The seabed and surfing go hand in hand, and every surfer knows that the bottom affects the waves and the quality of the surf. Learn a little more.
The seabed is a determinant for the type of waves that will be presented in the surf spot, from Las Dunas Surf Resort we wanted to elaborate this post to explain a little more about the subject.
Seabed and surf:
Throughout the world there are thousands of surf spots, each one is particular.they keep in common the seabed.
Which are 3 and we will add another one to become aware about it.
The existing sea bottoms are: Sand, Rock, Coral and if sustainable and conscious measures are not taken we will have a Garbage bottom.
Each bottom offers the spot a particular situation, both in the swell, as well as in the precautionary measures to be taken, we will tell you about them:
Sand bottom:
It is the most changeable bottom of the 3 main ones, the waves that are generated on these sandbanks will not only depend on the direction of the swell, but also on the currents.
That is to say, if the sea conditions change the sand bottom, the swell will also change.
Which is why sometimes a sandy spot is a marvel and some time later it is no longer so. The currents are a determining factor in this process.
Since they can both order the banks in such a way that they create determined and optimal series for surfing and in other cases they make a real chaos.
Being sandy bottom, you will not run the risk of cuts or injuries if you hit the bottom.
The main protection measure is to know about apnea and use helmets to avoid blows to the head.
Coral or Reef bottom:
The most dangerous bottom on which you can surf, it is known to be able to quickly and accurately cut aluminum cans and other materials, as well as the unsuspecting surfer.
A positive aspect is that it is a static bottom, that is, it does not change regardless of weather conditions. Let’s remember that coral is a living being but it grows very slowly.
The swell on this bottom is only influenced by environmental conditions, both wind and swell determine the waves.
Another positive aspect is that usually the waters on these bottoms are crystal clear, which makes them super attractive.
Being super oxygenated marine areas. Hence the paradisiacal aspect.
In terms of protection:
- wear shoes and helmets.
- know the currents and series of waves.
- do not take risks, because if you are pushed to the bottom you will end up with painful injuries.
Rock bottom:
This third surfing seabed is composed of rocky materials, it is of firm consistency like coral and has very good swells.
Like the other bottoms, the swell is determined by the weather conditions and the moment the wave breaks.
Being a bottom that does not change the conditions are usually repeated.
Most of the surf spots are made up of rock bottoms, which makes it relatively easy to find and access. It is a favorite bottom for bodyboarders, as its waves are shallow, hollow and cany.
Trash bottoms:
Although, this one is added by us, it is an increasingly present and worrying reality, the garbage bottoms. The contamination of the seas and coasts is more and more notorious.
In some spots worldwide the garbage is settling on the bottom, which represents a health and environmental danger.
As surfers we must call attention to all of us who live in the sea:
To take care of our environment, to incorporate eco-friendly practices and to reduce waste.
If not, it is very likely that in 10 years we will be surfing in garbage and we don’t want that.
These have been the seabed in surfing, a theoretical subject that is necessary to master in order to learn to read the sea.
And if you are looking to learn about surfing, we are waiting for you in our Surfcamps in Las Dunas Surf Resort.
We are located on the beautiful beach of Aposentillo in Nicaragua, a perfect surf spot in Central America.
Come and live the Las Dunas experience!