Swell

Tides are the natural ebb and flow of the ocean. The ocean is constantly swishing back and forth with the help of the earth's rotation and the moon's gravitational pull on the earth. The tide usually changes from low to high (or high to low depending where you start) approximately every six hours, making two low tides and two high tides every twenty-four hours. Occasionally, there will be three tides within a twelve-hour period. This is due to fact that the tidal change varies and is never exactly six hours apart. The slight variations in the tidal change result in the tide moving forward approximately one hour every twenty-four hours.

Tides vary around the world's oceans depending on the latitude and longitude, the size of the body of water, and the contour of the coastline. The tide is measured in feet or meters above and below the average low tide for the area. In Southern California, the tide can change between one and seven feet in a six -hour period. Tides become more extreme when there is a full or new moon, and can also be exaggerated by large surf and storm surge. In some parts of the world tides may change almost 15 or 20 feet.

It is important to consider the tides anytime you plan on visiting the beach. High tides can trap you or wash you off rocky outcroppings and jetties, and can surge up beach, washing out unsuspecting sunbathers. Low tides can create shallow and hazardous surf conditions and sometimes enhance the effects of rip currents.

What are the tides today?

The tides have been accurately predicted for the entire year using a mathematical formula. You can access specific tide information for the Malibu area by calling the Los Angeles County Lifeguards at Zuma beach. They record the tides twice a day so call 310.457.9701 for local surf, tide, and weather conditions. You can pick up a tide book from one of your local surf shops and sometimes we have them for free at Makos. Or visit SURFLINE

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