Help identifying rip currents/channels

learnerplates

Any recommendations on identifying rips on west coast beaches? (Lahinch, Fanore, Strandhill in particular.)

I've come across some site http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rip_current
http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/ripcurrents/characteristics/

I got into a channel last night by accident, helped me out but could have easily taken me too far.
Be nice to know how to identify then properly so can use and/or avoid in the future.

spaceHopper

Next time you are in strandhill sit down by the shelter/ notice board at the far end of the prom and watch the water, look for where waves are breaking the backing off as they come in - it's a rip that stops them breaking, notice how the water's surface looks very disturbed and un natural.

OldGuysRule

It is important that you watch the sea BEFORE you get in to try to identify the rips. Once you get used to looking for a rip, it becomes second nature. You will see the surface water moving, also you can spot a rip sometimes the way two peaks meet. While in the water, it is often possible to see the locally choppy surface of water moving.

Quite hard to describe, best off to watch before you get in, and try to think about it. The speed and intensity of a rip generally lessens as you go out, they are narrow and focused near the shore and as they head out through the break line and then widen and slacken, like a bell mouth.

But if in doubt, don't paddle out.

Saying all that, when you are comfortable with rips, they are great for getting out.

learnerplates

thanks lads.

I'll have to train my eye, I've looked out for stuff like this before but filed to distinguish.

I'll keep at it.
Any tips on Lahinch, Fanore appreciated too.

spaceHopper

learnerplates wrote: »

thanks lads.

I'll have to train my eye, I've looked out for stuff like this before but filed to distinguish.

I'll keep at it.
Any tips on Lahinch, Fanore appreciated too.

Don't know about Fanore but at lahich there is often a rip at the south end of the prom and you have to watch the tide so you aren't getting out when it's up on the rocks, the same with strandhill

learnerplates

yeah was down the southside of lahinch last night, thats where I came across the rip.
These rips probably stay in the same spots (generally) do they?


The tides I'm well aware of, caught many times when I started out.

rodento

At the far end of strandhill car park there is a notice that explains all

gerk86

sandy water and flat spots where you'd imagine waves should break

Low Pockets

I often wonder how any of us survived this surfing lark before the internet.

learnerplates

Low Pockets wrote: »

I often wonder how any of us survived this surfing lark before the internet.

old fashioned 1 to 1 conversation I guess :eek: