Offshore Waves - A Common Hazard
Waves break where the water becomes shallow. Most of the time this happens along the shoreline but it can happen out at sea as well.
Offshore waves can be hazardous even to the largest boat’s. Small boats are considerably more vunerable to these waves as they can easily cause a capsize resulting in injury or death.
The best way to avoid these offshore waves is to always be on the look out and aware of your surrondings. You should be particuarly cautious during periods of increased swell.
It is very easy to motor your boat to a location which seems flat but is really a place where waves break. It may be calm when you arrive but the swell can make a wave come out of nowhere. Once again always be on the guard and try to study the charts to know where these offshore reefs are located.
An obvious sign of offshore waves is whitewash produced by the waves breaking so this should be the first warning you should keep an eye open for.
Many people also fish close to these offshore reefs so be sure to anchor up and not get too close.
Tags: Boating, Fishing, Offshore Waves, Safety