Swells & King Waves
What is a swell?
When strong wind blows across the ocean over a long distance, a series of long unbroken waves form. This is known as a swell.
On the South Coast of Western Australia swells, sometimes known as King Waves, can be significantly BIGGER (up to 10 times bigger) than the waves before them.
This can be VERY DANGEROUS if you're on rocks close to the shore as king waves can sweep you off the rocks.
BE CAREFUL!!!! People are swept away into the ocean, particulary when rock fishing on the Torndirrup Peninsula near Albany (down the cliff from the Albany Wind Farm).
Pay attention close to the waterline.
DO
NOT UNDERESTIMATE
THE POWER OF THE GREAT SOUTHERN OCEAN
When strong wind blows across the ocean over a long distance, a series of long unbroken waves form. This is known as a swell.
As the sign at Cable Beach Reads:
"When two large swells combine, the resulting wave may double in height. If this wave bounces off a steep cliff face or headland to combine with another large wave, it's size can double yet again. Even during mild conditions, waves or swells may combine to produce a churning wall of water that can sweep people from headlands or beaches."
BE AWARE - BE CAREFUL - BE ALERT and always watch children closely, especially in unpatrolled areas.
The 100 tonne boulder that lies in the middle of Cable Beach was tossed to shore by a wave such as described above.
If these waves are strong enough to move a giant boulder, they're strong enough to sweep you from the shore or rocky headland.
Additional resources for visiting the south coast:
Seasons of the Coast You will find a Seasons Calendar with Wildflower and a Whales to help you plan your visit to the South Coast - The Rainbow Coast! Visit Seasons of the Coast
South Coast Beaches Map South Coast Beaches from west of Walpole to East of Albany all on one map! Visit South Coast Beaches Map
South Coast Weather The climate of the Rainbow Coast is considered to be "the best in the world," according to those who live here. Visit South Coast Weather
