People have weird hobbies.
I have a friend, who goes to the outskirts of LAX, just to watch planes take-off and land. He’s in his thirties; he’s not a young child, fascinated by the whir or giant jet engines. Or Disney adults. That’s another one that’s tough for me to wrap my head around.
Somehow, I’ve delved into a rabbit hole of ship spotting, or massive container ships, attempting to navigate this narrow straight of water in Vietnam. Extremely niche. Occasionally, the boats create reverb waves, which almost seem possible to surf, and that’s somewhat interesting. But this next one, it shows a massive ship nearly flipping over.
As the ShipSpotting Vietnam YouTube channel explains:
“Experience the raw power and precision of maritime engineering! Watch as a veteran 18-year-old giant container ship maneuvers a high-stakes, "maximum drift" sharp turn through the narrow and challenging waters of the Long Tau River in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
“Navigating these massive vessels requires incredible skill. You’ll see the intense propeller wash and the sheer scale of the ship as it battles the current to make this critical turn. Despite its age, this "Old Guard" of the sea proves it can still handle the most demanding maneuvers in one of Vietnam's most iconic ship-spotting locations.”
This isn’t the first time that I’ve written about large ships in the Long Tau River. Like I mentioned, it’s usually because these boats whip up wild displacement waves, making it seem like a prime location for Dylan Graves or Ben Gravy to go novelty wave hunting.
But maybe the risk factor is just too high.
Anyhow, here’s more travel information on the location:
“Lòng Tàu River is a picturesque waterway located in Vietnam, known for its serene landscapes and vibrant ecosystems. This river is often explored by boat tours that offer breathtaking views of lush greenery and local wildlife. Visitors can experience the unique culture of the surrounding communities, with opportunities to witness traditional fishing practices and local markets along the riverbanks. The area is particularly enjoyable for those seeking tranquility, making it a popular choice for eco-tourism and relaxation.”
Maybe one day someone will surf these cargo ship refraction waves? Maybe.
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