From now until the end of May next year, days on the water will usually begin with a slight breeze from the south-west, and calm seas. As the morning wears on, the land heats up, causing the hot air above it to rise. This results in cooler air being sucked in from the ocean, and as the day moves into afternoon, that north-east wind picks up speed, causing white caps and a nasty swell.
When combined with an outgoing tide, that swell becomes a washing machine, and boats which have stayed too long at the reef face a nasty, and often very wet and bumpy ride home, especially when getting to the end of the sugar jetty.
Plan your fishing trip with attention to the wind and tide, leave the reef early as the wind picks up, and get home safely.
(Contributed with thanks and written by Steve Whipps, Commander Qf14 Lucinda Coast Guard)
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