FOR Severn bore riding enthusiasts the year 2014 just can't come come quickly enough ...it's forecast to be the year of super tides but – wait for it ! – the following year, 2015, is already being described as 'awesome'.

Spokesman Stuart Ballard explained: "We have known for a decade the big tides were coming. Experts worked out that because of the position of the moon the tides this year would be special but the following year they are already being predicted as awesome.

"After two years of disappointing tides the predictions for next year are fantastic. There are 40 tides with the potential to create a wave worth surfing."

Mr Ballard said the bores would attract surfers from all over the world.

"There is huge interest these days and dedicated bore riders travel thousands of miles in search of estuary waves. It's remarkable to think that this all started in the Severn and local surfers have now travelled all over the world to take on the challenge. I'm hoping to be one of a group of Gloucestershire surfers planning to ride a bore in Canada next year."

Mr Ballard said the predictions had to be backed up by favourable local conditions.

"The sand bars need to be right and we need low pressure, the wind in the right direction and not too much flood water. If all those things come together I'm pretty confident the top riders will be trying to beat the Severn record and even achieve a ride of 10 miles," he said.

The record is presently held by Steve King, of Saul, who has a recorded run of 7.2 miles.

"Steve and Nathan Morris hold the world record for a ride of 12.8 miles on a wave called the Bono in Sumatra. I'm sure they would both like a crack at the Severn record," said Mr Ballard.

The following predictions are for January, February and March. They are GMT figures for Newnham. Add an hour on for Minsterworth. Always arrive early and stay well clear of the water's edge.

January 2: 0717 and 1943; January 3: 0804 and 2029; January 4: 0850 and 2113; January 31: 0706 and 1932.

February 1: 0752 and 2016; February 2: 0835 and 2058; February 3: 0916 and 1818.

March 1: 0652 and 1916; March 2: 0735 and 1958; March 3: 0817 and 2037; March 4: 0855 and 2113; March 30: 0633 and 1855; March 31: 0715 and 1935.