Tides are a practical reality for any coastal paddling. They affect which channels are navigable, what the currents are doing, when you can access certain beaches, and how hard the return trip will be. Learning to read a tide table and plan around it takes an hour to learn and changes how you plan every coastal paddle.
Reading a Tide Table
A tide table shows the predicted height of the tide at specific times for a reference location. The Bureau of Meteorology publishes tide predictions for ports around Australia. For NSW, the main reference points are Sydney, Port Kembla, Eden, and Coffs Harbour. If you are paddling near a secondary location, the table will show a time correction to apply to the nearest reference point.
Tidal Currents in Estuaries
In estuaries and tidal rivers, the water flows in as the tide rises and flows out as it falls. The timing of maximum current typically occurs midway between high and low tide rather than at the peak. Paddling in a tidal estuary with the tide running strongly against you can be exhausting or impossible depending on the current speed. Plan so the tidal current is working with you, particularly on the return trip.
Bar Crossings
River mouth bars are where breaking waves can make paddling through the entrance dangerous. Bar conditions are worst on an outgoing tide with offshore swell. An incoming tide generally produces cleaner conditions at bars. Always check the bar before committing to a crossing, and if in doubt, do not cross. A portage along the shore is a better outcome than a capsize in breaking water.
Tides and Campsite Selection
On multi-day coastal paddles, tide height determines which beaches are accessible at different times and which areas flood. Check the predicted high water mark against your intended campsite. A beach that looks ideal at low tide can disappear completely at high water. Camping above the high water line sounds obvious until you are doing it by headtorch after a long day on the water.
