How do tides affect paddleboarding?

Tide height changes launch and landing

At a shallow beach, high water may bring the water closer to the access point. At a sea wall, harbour or steep shingle frontage, it may reduce the usable margin or change the steps and landing area. Low water can expose sand, mud, rocks or channels and make the walk to the water longer.

Tidal movement can create flow

The water is moving between high and low tide. Flow may be more noticeable near headlands, harbour entrances, bridges, estuaries and narrow channels. A tide table gives a reference prediction; it does not describe every local current or eddy.

Wind and tide work together

Wind against tide can make shorter, steeper chop in some settings. Wind with tide can increase the speed of the water moving along a route. Check the direction for both the outward leg and the return, when fatigue and a change in conditions may matter more.

Before you go

• Mark your launch and landing points on the exact waterfront.
• Note whether the tide will be rising or falling during the whole route.
• Look for harbour entrances, channels, headlands and other places where flow may change.
• Plan a short return route and a way to get off the water earlier.
• Check the water and local notices before launching.