KEEN fans of the Severn Bore were left disappointed on Saturday night as a four star tide failed to make a ripple.

Spectators at Newnham and Broadoak watched as the 10m tide struggled to gather pace and create a natural spectacle.

It was more disappointing for surfers who took to the river hoping for a good ride but instead felt more like they were on a lazy river.

Secretary of the Severn Bore Riders’ Club, Stuart Ballard said: “The height of the bore depends on many factors.

“It’s not only the size of the tide but how much fresh water is pushing out to sea, the tide pushing in from the sea and where the two meet. That’s why there is often a larger wave in the winter months.

“It’s also important to see what the channel is doing as well as consider if there is a high or low pressure weather system. High pressure will kill a bore. Also where you watch it affects the quality. Often there is a better wave at Epney than Newnham because of the state of the sandbanks – but this is ever-changing.”