Surf's up! Riding the first five-star Severn Bore of 2019

Surfers have ridden the first five-star Severn Bore of 2019 – one of Britain’s most spectacular tidal phenomena.

The Bore – a tide wave that occurs in the lower reaches of the river – was visible as it surged up between Newnham-on-Severn and Over.

Surfers prepare to ride the first five-star Severn Bore of 2019. Credit: Ben Birchall/PA

Hundreds of spectators lined the riverbank in Gloucestershire to catch a glimpse of the first and only daytime five-star bore this year. Two other night-time bores are predicted for September.

The Severn Estuary receives the second highest tide anywhere in the world and the differences between the lowest and highest tide in one day can be more than 47ft (14.5m).

Surfers ride the first five-star Severn Bore of 2019 at Newnham-on-Severn in Gloucestershire. Credit: Ben Birchall/PA

These high or spring tides occur on several days in each lunar cycle throughout the spring and autumn.