WEATHER & TIDES
Your safety and enjoyment is our priority and weather plays a very important role in that. We use several forecasts to predict likely sea conditions and to therefore decide if we can proceed with a trip. If we decide that a trip cannot go ahead, we will communicate this with you ASAP offering you several options including rebooking or refunds.
Specific Forecasts
Windfinder – we use this to check a few days ahead and keep an eye on wave height, wind direction and wind speed. Additionally, the direction of the waves is important to us. We ideally want wave heights of less than 1.5 metres, this being impacted by different wind directions and speeds.
CEFAS WaveNet – we use the data from the Lowestoft WaveRider Buoy to see a better prediction of wave heights over the next few days. We ideally want wave heights of less than 1.5 metres.
Met Office Inshore Waters – We check and log this forecast on the day of a trip, in addition, we’re looking for a sea state of smooth or moderate and a windspeed of ideally F4 or below.
Tides
Tides are also important to us in determining likely sea states, the direction and strength as they can all have a big impact. It is also important so we know if we have enough clearance to transit under the Bascule Bridge. If running seal watching trips, we also want to know so we can time to arrive at low water so that sand bank is fully exposed.
Tideschart – Tidal times for Lowestoft from Tideschart including tide tables
BBC Tide Times – easy to use website with information supplied from the UK Hydrographic Office.
National Tidal and Sea Level Facility – this is a great site to see how actual tides compare to predicted tides (wind direction, wind speed, air pressure etc all have a big impact)