b.williams Posted May 21, 2012 Report Share Posted May 21, 2012 Hi there Im just wondering if anyone does any swimming around the cost, just moved up here with work and wondering if anyone can advise on were to go safe from any bad tides. ThanksBen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael_balmain Posted May 21, 2012 Report Share Posted May 21, 2012 Hi there and welcome to Shetland. I did a bit o spearfishing and snorkeling up there before moving south for uni. We're moving back to Shetland though very soon so I'll be out in the water a lot over the summer and I'll keep this thread updated on tides/currents as I'll certainly be in them. West Voe beach at Sumburgh can have a fair rip running through if there's a swell along with Quendale Bay. As bays they are certainly mellow when it is calm and I see no issues swimming there apart from it may be a bit too shallow. MeSt Ninians seems to be relatively fine either side when it is calm. Meal Beach in Burra is a safe bet when calm as it does slope off deeper quicker. The voe on the Brae side of Mavis Grind is very calm, deep and should be safeish too. Looking at my charting software the tides don't get massively strong apart from between islands etc and rarely exceeds a few knots. As ever common sense prevails and it is worth checking the times and local charts to see where tidal races are etc. Sands of Sound beach in Lerwick is always a safe place to swim and is relatively calm unless there's a S/SE swell coming in. All this is based on the assumption that you are confident and are wearing a wetsuit. Rubber is a must in Shetland if you wish to stay in the water for any length of time. If you need any more information send me a pm or email at michael.balmain (at) gmail.com Cheers Michael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanL Posted May 22, 2012 Report Share Posted May 22, 2012 Hi Ben, welcome to Shetland! I also go snorkelling around the coast and do a bit of underwater filming. Tides are very strong in most of the channels between the islands and around some of the headlands. Also, harbours and ferry terminals such be avoided due to boat traffic. Great swimming off most of the beaches and in the bays when they are sheltered from the wind - Breiwick, Sands of Sound, Levenwick, St. Ninians Isle, Meal (Burra) and Banna Min. Visiblity is usually good and you often have seals for company. Would agree with Michael about wearing a wetsuit, essential if you hope to stay in for any length of time! Vid from a swim at Breiwick Cheers, Ryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longdog Posted May 22, 2012 Report Share Posted May 22, 2012 What thicknesses do wear for swimming or snorkelling? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanL Posted May 22, 2012 Report Share Posted May 22, 2012 My wetsuit is 5/4/3mm and I wear a hood and gloves for snorkelling. Warm enough for 20 - 30 min in the sea during the winter but not too restrictive for swimming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael_balmain Posted May 23, 2012 Report Share Posted May 23, 2012 Hiya Kev. I wear a 2 piece 5mm so 10mm on the torso with a 3mm vest underneath. 5mm is good for a few hours of fish hunting fun but I'll be upgrading to 7mm 2 piece open cell later in the year. Banaminn as recommended by Ryan would be a fantastic swim. Crystal clear waters and relatively sheltered. Thoroughly enjoyed your video Ryan. Very much looking forward to getting back in my home waters. I should also add do please tell the coastguard you're heading out. Lets them know if you're out someone calls you in. Our last dive down here resulted in North Berwick Coastguard, Dunbar Lifeboat (too rough for NB one) and Helicopter being scrambled as someone saw us 600m out on some rocks taking a break from the swell and currents. We neglected to inform them we'd be heading out and understandably a concerned member of the public called it in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longdog Posted May 23, 2012 Report Share Posted May 23, 2012 Cheers for those thicknesses. Good point on the CG, but they usually still have to go and out in case it's some one different. Still a good thing to do and remember to tell them when you're back in too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speccy Posted June 4, 2013 Report Share Posted June 4, 2013 Wetsuits are for pussies Nothing beats the thrill of icy immersion, then waiting for your top layer of skin to go numb to kill the pain. Seriously, don't let lack of a wetsuit put you off IF you just want a quick dip - it is bracing but bearable. Question, has anyone swum at Quendale beach? It always looks enticing and deep, with big rolling waves. I'm wondering is it Ok for reasonably confident swimmers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael_balmain Posted June 4, 2013 Report Share Posted June 4, 2013 Quendale is good fun in a swell but there can be a strong crossshore rip which has been W-E when I've been in. I'm now on 7mm 2 piece but when you're in for hours and diving you need a bit of warmth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speccy Posted June 4, 2013 Report Share Posted June 4, 2013 Thanks Michael, but, er, can you explain what a strong cross shore rip is exactly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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