How Do Tides Work?

How Do Tides Work?

One question we continually receive is, what are the best tides for skimboarding?
Here is the long and short of it.

Tides in the ocean are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun on Earth. The tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on the Earth's oceans. As the Earth rotates, different parts of the Earth are closest to the Moon or the Sun at different times, which causes the tides to change.

The tides follow a predictable pattern and can be predicted using tide tables. The tides are highest when the Moon is directly overhead or underfoot, and they are lowest when the Moon is at its maximum distance from the overhead or underfoot position.

In a coastal region with low tides and sandbars, it is best to skimboard at the lowest tide possible because the sandbars will be more exposed and the water will be shallower. This allows for a smoother and more consistent surface for skimboarding. When the tide is low, the sandbars will be more visible and the water will be shallower, making it easier to skimboard.

It is important to pay attention to the tides and to plan your skimboarding activities accordingly. Skimboarding at high tide can be more dangerous because the water is deeper often covering up rocks and other debris that are more commonly found on the shore.  Also keep in mind the shoreline is usually more slanted so you won't get the nice flat tidal pools that are easier for that long clean ride you need on a skimboard. Skimboarding at low tide is generally safer and more enjoyable because the sandbars are more exposed and the water is shallower.

So your next step is to find your tide chart and figure out what is highest possible tidal height to skimboard at your local beach.