Swell comes from storms out at sea. While wind affects the surface, swell
is slower, and goes deeper in the water. This is where you start feeling like you’re in a
washing machine during a dive - being swept backwards and forwards. Swells usually come from the South West.
To reduce the effects of Wind and Swell you can normally shelter in the lee of an island such as Rottnest.
If you’re shore diving then you try a sheltered bay such as Bell Park at Rockingham or Ammo Jetty at
Woodman’s Point. River diving is not really effected by Wind or Swell but you do need to take into
account the current.
Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun. The ingoing and
outgoing water form High Tides and Low Tides. As the water moves between the two point’s currents
are formed. Therefore the best time to dive in the river is on the change of tide, called slack.
To find Wind, Swell and Tidal information you could visit the links below or alternatively, dive with
experienced guides here at Dive Locker Mandurah. All the planning is done
for you, so all you need to do is grab your dive gear and get wet knowing that the dive site has been picked
to guarantee the best conditions possible.
