How does a tidal bore work?

We take the tidal bore for granted around here, and ride it every day. But tidal bores are a phenomenon that only take place in a very few spots worldwide. Here in the Maritimes, we can see it in Maitland, Truro and even extending into Moncton, NB via the Bay of Fundy. But aside from here, you’ve pretty much got to BC, Europe, Asia or Alaska.

So how does it work? Well, a tidal bore is a tidal phenomenon where the leading edge of the incoming tide forms a waves of water that travels up a river or against the direction of river’s current. The river actually changes it’s flow before your very eyes!

Bores occur in areas with a large tidal range and where incoming tides are funneled into a shallow, narrowing river or lake via a broad bay. The funnel-like shape not only increases the tidal range, but it can also decrease the duration of the flood tide, down to a point where the flood appears as a sudden increase in the water level. A tidal bore always takes place during the flood tide and never during the ebb tide. Bores may take on various forms: from a single breaking wavefront with a roller to undular bores, made up of a smooth wavefront followed by a train of secondary waves known as whelps.

Bores cause intense turbulence and a rumbling sounds. The water surges and smashes every which way and a ‘roar’ is caused by the the turbulence in the bore front and whelps, entrained air bubbles in the bore roller, sediment erosion beneath the bore front and of the banks, scouring of shoals and bars, and impacts on obstacles. The bore rumble is heard far away because its low frequencies can travel over long distances. The low-frequency sound is a characteristic feature of the advancing roller in which the air bubbles entrapped in the large-scale eddies are acoustically active and play the dominant role in the rumble-sound generation.

Tidal bores may be dangerous and many bores have had a sinister reputation in many places where they are found including the River Seine (France); the Petitcodiac River (Canada); and the Colorado River (Mexico), to name a few. In China, despite warning signs erected along the banks of the Qiantang River, a number of fatalities occur each year by people who take too much risk with the bore.

On the other hand, tidal bore-affected estuaries are rich feeding zones and breeding grounds of several forms of wildlife. The estuarine zones are the spawning and breeding grounds of several native fish species, while the aeration induced by the tidal bore contributes to the abundant growth of many species of fish. The tidal bores also provide opportunity for recreational inland surfing, kayaking and rafting.

River Runners is HIRING! Apply today!

With the new season upon us, Shubenacadie River Runners is now hiring! Join us for today and experience unique summer employment here in beautiful Maitland, Nova Scotia. Ride the highest tides in the world daily… and get paid handsomely to do it!

As a River Guide, you’ll be navigating a 16 foot Zodiac with a 60 hp outboard engine – while informing tourists of the history and geology of this amazing river system. You will also be responsible for the safety of customers. You will learn and perform basic maintenance of boats and engines. In the office, you will perform such duties as registering customers and keeping the work place clean and presentable.

Background

Shubenacadie River Runners is the premiere Tidal Bore Rafting destination in Nova Scotia – and also a fun place to work! We provide clients from all over the world with an experience of a lifetime…. and we couldn’t do it without our fabulous employees. Our employees need to be energetic, motivated and willing to learn (and teach). If this sounds like you, please send us a recent resume.

About the Job:

  • You will be expected to spend the summer at the River’s premiere Tidal Bore Rafting operation
  • You will be surrounded by glorious nature and likely see wildlife daily
  • You will feel the ‘roar of the bore’ and ride on it daily
  • You will get wet… and possibly muddy
  • You will deliver a world-class, safe and entertaining experience to customers
  • You will work in a safe, supportive, honest and fun work environment
  • You will not be sitting at a desk 9-5
  • You will be working outdoors
  • You will be an ambassador of our brand

Qualifications Required:

  • You must be 18 yrs + (by July 1st)
  • You must be able to swim well
  • You should have have basic first aid & CPR training
  • You possess have good communication skills
  • You understand the importance of being punctual
  • You must have reliable transportation
  • You must be a team player and be able to work under pressure

Apply now!

Please forward your resume to: info@riverrunnersns.com with subject line “I want to be a RIVER RUNNER!”. Training and work starts soon. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 1-800-856-5061 or drop us an email.

Thank you for your interest in working for the Shubenacadie River Runners! Once we review your resume, we will confirm receipt of your email. You may be asked for a telephone interview followed by a face-to-face meeting.

See you on the river!!

Safety Comes First!

At Shubenacadie River Runners, safety always comes first. We are proud to offer years and years of accident and injury-free service. We are committed to providing a safe, exciting and high-quality trip equipped with all necessary safety gear. We provide full rain gear, rubber boots and Personal Floatation Devices (PFD’S). Enough full floatation suits are available for everyone, so there is never a need for a chilly trip.

We realize discounting quality and safety will never work. We pride ourselves on providing the best maintained fleet of 16 ft, self bailing Futura Zodiacs; with stern mounted consoles and 60 HP Mercury four stroke outboards. We are also committed to providing the best guides possible. This means years of no lost trips due to mechanical breakdown!

We always strive to provide the safest trip possible – and our safety record shows it! Mind you, rafting is not without risk, and we will require everyone to sign a liability release form prior to participating in any trip.

Shubenacadie River Runners are Nova Scotia’s premium tidal rafting operation – located at the mouth of the Shubenacadie River in scenic Maitland, Nova Scotia. We have a breath-taking view of the upper Bay of Fundy. We will open your eyes to the Bay of Fundy’s history and incredible natural forces. We also charter our Zodiacs for geological surveys of the Upper Bay of Fundy and the Shubenacadie River.
Visit our website and book your rafting adventure today!