Outer Banks Tide Table: Everything You Need to Know

The Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, is a popular destination for beachgoers, surfers, and fishermen alike. However, before you head out to the beach, it's important to check the tide table to find out when the tide is low and high.

Why is the Tide Table Important?

The tide is the rise and fall of the sea level caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. The tide table shows the predicted times and heights of high and low tide for a specific location.

Knowing the tide table is important for several reasons. First, it can help you avoid getting caught in a rip current. Rip currents are strong, narrow currents of water that can carry swimmers away from shore. They are most common during low tide, so it's best to avoid swimming during this time.

Second, the tide table can help you find the best time to go fishing. Fish are more likely to be active during certain tides, so knowing when the tide is right can help you increase your chances of catching a fish.

Finally, the tide table can help you plan your beach activities. If you're planning on building a sandcastle, it's best to do it during low tide. If you're planning on swimming, it's best to do it during high tide.

How to Use the Tide Table

The tide table is a simple chart that shows the predicted times and heights of high and low tide for a specific location. Here's how to read the tide table:

1. Find the location you're interested in. The tide table is usually organized by location, so find the closest location to where you'll be.
2. Find the date you're interested in. The tide table is usually organized by date, so find the date you'll be at the beach.
3. Find the times and heights of high and low tide. The tide table will show the predicted times and heights of high and low tide for the day you're interested in.

Tips for Using the Tide Table

Here are a few tips for using the tide table:

• Keep in mind that the tide table is only a prediction. The actual time and height of the tide can vary depending on the weather and other factors.
• Be aware of the tide when you're swimming. Avoid swimming during low tide, as this is when rip currents are most common.
• Use the tide table to plan your fishing trips. Fish are more likely to be active during certain tides, so knowing when the tide is right can help you increase your chances of catching a fish.
• Use the tide table to plan your beach activities. If you're planning on building a sandcastle, it's best to do it during low tide. If you're planning on swimming, it's best to do it during high tide.

Stories

Here are a few stories that illustrate the importance of checking the tide table before heading out to the beach:

• A group of friends went swimming during low tide and got caught in a rip current. They were lucky to be rescued by a lifeguard, but they could have easily drowned.
• A fisherman went fishing during high tide and caught a lot of fish. He knew that fish are more likely to be active during high tide, so he planned his fishing trip accordingly.
• A family went to the beach to build a sandcastle. They started building their sandcastle during high tide, but the tide quickly went out and their sandcastle was washed away. They should have checked the tide table before starting to build their sandcastle.

What We Can Learn from These Stories

These stories teach us the importance of checking the tide table before heading out to the beach. By knowing the tide table, you can avoid getting caught in a rip current, increase your chances of catching a fish, and plan your beach activities accordingly.

Benefits of Using the Tide Table

There are several benefits to using the tide table, including:

• Safety: The tide table can help you avoid getting caught in a rip current.
• Increased fishing success: The tide table can help you find the best time to go fishing.
• Planned beach activities: The tide table can help you plan your beach activities, such as building sandcastles and swimming.

Pros and Cons of Using the Tide Table

Pros:

• The tide table is a free and easy-to-use resource.
• The tide table can help you avoid getting caught in a rip current.
• The tide table can help you increase your chances of catching a fish.
• The tide table can help you plan your beach activities.

Cons:

• The tide table is only a prediction. The actual time and height of the tide can vary depending on the weather and other factors.
• The tide table can be difficult to understand for some people.

Call to Action

Before you head out to the beach, check the tide table to find out when the tide is low and high. By knowing the tide table, you can avoid getting caught in a rip current, increase your chances of catching a fish, and plan your beach activities accordingly.

Table 1: Tide Table for the Outer Banks

Table 2: Tide Table for the Outer Banks (June 2023)

Table 3: Tide Table for the Outer Banks (July 2023)