Last month’s super tide created a river wave in India which can be surfed for over 40 kms. The locals call it the Baan and JetSurf’s own Everaldo ‘Pato’ Teixeira was among the first in the world to surf this natural phenomenon.
The tidal river bore surges up the Hooghly River, a tributary of the Ganges on the daily high tide, destroying fishing boats, small structures and sweeping unfortunate livestock before it Large ships huddle together in the channel for safety and ferries are cancelled due to the destructive power of the wave.
The city of 15m people witnessed surfing history as a group of professional surfers, including Pato on his ‘JetSurf’ motorised surfboard, met to ride the river wave.
Pato chose a ProRace to tackle the tidal bore, which travels at over 20 km/h and creates long, perfect, peeling waves on both banks of the river. “JetSurf lets me hit sections of the wave which can’t be surfed on a regular board” explains Pato, “Just squeeze the trigger and you’re where you need to be”
Pato was able to keep up with the wave as it barreled up the sacred river. He rode the 2 mt bore right through Kolkata, hitting the solid wall of water with fast turns and powerful carves.
Luckily Pato’s Pro Race kept him out of the water so he didn’t need to paddle around in the soupy mix of dead animals and effluent. Emerging after an epic 5 km long ride, Pato was beaming, “That was crazy Bro!” he said, as crowds who witnessed the historic event cheered in agreement.
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