Tidal Bore
The river and bay are known for the world's largest tidal bore. The tide rushing into the river mouth from the bay causes a bore which can reach up to 9 metres (30 ft) in height, and travel at up to 40 km per hour (25 miles an hour). Known locally as the Silver (or Black) Dragon, the wave sweeps past Hangzhou, menacing shipping in the harbor, and is so dangerous that, until recently, no one attempting to surf it has managed to remain upright for more than 11 seconds.
In September 2008 a group of American surfers convinced the Chinese government to allow them to surf a section of the river. Personal watercraft were used to safely transport the surfers in and out of the tidal bore.
Read more about this topic: Qiantang River
Famous quotes containing the words tidal and/or bore:
“And now it is once more the tidal wave
That when it was swept by, leaves summits stained.
Oh, blood will out. It cannot be contained.”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)
“Never ask a bore a question.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)