Tick these questions to help you decide whether to go Bitching or not.
What time of year is it?
The Bitches work year round and if you don’t mind colder water (8°C) there is no reason to postpone your trip
until the summer. Bad weather is more prevalent in the winter, spring and autumn but there are also some great
days with few other people around.
Will there be enough daylight?
When you pick the tide times that suit you, make sure that you allow for daylight too. This applies especially
for spring tides that tend to be early morning and evening. Paddling back in the dark is not fun and not
recommended. For sunrise/ sunset times Click Here.
How good are you?
Bitching means many things to may people. It does not have to mean heading out there for the biggest wave of
the year. Use the tide prediction diagram to choose the most sensible tide for your group. Rescues
are done on the water not on the bank so take into account the least able person… it is your session that will
suffer if you have to keep putting them back in their boat. There is also good fun to be had on the ebb tide when
the current is much weaker and the greater variety of rocks provide a training ground with grade 2/3 water.
See Whelping.
What's the weather up to?
High pressure provides stable air and glassy green water. Highs will also bring lighter winds and smaller swell.
It can also depress the height of the top wave a little.
Is there any swell?
This can be a pain in the bum or add another dimension. Catching waves, hole retention, etc. become a real art
and the sooner you suss them the better. Watch your height in relation to the surrounding rocks to see how much
rise and fall you get.
Finally, how are you feeling?
A typical Bitching session lasts 3 hours, returning near High Water when the flow is at its strongest. Make sure
you have the strength/ endurance for the 20 minute paddle back. If you’re feeling crock, have instincts about bad
weather, or for any reason want to get out of going then have a look at the list of suggestions for other
things to do.
