Using tide reports for surfing?

Question

How are tide reports useful for surfing - I'd like the do's and don'ts.

Answer 1

Good lord, Ballet Dancer and Hob...the two current surf experts on Answers. Big time rippers.

Here's a STRAIGHT answer, amigo: If you have to ask that question, it doesn't matter. Period.

You obviously don't live at the beach and you obviously don't surf very often. Getting to know the tides is pointless. Go learn Spanish or something you'll actually use.

When it comes time to actually go surf, don't worry about the tides. Concentrate on not getting in anyone's way, ditching your board, or doing the usual things that kooks do (I'm not saying you're a kook, but c'mon now).

Paddle out. Have fun. If it turns out that you move to the beach someday or actually surf on a regular basis, you'll pick up the tide thing without having to ask questions on websites. You'll just absorb the information by being in the water and by being around other surfers.

Until then, don't drop in, don't ditch your board, and don't bother trying to learn anything about surfing that doesn't involve actually SURFING.

It's like s*x and eating. You just learn by doing.

Answer 2

Tides affect each spot differently. Go to a local surf shop, pick up a tide chart, and find when low tide is. At least that's how I do it up here in Humboldt. Go check the place out at low tide, you'll be able to see any rocks that might be covered up on a high tide, and if there's a reef or something just under the water, maybe wait till high tide to go out. In my experience, low tide has always been the best, but my experience is limited and I haven't done much traveling. Or, you can swallow any pride you might have and just ask some other surfer.

Answer 3

For me I use high tide to low tide depending on the type of break you are looking for. High tide usually brings shore break waves and are smaller. Low tide usually has more contiuned sets and the waves are larger. I messed up my fins by trying to catch shore break during high tide. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Depends on the break. Some places can only break when the water gets shallower during the low tide. Other places can get too shallow during low tide -- so you'll want to wait until high tide to get better waves.

The only way to find out which is the case for your home break is to start keeping track of the tide when you go out. You will definitely be able to notice the difference between high and low. Or you could ask one of the friendlier looking locals at your normal surf spot -- they will be able to tell you.