Welcome to the "Waves" section
Hopefully the general weather information provided above is self-explanatory, however
if you are visiting one of the crags affected by the sea,
the swell predictions will need some interpretation.
Short interval waves
A short period between wave-peaks(1-6 secs)usually indicate 'wind-chop'- and is not necessarily serious unless the predicted wave height combined with the high-tide level is going to get you wet !.
Long interval waves
A much more troublesome situation arises when the wavelength is long (>10 secs- indicating an underlying swell) and the wave height is above 2ft. In these conditions it pays to be cautious!
Even if the swell direction indicates that the crag you are going to is not 'in-the-firing-line', be aware that a strong swell will 'wrap-around' coastal features. (i.e, a stong SW swell may wrap around Portland Bill causing powerfull waves at Cheyne Weares Cliff and the Lulworth Area)Tidal Information
BBC Tide tables>>
Please note that high tide times are usually significantly different between areas.
Below is a list of crags affected by the sea;
Portland
Wallsend South>>( Tidal access in parts)
Coastguard South>>( Tidal access in parts)
White Hole>>( Affected by a moderate swell/ tides)
Lighthouse Area>>( Affected by a moderate swell/ tides)
Cave Hole>>( Affected by a moderate swell/ tides)
Beeston Cliff>>( Affected by a heavy swell/ tides)
Cheyne Wears Area>>( Affected by a very swell heavy swell- not very often!)
The Cuttings>>( only joking!)
Purbeck
Lulworth>>( Access to Stair Hole tidal/ routes affected by swell. Lulworth East inaccessible if you can see waves breaking in the mouth of Lulworth Cove)
Dancing Ledge>>(Lower ledge affected only during heavy swell)
Guillemot Ledge>>( Cliff-foot movement restricted occasionally by heavy swell)
Cormorant Ledge>>( Cliff-foot movement can be severely restricted by even a moderate swell)
Blackers Hole>>( Access to Blackers Hole 'hairy' during moderate swell)
Fishermans Ledge>>( Main Ledge affected only during heavy swell/ Palace of the Brine affected by even a small swell)
Promenade>>( Cliff-foot movement restricted occasionally by heavy swell)
Cattle Troughs>>( Cliff-foot movement restricted occasionally by heavy swell: if in doubt take a belay at the foot of the cliff)
Boulder Ruckle>>( Cliff-foot movement restricted occasionally by heavy swell)
Subluminal>>( Cliff-foot movement restricted occasionally by heavy swell: if in doubt take a belay at the foot of the cliff)
