This is a quick version of a meaty attempt to classify rip currents, published about nine years ago. One of the problems with rips and educational materials is that beach currents can be fairly complex. And our Atlantic beaches are prone to flash rips that materialize and disappear fast. The publisher of this video has a few more similar videos, but not many subscribers.



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wavewatcher - >ww - >wavewatcher, again

As a South Cali / Orange County native & local . I can attest that I have NEVER seen a proper Rip Current or anything even some what remotly similar here on the East Coast . even in the VERY rare Double overhead or evnen RARER triple overhead surf , NO leash .no worries . NO RIP CURENTS ! Simpley swim the circuit ,retrieve your board & start ......over again , a no brainer !

Edited: 11/30/2025 at 06:27 PM by JOESTRUMMER

Back in 2009, I heard of a big upcoming rip current conference at FIU in Miami. I queried an organizer about whether they were really a safety problem. That led to being the only non-expert attendee.

My experience on the east coast was that the problem was invariably getting out. Short period wind waves can be miserable. I once missed a chance to video a surfer at the jetty that once protected the Hatteras lighthouse. It provided a structural rip, which fed into substantial breaking waves. The guy was stymied. There was a visible, feasible rip zone a bit to the south.

A near drowning at Wabasso (no lifeguard present but several surfers) persuaded me that naive tourists can be incredibly vulnerable. Flight student.

My guess is that the rescue stats for the Volusia County lifeguard program are accurate--these programs are worth the public spending.

I spent 3 years of doing Saturdays at NW Oregon beaches, weather permitting. The conveyer belt rip at Otter Rock (now much busier if Surfline cam is giving the right impression) was a marvel. Just a short paddle over to the wave, pick left or right, and go. A natural wave pool. Visits to California have been entertaining. My best rip video was of a kid trying to swim in (with fins) against a Wedge rip. Lifeguard visited, brief chat, and they were on shore almost instantly. Eduction/prevention, not a rescue. This is a sloppy little video of another Wedge rip with adults. I didn't manage to get a better one.


These highly visible rips can be fun, in combination with longshore currents. Good way to "swim" with little effort.

This classic Instagram post shows some of those well-defined, big rips at Newport Beach. The video imagery is beautiful.






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wavewatcher - >ww - >wavewatcher, again

Edited: 12/03/2025 at 06:15 AM by Wavewatcher