The condition when wind and tidal stream oppose each other. Waves running into an opposing current shorten and steepen, and in strong streams over headlands, bars and races they break dangerously even in moderate wind. The same wind with the tide gives a far flatter sea, so passage timing through tidal races and inlets is planned to avoid wind against tide.
Twenty knots southwest and the ebb running, that's wind against tide on the bar, we wait.
A forecast that looks fine on wind speed alone can still be unworkable off a headland; check the stream direction against the wind before calling it a good day.
Also heard as
- wind over tide
- wind against current
Related terms
Ebb
Tidal current running out toward the sea and down rivers and estuaries, mostly while the water is falling.
Foul tide
A tidal current running against a vessel's intended direction, slowing its progress over the ground.
Tidal gate
A headland, strait or bar that can only be passed comfortably at certain states of tide, fixing the timing of a passage.
Tidal current
The horizontal flow of water that accompanies the rise and fall of the tide.