The first thing that people notice when they arrive at a dive spot is how the sea moves. You can often find ocean waves rolling toward the shore. It sometimes moves calmly but can also be swift and energetic. This scene prompts divers to consider the effects of those movements on their underwater trip.
If you’re planning a dive trip, this is a must-read article. It covers everything divers need to know about ocean waves. The topics include their types that you need to know and how to handle them safely. Thus, reading this guide will make you more confident in your next underwater experience. Let’s head to the first part below.
What are ocean waves?
Ocean waves are the rolling movements of the sea surface, where seawater moves up and down. They are created when the wind passes over the ocean, pushing energy into the sea. You may see it looks like the water itself is travelling forward. In reality, the wind that travels across the surface is the one that actually moves. That is why the water actually stays in the same place most of the time.
What makes these waves interesting is that they can travel long distances. A storm far away can make them reach calm beaches days later. This is why you can still see this type of rolling movement in a sunny dive site that seems to have no sign of a storm. It becomes a scene that confuses some divers.
Ocean waves feel very different from a dive experience, something that can’t be felt when you’re just swimming near the beach. On the surface, it may look very unstable. This is especially true when you just enter the water. Once the descent begins, the busy rolling movement becomes much softer. This change can be surprising to beginners.
Types of ocean waves divers should know
A crucial fact is that not all ocean waves behave the same way. This different behaviour depends on the coastline’s shape and the depth of the water below the surface. A wide, sandy beach allows seawater to slow gradually. The contrast happens in rocky shore areas. Their sharp edges make the water have lots of sudden movements.
Strong wind energy mainly affects the top layer of the water. This is why their impact seems very strong when you look at it from above. In the water, you can feel the movement become more predictable, not chaotic. This situation happens because the rolling motion spreads out, making the force feel weaker.
Wind waves
Wind waves are the most common ones that people see near the shore. They are created by local wind blowing over the water. It tends to be short and uneven, making the sea surface feel busy. The good news is that this busyness only happens at the top. They usually lose their strength quickly as you descend.
Swell
Swell ocean waves come from strong storms that are often far away from your dive site. They travel across the ocean in a smooth, steady line. It becomes a beautiful sight for travellers. However, it has a strong hidden energy beneath the surface. It creates a back-and-forth motion that is most noticeable near reefs. The most crucial thing is not panicking. What you should do is follow the movement, rather than fighting it.
Surge and breaking
When the rolling movements hit the shallow areas, the energy hits the ocean floor. It creates a pushing-and-pulling motion underwater. This movement is known as a surge, which is very strong near coral. On the surface, these water patterns may break, creating a white seawater look near the shore. Similar to swell, you should move with it and keep a distance from hard surfaces.
Safety tips for diving in wave-affected areas
Ocean waves are a natural part of many beautiful dive locations. However, many people think it ruins their trip. In reality, they can be managed easily with awareness and smart choices. The goal is not to avoid them completely. Instead, you should understand how to navigate it. Here are some diving tips to consider in a wave-affected area:
- Check the sea conditions before the trip
- Time your entry carefully
- Know when to cancel or postpone a dive
- Plan the exit points
- Watch for changes in currents
Explore the most beautiful dive sites with Diving First Komodo
After reading this article, you can see that ocean waves aren’t something to be afraid of. Even though it looks intimidating, travellers just need to know the right steps to handle them. Applying them correctly helps ensure your experience is much safer. Now, all you need is the right dive sites to do it.
Luckily, Diving First Komodo helps travellers explore the most beautiful dive sites around Komodo Island, Indonesia. Visitors will see vibrant marine life, full of colourful fish and coral. What makes it better is that the local guides will lead the trip, ensuring your journey is safe from start to finish. Simply visit the site to choose the tour package that suits you best and book now!