Spending time on the water is popular among anglers, pleasure cruisers, water sports enthusiasts, and more. Ample opportunities are available in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina between the Atlantic Ocean, lakes, rivers, and inland coastal waters. Determining what is considered rough seas is challenging, and it is highly impacted by the body of water, the size of the vessel, and the height of the waves. Here is what you need to know about what is considered rough seas.

Considerations When It Comes To Determining What Is Or What Is Not Rough Seas

To determine when conditions may be too rough to venture out onto the water, consider the following.

Size Of The Vessel

Let’s face it; vessels come in many shapes and sizes. They range from small kayaks to ocean freighters exceeding 1,000 feet in length. Obviously, conditions affect vessels differently depending on the size. However, never assume that even the largest of ships cannot succumb to extreme wave heights.

Wave Height

In regards to wave height, the size of the seas is dependent on the strength of the wind. Additionally, the direction of the current also comes into factor. We have experienced varying wave heights in different size vessels and understand how the boat becomes impacted. Before heading out onto a lake, river, inland coastal waterway, or open ocean, always check the marine forecast. The marine forecast will provide you with permanent information, including wave heights, wind speed, wind direction, and the distance between the waves. Often overlooked is the wave period. The wave period is the elapsed time between the peaks of two waves. Short intervals mean sharply pitched seas versus long intervals, which are a gentle roll. With either, the wave height ranges from minimal to massive.

Body Of Water

To start, lets explore the open ocean and how vessels become impacted by rough seas. Unless the wind is moving from inshore to offshore, you will find little to no relief from wind driven waves. When stiff winds are present, remain close to shore for the smallest waves when the wind pushes from inshore to offshore. When high winds are in the forecast from any other direction, the seas build and become dangerous. The waves present danger to small crafts or ships depending on the height. Even more concerning are inlets. Inlets build massive waves when the current flows out, and the wind pushes inland. Navigating inlets in high winds and currents become treacherous. Keep on the lookout for a small craft advisory. Never venture offshore in a small craft advisory. Rivers are impacted the least by high winds. Due to the limited width and frequent turns, waves do not build significantly. However, they can present danger to kayaks and canoes. Lakes depending on the size are prone to rough sea conditions. As the wind pushes across the open waters the waves build which puts boaters at risk. Avoid boating or paddling on lakes when high winds are forecasted. Inland coastal waters are impacted differently depending on where you are boating. Open sounds and coastal rivers are subject to rough seas when the winds are stiff. However, it is likely to seek shelter and locate calm waters in tidal creeks. Keep in mind if getting to and from a coastal creek requires venturing in open water, don’t risk boating when small craft advisories are in place.

How Rough Seas Impact Water Sports

When heading out on the water to engage in water sports here is how waves impact the most common water activities.

Fishing

Have you ever tried sitting at anchor in rough seas while fishing? The boat rocks continuously making standing a difficult task. Even more dangerous is taking a wave over the bow of the boat while at anchor. Unfortunately boats sink on a annual basis due to anchoring in conditions that cause rapid water inundation. Similar to sitting at anchor trolling presents a risk in rough seas. A side sea which is when the waves strike the side of the vessel puts the boat at risk of capsizing. This applies to large offshore vessels and canoes and kayaks.

Paddle Sports

Water sport enthusiasts never want to be stuck shoreside on a day off from work. However, never venture out on a kayak, paddle board, canoe, or other paddle boat when high winds and rough seas are expected. All of these types of watercraft are at high risk of swamping and capsizing resulting in the operator ending up in the water.

Diving and Snorkeling

Similar to fishing, a boat is at risk to capsizing and swamping when divers or snorkelers are in the water. Most important is the risk presented to the people in the water. The snorkeler or diver becomes challenged to spot the boat in high seas. Conversely, the spotter sitting on the boat quickly loses sight of dive flags and snorkelers. Remember, visibility will be minimal because the rough seas stir the sea floor. Stay home and pick not only a safer day but a day that offers the best visibility.

So What Is Considered Rough Seas

So to best answer the question of what is considered rough seas, it is the size of the vessel in combination with the height of the waves. No boat is ever too big to pass through any sea conditions it may face. Always review the marine forecast before venturing out. Don’t put yourself and your friends or family at risk. Pick another day if the conditions are questionable.