I'd like to know if any of you open water swimmers ever schedule a long ocean swim (over 5 miles) during a neap tide as it is known to help a swimmer during that swim. Or, do many of you do pre-scheduled open water swims that are sanctioned by other swim clubs and have to swim at their scheduled race times? And do any clubs who sponsor long ocean swims, ever schedule their races during neap tides?
Donna
Parents
Former Member
okay, i just looked up the definition of neap tide: A tide of decreased range, which occurs about every two weeks when the moon is at one quarter or three-quarters full.
I think it would be wise for swim/race organizers to consider this when planning an event but the distance of the swim seems like a lesser factor than the duration of the swim. With a following current, one can cover a great distance (>20 miles) in the 6 to eight hour window. I would want a neap tide if planning a swim perpendicular to the current. It would certainly aid in keeping the field of swimmers more contained.
okay, i just looked up the definition of neap tide: A tide of decreased range, which occurs about every two weeks when the moon is at one quarter or three-quarters full.
I think it would be wise for swim/race organizers to consider this when planning an event but the distance of the swim seems like a lesser factor than the duration of the swim. With a following current, one can cover a great distance (>20 miles) in the 6 to eight hour window. I would want a neap tide if planning a swim perpendicular to the current. It would certainly aid in keeping the field of swimmers more contained.
