Do you prefer a certain tide when surfing?

Question

thats right tide, for me on my 7'3" beginner board its harder to duck dive those mid breaker waves and outers when the actual waves are 150' ft out on low tide, also gives me an eerie feeling that far out alone, so i prefer surfing 30ft out on high tide, do you prefer high or low?

Answer 1

I prefer high tide. But hey man, that doesn't prevent me from going out there during low tide, as long as the waves are decent everythings fine. I just like high tide better cause your less likely to crash on the bottom or hit a reef. Lately it's been horrible in Hawaii when the tides are coming in or out because of all the d**n jellyfish this year. I've gotten stung more times this year than I have my whole life >.<

Answer 2

high tide because its safer from hitting to reef or sand. but the low tide made the wave more hollow. but i still prefer high tide because it makes the wave cleaner for me.

Answer 3

i don't mind. I know most people have a preference, but any decent, clean wave is good!

I like low tide, coz there's not so much white water to paddle through. =] xx

Answer 4

well, at my local surf spot (Jupiter Inlet, Florida), I like High tide, because the water is a lot cleaner, and the waves are higher.

it just feels nicer.

(oh, and you should try doing a turtle roll instead of a duck dive on a board that size)

Answer 5

ysh ill go with what booo said

Answer 6

it depends on were im surfing.

Answer 7

i usually like to go with high tide because in a lot of places when its low tide it will have a sand bar and mess up the waves a little.

Answer 8

Today I was surfing and low tide came and it was so shallow, you didn't even have to paddle out to the sandbar, and the sandbar was like barely knee high!  It was sketchy cuz you're so close to the ground and if you wipe out, you're hitting the ground (which I did -but only grazed it).  But whatever tide makes better waves for me... I don't like high-tides around here because the waves are mushy and small, but too low isn't good either.

Answer 9

Every break is different. Some are great at high tide, and non-existent at low tide. Others are just the opposite. I don't have any preference, other than wanting to surf the break when the waves are best. Also, that outside break is where you will usually get the best and longest rides, if the break is 'on'. And personally, sitting way out on a big swell, all alone, just waiting for that right one to start to hollow out is one of the best parts of surfing. It's called 'peace'.

Answer 10

it depends on the spot, some are good on high and others on low. theres no right answer. but ya if your surfing a beach break the waves are going to be more powerful and the waves are going to be steeper and breaking in less water.

Answer 11

whatever makes the wave better

My favorite 4 spots are completely different

When the North Jetty is on, the tide doesn't matter.

6th Avenue/Camel is always best at low tide.

Then there are a few secret spots that are best on an incoming tide.