveled extensively all over the state. He retired from the ADN in November 2018 after 33 years at the newspaper.