The Severn Bore 2008

31 August - Find out where and when to see The Severn Bore in 2008, and don’t miss out on the natural wonder and sporting spectacular which draws thousands of visitors to Gloucestershire every year.

If you’ve ever passed by the River Severn in Gloucestershire and wondered why crowds of people were crowded along its banks, or more to the point why dozens of daredevils were bobbing about in the cold water clinging to surfboards, it’s more than likely the world-famous Severn Bore was in town.

What is The Severn Bore?

Taking place on numerous occasions every year, The Severn Bore is an impressive tidal wave of water which works its way up the Severn Estuary over a distance of around 25 miles between Awre and Gloucester – attracting hosts of spectators, and scores of extreme sports enthusiasts, along the way.

The Severn Bore is caused by the tide from the Atlantic Ocean entering the Bristol Channel and forcing its way into the Severn Estuary, filtering into a narrow channel and causing the water to rise by anything up to 15 metres. The water reaches speeds of up to 20kmph as it nears Minsterworth and, as the width of the River Severn narrows, becomes held up causing the natural bore phenomenon.

The Severn Bore in particular is revered because the River Severn has the second largest tidal range – the vertical distance between the high and low tides – in the world, making for a bore which can be anything up to 2 metres in height, and is one of only three surfable tidal waves in the world. Subsequently the powerful bores often see surfers take to the water in a brave feat, hoping to catch the wave at the right time and smash the surfing record which began in 1955.

Where can I see The Severn Bore for myself?

You can often catch a glimpse of The Severn Bore at numerous locations along the River Severn, but the best vantage points are located at Minsterworth, Stonebench and Over Bridge.

While large bores attract huge crowds and nabbing a good spot from which to watch the action can be tricky, The Environment Agency’s predictions for 2008 suggest we’ll only be in for small and medium-sized bores (bores can also be rated large, extra large and five-star) – so it shouldn’t be too crowded this year.

If you’re feeling very, very brave and fancy joining the daredevils and trying to ride The Severn Bore for yourself, just remember that the water is extremely cold and moving very quickly – so having a 25 metre school swimming badge sewn onto your trunks isn’t going to prepare you.

When will The Severn Bore take place in 2008?

The following list draws upon The Environment Agency’s predictions for when The Severn Bore will take place in 2008, with specific times provided in each case. Arriving 30 minutes early and wearing waterproofs is highly recommended.

Please note times are approximate and can vary by as much as 30 minutes either way, small bores are indicated by one star, and medium bores by two stars.

Monday 4 August 2008
Minsterworth 11.13pm, Stonebench 11.23pm & Overbridge 11.48pm *

Saturday 30 August 2008
Minsterworth 8.49pm, Stonebench 8.59pm & Overbridge 9.24pm *

Saturday 31 August 2008
Minsterworth 9.15am, Stonebench 9.25am & Overbridge 9.50am *
Minsterworth 9.27pm, Stonebench 9.37pm & Overbridge 10.02pm **

Monday 1 September 2008
Minsterworth 9.54am, Stonebench 10.04am & Overbridge 10.29 *
Minsterworth 10.06pm, Stonebench 10.16pm & Overbridge 10.41pm **

Tuesday 2 September 2008
Minsterworth 10.32am, Stonebench 10.42am & Overbridge 11.07am *
Minsterworth 10.45pm, Stonebench 10.55pm & Overbridge 11.20pm *

Sunday 28 September 2008
Minsterworth 8.25pm, Stonebench 8.35pm & Overbridge 9pm *

Monday 29 September 2008
Minsterworth 8.48am, Stonebench 8.58am & Overbridge 9.23am *
Minsterworth 9.01pm, Stonebench 9.11pm & Overbridge 9.36pm **

Tuesday 30 September 2008
Minsterworth 9.26am, Stonebench 9.36am & Overbridge 10.01am *
Minsterworth 9.39pm, Stonebench 9.49pm & Overbridge 10.14pm **

Wednesday 15 October 2008
Minsterworth 9.17pm, Stonebench 9.27pm & Overbridge 9.52pm *

Thursday 16 October 2008
Minsterworth 9.37am, Stonebench 9.47am & Overbridge 10.12am *
Minsterworth 9.57pm, Stonebench 10.07pm & Overbridge 10.32pm *

Friday 17 October 2008
Minsterworth 10.17am, Stonebench 10.27am & Overbridge 10.52am *
Minsterworth 10.40pm, Stonebench 10.50pm & Overbridge 11.15pm *

Thursday 13 November 2008
Minsterworth 7.54pm, Stonebench 8.04pm & Overbridge 8.29pm *

Friday 14 November 2008
Minsterworth 8.13am, Stonebench 8.23am & Overbridge 8.48am *
Minsterworth 8.39pm, Stonebench 8.49pm & Overbridge 9.14pm *

Saturday 15 November 2008
Minsterworth 8.58am, Stonebench 9.08am & Overbridge 9.33am *

Saturday 13 December 2008
Minsterworth 7.59am, Stonebench 8.09am & Overbridge 8.34am *

Sunday 14 December 2008
Minsterworth 8.46am, Stonebench 8.56am & Overbridge 9.21am *

Monday 15 December 2008
Minsterworth 9.35am, Stonebench 9.45am & Overbridge 10.10am *

Event: The Severn Bore 2008
Venue: The best vantage points are located at Minsterworth, Stonebench and Over Bridge.
Dates: Throughout 2008, see above for more details
Times: Vary, see above for more details
Tickets: There is no charge to join spectators on the banks of the River Severn

SoGlos.com
8 April 2008