Tides and surf conditions

[Northsea]

Hi all, totally new to this sport and wondered if you could enlighten me on something to begin things off please.

I am aware that wind strength and direction along with the swell effects surf but does the stage of the tide also affect surf conditions?

I certain the answer is yes but would like to know for sure and what in particular the reason for it is.
Is it the movement of the tide comming in/out or simply because the height of the water changes?
Any input greatly appreciated indeed!

[b123]

You're right, the answer is yes, but i don't have an explanation for it at all.

[isaluteyou]

tides/wind/period/swell direction all effect the surf.

As far as tides go it differs from break to break. so having local knowledge is very good in gauging what the conditions are gonna be like and when the best times o surf will be

[drowningbitbybit]

As a rule, the tide coming in will amplify a waves size, and it going out will decrease it.
But this is more noticeable in some regions than others, due to the size of the tidal swing (by how much change there is between high and low tide). It makes a huge difference in the UK, for example, but barely any in Sydney.

Usually more important is depth, and the perfect depth will vary from spot to spot so you need to do your local homework to find the right tide.

[Northsea]

Excellent replies. Thank you. I live in Thurso so tide does have a pretty big factor I'm guessing
Thanks

[Real Pol]

There's always somewhere to surf on the north coast (lucky bugger)!