Sea Kayaking - Tidal Variations & Current
The gravitational effect of the moon as well as of the sun and planets affects sea conditions. Within a 24-hour period, water levels rise and fall. These occurrences are commonly known as the high tide and the low tide, which both happen twice a day.
A cycle of tidal variation, which is dependent on the date and the location of the body of water, occurs every month. Extreme tides, which are commonly known as spring tides, happen during the time of the full moon until two weeks later. In between these periods, extreme tides recede to less extreme levels. These tides are known as neap tides.
There is a yearly variation aside from the cycle of tidal variation every month. Spring tides happen globally during the dates of March 21 and September 21 - the time of the equinoxes. The smallest tides, on the other hand, happen during the dates of June 21 and December 21, when
the sun is furthest from the equator.
Knowing how tidal variations occur is very important when planning out a Sea Kayaking adventure. Sea kayakers are recommended to avail of a tide table, as well as to know the time of occurrences of the tides during the scheduled day of the trip.
Aside from tidal variations, there are tidal currents, which are characterized as the alternating movement of water across seas. Tidal currents, especially the turbulent ones, require good Paddling techniques. In Whitewater Kayaking, one can also encounter eddies and waves.
Along coastal areas, especially on surf beaches, there is a type of narrow surface current called the rip, which happens when the water pushed towards the sea are moved landward by the long shore drift. This can be a challenge for kayakers. They can make the most out of rips if they know how to tackle them. Rip currents flow towards the sea through the waves.
Kayakers or anything located near a rip can be drawn towards it. They can get a free ride along the rips to get through the waves. However, if you think you are in trouble or if you want to stay inshore, go out of a rip by paddling or swimming across it and moving into water bound onshore.
Tidal variations and tidal currents are some of the important aspects that you should know when paddling in open water. Understand these occurrences, know they can affect your Kayaking trip, and learn how to deal with them.
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