If you have experienced paddling earlier, you might be aware of the impact of tides as well. At someday, you may find water just a few feet away from the sand, and it will be easier to start your activity. However, other times, you may have to walk dozens of feet long in the area that was previously underwater.
Frequent surfers have a better idea of tides, and they stay prepared for such variations. But beginners may find it little critical to handle the flow beyond expectations. Experts reveal that tides can affect paddling speed by a considerable level. However, once you know how to handle it at the right time, with the right techniques, you can definitely become a better paddler.
Those who are new to the concept of tides might have several questions in their mind. Don’t worry! Below you will find some useful information to boost your knowledgebase:
What are tides?
When the water starts rising above its normal level, it is a flood tide. On the other side, when it starts receding, it is basically an ebb tide. The lull between both these tides can be better defined as a slack tide. Note that high tide is the one where water is observed to be at the highest point, whereas for low tide, the water stays at the lowest point. Roughly a gap of six hours can be seen between both these tides.
Tide is all about the pulling forces of sun and moon on the earth, which has a direct relation to the gravity. Tides can occur two times in a day, and they can affect your paddling experience by a considerable level.
Effect of tides your paddling experience:
The daily tide cycle may last somewhere around 12 hours and 25.2 minutes, ranging from the low to high tide and even back to the lower one again. If you are well aware of the impact of tides and the moon cycles, it is possible to use tides in favour of your paddling experience.
Note that when the tide is rising, or it is too high, the successive waves can push higher. Even when the tide is high or starts falling, the energy of the waves also starts decreasing with time. Once the tides reach the lowest position, the waves will be flatter and less powerful.
Paddlers can use Rule of Twelfths to estimate the potential of high tides at any hour of the day and can create the best paddling opportunities for themselves. Moreover, you can make use of tide charts to check out exact times for low and high tide. With the shift of the tide towards a higher point, the waves get flatter and slower, but when you reach the middle of this cycle, the intensity of waves may increase. If you can make the best use of these timings, you can definitely have the best paddling experience.
So, next time whenever you move out for paddling, make sure you stay up to date about tides and their behaviour. It will help you ensure a safe ride in the water.
