USVI-On-Line

We just arrived today and are seeing the rip tide and high surf warnings. Should all the north shore beaches be avoided are are Maho and Francis protected enough to be ok? Sounds like at least some of the warnings go until Thursday evening


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I would go to Salt Bay Pond or Lameshur.

Maho does seem to be calm even on the windy days.

Francis might also be a good choice.

If you’re not use to dealing with it, even a 3 foot surf break in knee deep water can knock the crap out of you. And, it’s more likely they are actually warning of a rip current, not a rip tide.

http://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/1128 ... -rip-tides

A rip current out beyond the surf break can surprise you with its power to pull you away from shore. If ever caught in one, don’t fight against it, go parallel to shore to get out of the current, as they are usually pretty narrow, THEN head back in. More tips here:

http://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/9912 ... p-currents

Physics tells us to not mess with the power of water. Consider a square box you can carry that is 3 ft wide by 3ft long by 3 ft deep. That’s a cubic yard. Now fill that box with water. It would weigh 1700 pounds (the original VW Beetle weighed only 1650 pounds) That’s why a small wave can mess you up and why moving flood water can be more destructive than wind.