High Surf/Rip Currents

Greenskeeper · Post by **Greenskeeper** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 6:55 am

Good morning everyone. We're 9 days away from our first trip to SJ!

I'm seeing reports of high surf and rip tides on north shore beaches. Any beaches to to the south or less effected by these rip tides you all suggest?

loria · Post by **loria** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 7:27 am

salt pond or lameshur will probably be fine--however, 9 days is a while away and it might lay back down before then!

Joshie · Post by **Joshie** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 8:09 am

Greenskeeper · Post by **Greenskeeper** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 8:31 am

Thanks!

The kids got caught in a current a few years back in Mexico. Fortunately, it wasn't so strong that an adult couldn't help them in but I still have nightmares about it.

jimg20 · Post by **jimg20** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 8:57 am

Just a reminder....

Rip Currents are POTENTIALLY dangerous conditions.

The two things a swimmer needs to do when caught in a rip current are 1 stay calm, and 2 swim parallel to the shore (perpendicular to the current). The fear and panic keep the swimmer from thinking out a solution to the problem.

The rip current is normally relatively narrow. By swimming perpendicular to the current, the swimmer normally finds themself in calm water or even water that is flowing toward the shore to fill in for the water in the curent.

Few swimmers can swim into a rip current without becoming tired in a short time.

JIM

hugo · Post by **hugo** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 9:57 am

It has already calmed down considerably on the north since yesterday...no telling what it may be like in a week. Currents are not generally a problem for anyone on the sandy beaches here, even in very high seas. The problem is generally getting slammed by the waves when body surfing or entering/exiting the water. Honeymoon, Francis and Leinster are also north shore beaches with at least partial protection from swells.

jmq · Post by **jmq** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 10:05 am

Keep in mind that "high" surf and "strong" rip tides are relative terms. Not saying not to use caution, esp if you are not used to such conditions, are from the midwest, etc. Others with any kind of experience with those conditions shouldnt have problems coping.

Greenskeeper · Post by **Greenskeeper** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 10:36 am

Thanks for the information. My kids boogie board in rough surf here on the Cape but we know the area and know which beaches are most affected by it and which tides are the worst.

We hope to get to know SJ as well.

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 10:51 am

Hey Greens-- while there are times where there are waves on STJ due to the Christmas winds and weather related activity -- it's normally NOTHING like what we deal with on the East Coast.

STJ beaches are generally calm and the waves are what I call "baby waves" on the North shore beaches. Strong currents and waves are the exception and not the rule.

By comparison on STJ you'll feel like you're in a giant bathtub.

I'm so spoiled by STJ that I can't even get in the water on East Coast beaches. It's too rough and you're constantly pummeled and I won't even discuss the water color issues. I know - SPOILED!

My general rule is that if the North Shore beaches are on the rough side head to Salt Pond. Things will generally be calmer.

Honestly you're gonna laugh when you see the waves on the Northshore of STJ.

HAve fun and don't forget to do a TR!
First timer TR's are my fave!!

hugo · Post by **hugo** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 11:50 am

Weeeelll, I wouldn't go THAT far! Yes, the BIG north swell is not that pervasive or long-lasting, but there have been a few days in the winter when the ambulance has made more than one trip out North Shore Road, and often (as yesterday) a single trip. St. John can get waves as big as any I've seen in the Atlantic. The "Pacific" though, that's another story...

djmom · Post by **djmom** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 11:50 am

BUT---there can be exceptions. I am going to try to post the photo that many of you have seen of my husband and our friend at Cinnamon Bay, this is the week before Thanksgiving, 2008 (just the last one).

I hope this posts.

djmom · Post by **djmom** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 11:51 am

crap. let me see what I did wrong. I don't know if I will ever figure this out.

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 11:53 am

Come on guys-- you know what I say is true.

As I said there are EXCEPTIONS but generally speaking the water is pretty tame by east coast standards and quite frankly I like it that way.

djmom · Post by **djmom** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 11:54 am

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 11:56 am

DJ-- you're posting the link and just highlight with the URL feature so people can link to the image.

I remember seeing this photo before (or another one like it from the same week).

This discussion also centered around how completely unusual these kinds of waves were.

usvi-on-line

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High Surf/Rip Currents

High Surf/Rip Currents