1/26/2024 0 Comments Tide tables for ona beach![]() ![]() The direction of the waves offshore can be used together with the direction a beach faces to indicate how sheltered the beach will be from the waves further out to sea. This represents an average weighted toward the most energetic waves. Waves vary in direction, so we use ‘mean direction’. It indicates how sheltered the beach will be from these waves. The arrow shows the average direction that the waves are going 1-2 miles out to sea. Lifeguards can give you advice on waves if you’re planning to go into the water. A ‘swell’ wave (10 seconds or more) is usually more powerful and will break with more force at the beach than a ‘choppy’ wave (6 seconds or less). Wave period is also an indicator of the power of the waves. For example, if you waded at the beach for 15 minutes when the period was 6 seconds, you might have to jump over 150 waves! Wave period indicates how many waves you might experience in a set time. Waves vary in frequency, so we use a standard measure known as ‘peak period’, which represents the time between the most powerful waves. This is the average number of seconds between the crest (top) of one wave and the crest of the next, 1-2 miles out to sea. If you’re close to the water, keep an eye on the waves to stop you or your belongings being swept away. This is one of the most accurate forecasts of its type for the UK. For example, if you’re at sea for several hours when offshore waves are forecasted to be 1m, there’s a good chance of encountering at least one wave in the 1.5-2m range. The highest individual waves that may be encountered have a height up to double the significant wave height. This represents the average height of the highest third of the waves. Individual waves vary in height, so we use a standard measure known as ‘significant wave height’. The offshore wave forecast information represents wave conditions in open waters 1-2 miles from the beach. The relative direction of the wind at two different beaches will vary depending on which direction the beaches face. Wind direction and strength can often change during the day. Always keep an eye on the beach to make sure you can get back to shore if the wind gets stronger or is blowing against you. Be aware that the wind may change when you are in the water. If you’re planning to go into the water, get a feel for how strong the wind is at the water’s edge before going in. ![]() This isn’t the case when you’re on or in the water, so winds can be much stronger. Depending on the wind direction, beaches can be protected from offshore and cross-shore winds by the surrounding landscape (like high cliffs). Wind can feel different when you’re on the beach compared to when you’re on or in the water. If you’re in a kayak or on a paddleboard, it might be hard to paddle along the beach into the wind. When these winds are strong, waves can become increasingly choppy. There will not be much shelter from the wind.Ĭross-shore winds are when the wind blows parallel to the shoreline. When onshore winds are strong the waves are likely to be rough. Onshore winds are when the wind blows from the sea in towards the land. Get advice from a lifeguard if you’re planning to go into the water and look out for the RNLI flags. Beware of offshore winds if you or your children use inflatables, paddle boards or kayaks. Offshore winds are when the wind blows from the land out to sea. It also helps to show which beaches are most likely to be sheltered from the wind. The relative wind direction indicates sea conditions at the beach. The number is the average wind speed in your chosen units. If the arrow points somewhere between the land and the sea, the wind will be blowing across the length of the beach (‘cross-shore’). If the arrow points from land to sea, the wind will be blowing out to sea (‘offshore’). If the arrow points from sea to land, the wind will be blowing from sea to land (‘onshore’). The arrow shows the compass direction of the wind (where up is north). The wind directions you can see are relative to the direction the shoreline of the beach faces. Understanding beach forecasts Wind direction ![]()
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