Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnytoobad
So im in bradenton and went out to coqina beach north of the piers yesterday(sunday) and it was choppy with a crazy north to south current 40 ft out from the beach and the gulf also began to pull me out several times. what do i call that?
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I am not familiar with that area, here are a few pointers. I call the current running parallel to shore: longshore current and it can get strong especially when heavy wind are blowing side-shore. What you really want is a light offshore wind, or lighter winds nearshore in general until you can get a stronger upper body for paddling. Some folks will actually park two cars during conditions like these; one parked down the beach the direction that the current is flowing then they will drive up the beach and get in the water there to drift back down to the other vehicle.
The other current that was sucking you out near the jetty is called a rip current. This current is responsible for drowning many an unfortunate(foolish) tourist and I'd be surprised if you didn't see sign all over the place warning about them. They tend to be strong near jettys and other structures and can sometimes be used to help paddle out. Don't let the waves smash you against pilings or rocks though.
Another current that can take you out to sea involves the tide going out of inlets or passes which in many cases have jetties on one or both sides. Mind the tides and currents especially when surfing in heavy conditions near these structures and make sure to know your limits. Don't forget to push em' every now and then though.
Have fun.
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