too many variables to make a call...location, swell size, period, & direction, extremes of said tides...i surfed a spot this morning that's normally good w/ a high tide & it was all wonky & back-washy, moved to another spot that's normally best on a lower tide & it was firing...gotta check it regularly & figure it out.
getting out of the water yesterday this guy running down the beach says he's a professional diver or a seal or something and asks "what are the rips like here?" I said I didn't know how to answer his question as it depends on the day, the swell, swell direction, the bottom and the wind". He muttered something under his breath and ran away. Not sure but I think he called me the D-bag.
love stuff like that...anyone who's a professional of any caliber in any field that works in, on, or around the ocean will be able to tell at a glance or 2 what's going on w/ the water in front of them.
I only surf for 20 min after the exact middle tide and then again for 17 min after the exact high tide. Any other tide is for kooks
I prefer outgoing. More spots I've surfed seem to have the best conditions then. 2nd would be incoming especially near the end before it fills up. The deeper water with lots of room to work and all the swell seems to come to that high spot.
