7 Reasons Why You Should Always Check the Tide Times
Tide times aren’t just for sailors and surfers. Whether you’re heading to the beach, going for a coastal walk, or planning a fishing trip, knowing when the tide will rise or fall can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll explore seven important reasons why checking the tide times should be part of your coastal routine.
Table of Contents
- Stay Safe Along the Coast
- Avoid Getting Stranded
- Plan the Perfect Beach Day
- Improve Fishing Success
- Make the Most of Watersports
- Capture Stunning Coastal Photography
- Understand Local Wildlife Patterns
- Conclusion
1. Stay Safe Along the Coast
Tide times can significantly impact coastal safety. Rising tides can quickly flood paths, cut off return routes, or turn dry beach into dangerous surf zones. Checking tide times in advance helps you avoid risky situations and stay informed about your surroundings.
2. Avoid Getting Stranded
Many parts of the UK have beaches and causeways that disappear under water during high tide. If you’re walking or driving along tidal paths, you risk getting stranded if you don’t plan around the tide schedule.
Example: Places like Holy Island in Northumberland become completely inaccessible during high tide. Always check tide times before crossing.
3. Plan the Perfect Beach Day
Want to catch the best sunbathing spot or explore rock pools? Tide times play a major role in shaping your beach experience. Low tide exposes wide sandy areas and tide pools, while high tide might leave little space to relax.
4. Improve Fishing Success
Fish are more active during certain tidal phases. Whether you’re surfcasting or fishing from a boat, planning around the tides can increase your chances of a good catch. Many anglers swear by fishing just before high tide or as the tide begins to fall.
5. Make the Most of Watersports
Surfers, paddleboarders, kayakers, and swimmers all rely on tide times to get the best conditions. The tide affects wave height, current strength, and beach accessibility. A quick tide check can mean the difference between a great session and a wasted trip.
6. Capture Stunning Coastal Photography
Photographers often plan shoots around low tide to capture reflections, patterns in the sand, or exposed rocks and shipwrecks. High tide offers dramatic wave shots and cliffside imagery. The tide changes the landscape dramatically, giving you different scenes at different times.
7. Understand Local Wildlife Patterns
Tide times influence where and when you’ll spot coastal wildlife. Seabirds feed on exposed tidal flats during low tide, and seals haul out on sandbanks that disappear at high tide. Nature watchers can use tide charts to time their observations.
Conclusion
Checking the tide times is a simple habit that can dramatically improve your time by the sea. From safety and planning to recreation and photography, the tides shape every aspect of coastal life. Use our Just Tides app to stay ahead of the tide and enjoy the coast with confidence.
FAQs
Q: How do I check tide times for my location?
A: Use the Just Tides app to get accurate, real-time tide predictions for your exact spot along the coast.
Q: What happens if I ignore the tide times?
A: You risk getting cut off by rising water, missing the best beach conditions, or putting yourself in dangerous situations.
Q: How often do tide times change?
A: Tides occur in roughly 12-hour cycles, but the exact timing shifts daily due to the moon’s orbit.
