Trestles Saved - but what of the Severn Bore?

I learn from the excellent news service at Surfersvillage that Trestles, one of California's best breaks, has been saved. The California Coastal Commission last night ruled that plans for the 241 Toll Road extension - which would have dramatically altered the cobblestone line-ups at Trestles, as well as wreaking all manner of ecological havoc -  were not in compliance with the California Coastal Act. An appeal against the decision is expected, but victory - for now, at least - must be sweet for the Garden State's thousands of surfers.

What, though, of one our own much-loved breaks, the Severn Bore? As Mark T recently commented here, plans are gathering momentum to build the Severn Barrage (see this BBC report), a construction that ticks a lot of green boxes in the sense that it could provide up to 5% of the country's electricity, but comes at a price. As well as its potentially negative impact on wildlife on the River Severn, the barrage would bring an end to a cherished ritual - surfing the Severn Bore. There's more on this at The Long Wave and there's also a petition to save the Severn here.

I've surfed the Severn and it remains one of the best surfing experiences of my life. It's surreal and muddy, exquisite and bubbling with bizarre obstacles, but always full of stoke. It'd be a shame to see it go. I'd be interestd to see comments here on whether the green aspects of the barrage overcome its downsides - the end not just of an occasional tidal ritual but, for the Bore surfers who live on and near the river, a way of life.

The footage is from the Surf Twisted team, loving the Bore.