Every day the sea rises and falls twice, this is called the tide. The amplitude of the tides can surprise visitors who live far from the sea or come from southern regions where the phenomenon is much less marked.
The definition of the tide is as follows: the tide consists of a variation in sea level, due to the attraction of the moon and the sun on the seas, here the Channel Sea which borders the Cotentin coastline, from East to West via the North coast.
This variation between the rising or falling tide is very easily observable, as the amplitudes between the tides are very marked in the Cotentin. At high tide, we talk about deep sea, in contrast, at low tide, we speak of low water.
The variation of amplitudes depends on the tidal coefficient which indicates the strength of the tide, it can vary from 20 to 120. More this coefficient is low, the less the sea recedes. And on the contrary, when it is and the greater,foreshore is largely exposed at low tide, releasing immense spaces of sand or rocks, a paradise for birds but also for fishermen on foot! At high tide, the waves border the dunes or the port quays and offer a real spectacle on stormy days.
Know the tide times high and low is essential, both for boat trips, in particular for exits or returns from or to certain ports in Cotentin, but also for parts of walk fishing. You need to find out so as not to leave too late to fish on the foreshore, and risk being in difficulty when returning from the sea, which can be very fast, or encircling distracted fishermen on sandbanks! On certain sites, the water heights (or tidal range) are very significant.
The Ocean currents also are very marked depending on the direction of the tide, experienced navigators know something about this. Bathers must remain vigilant of currents when bathing in the sea, especially for the little ones. The sea can make you drift a few meters very quickly, or also carry you offshore, when you practice a nautical activity, such as paddle boarding or other water sports.
Some useful tips before you leave
Here are some precautions to take before a fishing trip on foot or a sea trip
- Check out tide schedule
- Check out the weather forecasts – Do not leave in foggy or stormy weather
- Warn your loved ones about the fishing site (avoid leaving alone)
- Equip yourself with a portable with the Cross phone number: 196 (Emergency at sea), a watch and a compass
- Wear clothing appropriate to the weather conditions,
- Bring warm, waterproof clothing, conditions change very quickly when the tide changes (rain, wind but also mist and fog).
