IF YOU WERE lucky enough to find yourself at any of Ireland’s many beaches this week you may have noticed their shore lines looking a little different.
Extreme high and low tides were experienced across Ireland, and indeed the world as the “supermoon’ phenomenon effected the Earth’s gravitational pull. Here in Dingle it was actually possible to walk out to the buoys that mark the safe channel for fishing vessels to pass through as the tide was that low.
Being able to read the tides is an important part of wave forecasting. Each break has its own tidal sweet spot and it is imperative that you learn when this is to make the best of the waves.
Tides are the result of the moon’s gravitational pull creating a bulge in the sea – or as we call it ‘High Tide.’ This is actually the Earth’s way of balancing out the planet during orbit. As the earth spins on it’s axis the bulge follows the moon thus giving at least one high tide a day. However the moon also goes around the earth and once a month lines up with the sun (which has its own gravitational force on the sea) and creates larger tides, called Spring Tides. This can often mean better or bigger waves, so is worth looking out for.
The tidal ranges (the height difference from low to high tide) varies across the world. Here in Ireland our range is about 3m. However in some areas, due to latitude and underwater topography this can be dramatically increased. The Severn Estuary in Wales has the largest tidal range in Europe (15.9m) and due to its unique funnel shape a tidal bore can be created that can actually be surfed.
Good waves everyone….
Weather Overview
We can’t have it all lads and unfortunately this period of calm weather we’ve been experiencing means there is very little swell out there to talk of. However the winds are light and there is a small swell expected Sunday from the south-west so we can cross our fingers for that.
The north – There is a small lingering north swell but the wind will be on it all weekend so don’t expect much shape.
Co Donegal/Sligo – 2ft and under for most of the weekend.
Co Clare – A small swell (1.2m) is set to arrive Sunday lunchitime, so spend your weekend re-waxing your board?!
Dingle Peninsula – Like Clare it will be like a pond till Sunday. But the light easterly winds and small ground swell should make it worth waiting for.
Cork & the south – Sunday morning will be the best chance for any waves this weekend. The epicenter of the swell is from the southwest but the easterly winds could be cross-shore at most beaches. Barely Cove perhaps?
Disclaimer – These weather reports are intended as a general overview of swell running in that area. These are predictions and actual wave size may vary. Do not enter the water alone or without adequate equipment and do not enter surf that is too large for your abilities. We cannot be held responsible for any decisions you make based on this information. For daily weather information follow @dinglesurf on Twitter.com.
From www.fnmoc.navy.mil
