WHAT TO EXPECT IN A BAY

VAST BEACH AT LOW TIDE

Because bays are often gently sloping, a small drop in the tide will expose a large area of sand and the ‘intertidal’ zone is often hundreds of metres deep – perfect for galloping horses or racing land yachts.

RAPIDLY RISING TIDE

The shallow gradient of a bay means a small vertical rise in the tide will flood a large area of beach much faster than on a steeply sloping beach. To avoid being cut off by a rapidly rising tide, time your adventure for the ‘ebb’ when the tide is going out.

QUICKSAND

This is essentially normal sand that has become so saturated with water that it cannot support your weight, and your feet will sink into it. The secret is to stay calm and move slowly, as panicked movements will make you more stuck. Instead, breathe deeply to increase your buoyancy, lie on your back to spread your weight away from a single point, and slowly ‘swim’ back to hard sand.

SHALLOW WATER

With the risk of quicksand out of the way, the gently sloping seabed of a bay has the advantage of creating shallow water for a long way out. This is ideal for learning to kitesurf and windsurf, and it is also perfect for swimming with children as then can safely stay within their depth.

GENTLY PEELING WAVES

When a wave reaches shallow water, it breaks in the stereotypical ‘surfing’ image. But not all waves break the same – on a gently sloping bay, the waves will have a flatter face and they will break slower than on a steep sloping beach. These mellow rides are ideal for learners and surfers with longboards.