Surfing the Baan: an Indian tidal bore river wave

A group of European surfers has discovered a powerful tidal bore river wave in the heart of India. They've named it "The Baan."

Welcome to the Hooghly River, a 260-kilometer (160-mile) water current flowing through West Bengal.

Can you imagine catching waves a mere 20 kilometers away from Bangladesh in a major tributary of the Ganges?

The growing Indian surfing community has a new gem on the country's surf spot map: a tidal bore river wave that happens to build up twice a day in changing tides.

In distinctive lunar phases - the supermoon, for example - surfers can enjoy larger and more powerful rides.

The Hooghly River bore is surrounded by fear and a mystical glow, at least for the local population.

Despite the water pollution, Antony "Yep" Colas - author of "The World Stormrider Guide" - scored yet another river wave and decided to tell the whole story in "Chasing the Baan - Surfing the Indian River Wave."

But he was not alone. Steve King, who holds the record for the longest wave ride ever, and stand-up paddleboard specialist Gaétan Séné shared the Indian adventure with the publisher.

The wave crosses Kolkata, the third largest city in India, with 15 million people. It's the ultimate tidal bore challenge, only comparable to the Pororoca.

The documentary about "The Baan" will be released by Puzzle Media.

Discover the river waves and tidal bores of the world.

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