Friday, May 10, 2013

Rip Waves- Learn to recognise them!

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2013
zipolita@gmail.com
http://zipolitazstudioz.blogspot.com
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I heard today that Zipolite is super quiet again and tourist season is basically over. This is actually a great time to meet the locals and you can get some good rates for sure. It will definitely be quiet so if your looking for solitude, it's there.

One thing I want to mention is be SUPER careful of the waves. This is the time of year when the waves get SUPER BIG. I found this great video online and it talks about rip waves.

It's really good advice so please please listen. Unfortunately while we were in Zipolite this year there were 3 drownings that we know of. It's a terrible thing.

Even Angel and I had a close call right at the beginning of our trip. You can read about it here http://adventurezinmexico.blogspot.mx/2012/09/warning-about-waves.html

Check this links
Dr Rips- Science of Surf Facebook
http://www.scienceofthesurf.com/index.html

 Check out this huge Australian Whirlpool Photo
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/10/australia-whirlpool-photo-rip-current-vortex_n_3252622.html

Zipolite is a gorgeous beach but  gets some wicked waves so just be careful. 

Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2013

Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2013

Some other advice, do not drink and go swimming. If you are sober you will have a much better chance of surviving than if you are not at your most alert state.

Watch the flags...if there are any!

Watch where the locals swim. Make sure they are locals.  Many Mexicans that come to the beach on holidays do not know the beach any better than you. They are from the city and many do not know how to swim. Keep an eye open for them and yourself.

Ask the life guards where and when it's safe and locate the life guard station.

Watch your children carefully. I suggest using a boogie board at all times.