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image page 2 2 icon tidesHigh Water, Low Water, Neep Tides, Spring Tides! No wonder people are so confused by the tides. I am going to start off by explaining to you what you need to know about tides and currents to safely paddle in the Puget Sound and most tidal environments.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, there are two high tides and two low tides in a 25 hour period, the normal tidal range (that is the difference between high and low tide) is 11’ but can be as much as 19’.

Tides are created because the Earth and the moon are attracted to each other, just like magnets are attracted to each other. The moon tries to pull at anything on the Earth to bring it closer. But, the Earth is able to hold onto everything except the water. Since the water is always moving, the Earth cannot hold onto it, and the moon is able to pull at it.

Tides are measured and observed in 2 different axes: vertically (tides) and horizontally (currents).

As the tide goes down the water level drops (a vertical change in water height) the water in the Puget Sound flows (horizontal movement) back out towards the sea.

This is called an ebbing tide or an ebb tide for short. When the tides change, the water flows back into the Puget Sound (horizontal movement) and the water level rises (a vertical change in water height).

The vertical movement of the tide can be seen quite easily. At high tide or more accurately, high water the water level is high up on a seawall. At low tide or low water, the water level is at its lowest, possibly even exposing the sea floor. This is what is generally referred to as a tide.

The horizontal movement of the tides can at times be elusive in some areas and in other areas very dramatic! The horizontal movement of water is called tidal currents or currents for short. When the tide is going out the current is said to be ebbing and when the tide comes in the current is said to be flooding.

As paddlers in this environment knowing how the tides operate can keep you from losing your boat due to an incoming tide or having to carry your boat long distances across the beach just to launch. The tides can also carry you faster towards you destination or push against you and slow you down.

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