What is the relation between surfing and the moon? The moon affects the sea directly and causes tides to rise and fall. Therefore, it has a close relationship with surfing, as it is a summer activity that needs the movement of the sea and its waves to be carried out. So…

WHAT ARE THE TIDES?

The tide is the periodic change in the sea level produced by the gravitational pull of the sun and the moon on the Earth. Although this phenomenon that we have discussed is produced over the entire planet, in the solid, liquid and gaseous parts, in this case we are talking about how the attraction of the moon and the sun affects the sea.

Although the forces of attraction are produced by both the sun and the moon, it must be confirmed that the moon has a greater capacity to produce this force and there are greater consequences, as it is closer to the Earth.  The sun is approximately 400 times further away from the earth than the moon.

There are two types of tides:

  • High tide: This is when the sea reaches its highest point due to the moon’s proximity to the Earth.
  • Low tide: This is when the sea reaches its lowest level.

HOW DOES THE MOON AFFECT THE SEA?

The moon exerts a pressure that pulls the oceans towards itself. This causes the Earth to bulge, which is what causes tides to occur.

In other words, the tides are due to the position of the moon and how it acts with the oceans. If it were closer, it would be stronger, therefore, low tides would be much lower and high tides would be very high, and could even cause coastal cities to disappear, as they would be submerged by the high sea level.

SURFING AND TIDES

Surfing is a sport that needs the movement of the sea or oceans and its waves to be carried out. Therefore, the connection between tides and surfing is direct and essential.

Surfers, it could be said, live with the rhythm of the tides. They also need a good local wind and the right swell conditions, because if there is any danger, the sport cannot be practised.

In conclusion, we must be aware that the moon affects the tides and that they help surfing, but always bearing in mind their danger. If you want to know more about the universe and its curiosities, you can join our workshops.