Strong currents can aggravate conditions caused by adverse weather, particularly when current and wind are opposing. They can also cause difficult eddy and wave conditions even on utterly still days, from the sheer force of the flow. Calculate slack tide and time your passage or crossing for that period. Paddle in currents under controlled conditions to familiarize yourself with your boat s performance in current. The land affects conditions via shallows, beach surf, headlands, cliffs and river mouths.
Waves steepen and break heavily on shallows.
Avoid those areas when waves are large or strong currents are forced to flow over them. Waves steepen and break on beaches, shoals and submerged rocks. Generally try to avoid landing in surf with a loaded kayak. If you have to, come in across the break, bracing into and leaning into the breaking wave. Avoid surf on rocky beaches.