This webinar was presented on March 5, 2025 by Marla Weston, PhD and John Garrett, PhD both members of OARCA. The purpose of the webinar was to give coastal rowers some background about tides and currents so that they can plan their coastal rows with more confidence and be aware of safety issues. The webinar focused on the waters around Vancouver Island because they are complex and Victoria is the location of OARCA’s two boat compounds. However, the basics can apply to any Canadian coastal waters but with the caveat that local knowledge is essential for details.
Due to the fact that the simple YouTube account does not allow videos greater than 15 minutes long, The approximately 55 minute webinar was broken into 4 pieces. An introduction was added to each part.
Part 1. Duration 14:35
Topics:
- Why care about tides & currents (1:44)
- Basic definitions (2:55)
- An overview on tides (4:30)
- Tide & current tables (8:10)
- Tides at Tulista using tide tables (11:30)
Part 2. Duration: 13:45
Topics:
- Tides for Tulista using online options (0:13)
- Tidal currents overview (1:33)
- Tidal rapids (3:02)
- Currents around Vancouver Island (4:02)
- Currents general (5:32)
- Calculate currents at Tulista (6:22)
- Calculate currents at Cadboro Bay (9:10)
Part 3. Duration: 13:27
Topics
- Review of currents & channels at Cadboro Bay (0:00)
- Continuation of the calculation of currents at Cadboro Bay (0:28)
- Review of other options for current info (9:51)
- Eddies (12:04)
Part 4. Duration: 14:11
Topics
- Wind (0:28)
- Other hazards (4:03)
- Reading nautical charts (7:36)
- Summary (8:48)
- Useful links (10:15)
- Using tables to make plans (11:41)