ROBBY Naish, one of the greatest names in world watersports, is to face the challenge of the Severn's famous bore this weekend.

Naish, who is based in Hawaii, is to surf the bore in the company of Steve King, the Severn's own world record holder, who has just returned from bore riding in the Amazon.

Naish will be one of a number of professional surfers expected to take on the Severn from Saturday through to Tuesday.

Severn Bore Club Secretary Stuart Ballard said the appearance of some of the biggest international names in surfing was a sign that the Severn was now gaining world-wide recognition.

Stuart said: "Surfers like Robby Naish are household names. He is an international sports celebrity who has featured in numerous films and videos. Equipment under the Naish name is sold throughout the world."

Naish, who was born in San Diego, California, moved to Hawaii with his family and was only 13 years old when he won the world championship title for windsurfing. He went on to win successive titles from 1977 to 1979.

Turning professional, he won the world title from 1983 to 1987. He is also a world title holder for kiteboarding.

The bore times here are for Newnham.

Saturday: 0630 and 1857; Sunday: 0714 and 1938; Monday: 0756 and 2018; Tuesday: 0835 and 2056.