The Fishing Website : Discussion Forums : Riding the swell? https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 02:27:00 +0000 Wed, 17 Jan 2024 15:30:27 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.01 360 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=138156 <![CDATA[The Fishing Website : Discussion Forums]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/ <![CDATA[Riding the swell? : Thanks, more good advice. ]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836741&title=riding-the-swell#1836741 Author: MB
Subject: 138156
Posted: 17 Jan 2024 at 3:30pm

Thanks, more good advice.

]]> Wed, 17 Jan 2024 15:30:27 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836741&title=riding-the-swell#1836741 <![CDATA[Riding the swell? : MB wrote:TI have a small circle...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836731&title=riding-the-swell#1836731 Author: Dagwood
Subject: 138156
Posted: 17 Jan 2024 at 8:56am

Originally posted by MB MB wrote:

TI have a small circle of boating mates including one who has 30 years experience of bar crossings. I'll get some tuition from him next time we come back in over the Kaipara or Hokianga bars on a good day. 

Nothing wrong with going out with someone like that specifically for some intensive training and experience. IE leave the rods at home. You'd gain far more competence and confidence per trip that way and then you can build on it with experience...

Another option could be to talk to Andy Powerboat Training (powerboat-training.co.nz) about some own boat tuition. Not only does he know his stuff, he knows how to teach it. These are 2 different skill sets.
]]> Wed, 17 Jan 2024 08:56:50 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836731&title=riding-the-swell#1836731 <![CDATA[Riding the swell? : I&#039;ll adjust both throttle...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836728&title=riding-the-swell#1836728 Author: terrafish
Subject: 138156
Posted: 17 Jan 2024 at 12:24am

I'll adjust both throttle and trim, in a following lazy large swell. Trim up a touch and throttle back a bit when approaching the bottom and then trim back down and reapply revs right as you get to the bottom. Very quickly get a feel for the sea and boat and basically do it automatically. Bit more hairy if it is a short swell period so quartering it and taking a longer route is better option. You will get a feel for what the boats telling you pretty guick and as others have said, being active on the helm helps. All 3 that is steering, trim, and throttle come into play, so don't "set and forget"
Coming home on sunday we were going from 14 to 28kn, averaging 20, on 1.5m of swell and never once felt uncomfortable yet alone sketchy. Swell period was about 11sec once it gets down to 8 or 9 sec then we quarter]]> Wed, 17 Jan 2024 00:24:09 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836728&title=riding-the-swell#1836728 <![CDATA[Riding the swell? : Thanks for all the replies. Some...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836712&title=riding-the-swell#1836712 Author: MB
Subject: 138156
Posted: 16 Jan 2024 at 8:01am

Thanks for all the replies. Some food for thought. Thanks for the offer Real Deal. Luckily, I have a small circle of boating mates including one who has 30 years experience of bar crossings. I'll get some tuition from him next time we come back in over the Kaipara or Hokianga bars on a good day. ]]> Tue, 16 Jan 2024 08:01:51 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836712&title=riding-the-swell#1836712 <![CDATA[Riding the swell? : Hull design can be of assistance....]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836707&title=riding-the-swell#1836707 Author: shaneg
Subject: 138156
Posted: 15 Jan 2024 at 10:01pm

Hull design can be of assistance. Our small stabi 490 rides pretty good with the swell and is predictable in a following sea. It has only felt like broaching once in 20 years and that was on manukau bar with cresting wave that came off the side of the bar unexpectedly as we were going out, and forced us to turn sideways.It broke on starboard aft side sending boat careering down the wave. Pontoons popped our nose out … but was frightening. And my point is it’s likely going to be unexpected swell which causes you a problem or catches you out. And you need to be alert enough to turn boat across the top of problem wave if necessary,  while keeping enough  power on so you don’t lose control or get rolled over.

A few years ago we came back into Tuts entrance at low tide in the One Base with a really big swell running. I took it really slow and sat between 2 big waves (same as we used to coming into Muriwai) and got in unscathed. Kiwi Angler on the other hand, a much bigger more capable 40 foot boat wth Rex Smith, an expert skipper, came past us and got caught by a big wave. I watched with concern as Kiwi Angler ended up almost 90 degrees with most of the starboard side in water up to its gunnels for a few seconds. I know Rex was a little shaken by this episode.
So like driving car it pays to drive to conditions and pay attention to what sea is doing and be prepared to take evasive action should the unexpected occur.  Practise makes perfect but probably complacency is biggest issue for most of us.
]]> Mon, 15 Jan 2024 22:01:04 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836707&title=riding-the-swell#1836707 <![CDATA[Riding the swell? : I surf when I can, some swells...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836700&title=riding-the-swell#1836700 Author: Reel Deal
Subject: 138156
Posted: 15 Jan 2024 at 6:08pm

I surf when I can, some swells travelling well over 20 knots. I’m sure it had to save gas as the motor isn’t working so hard. If I fall off the back I try and catch the one behind. Different story on a bar of coarse. You need to have control of your steering at all times. If they are jacking I’ll sit on the back if they are smallish I go hard out and bonus across the tops. 
I’m in your area MB and about to do some game fishing as well in trailer boat, yell out if you want and we can team up for contact and shared info while out there. 
]]> Mon, 15 Jan 2024 18:08:13 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836700&title=riding-the-swell#1836700 <![CDATA[Riding the swell? : Some great answers here. Most...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836680&title=riding-the-swell#1836680 Author: smudge
Subject: 138156
Posted: 14 Jan 2024 at 8:35pm

Some great answers here. Most of my experience with swells are on bar crossings which is outside of your question but fwiw. I much prefer to stay on the back of a wave. It's not a pleasant experience when a wave catches and pushes you.  I p[refer to stay on the back of a swell until it disappears and then I tackle the next one]]> Sun, 14 Jan 2024 20:35:59 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836680&title=riding-the-swell#1836680 <![CDATA[Riding the swell? : Just a thought MB,waterline length...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836676&title=riding-the-swell#1836676 Author: Pcj
Subject: 138156
Posted: 14 Jan 2024 at 7:23pm

Just a thought MB,waterline length plats a part too. Coming back from Mania Harbour,nw 10 knt wind against tide produced a sloppy wave condition on top of slight swell,normally can do 25 head on but with slop veered of a bit with wave hitting 2to 3 ft from bow smoother ride ,with tidal push we actually ended up going straight  so things worked out]]> Sun, 14 Jan 2024 19:23:33 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836676&title=riding-the-swell#1836676 <![CDATA[Riding the swell? : Thanks Krow, that all makes sense....]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836634&title=riding-the-swell#1836634 Author: MB
Subject: 138156
Posted: 12 Jan 2024 at 9:53pm

Thanks Krow, that all makes sense. The problem is getting experience and staying alive LOL]]> Fri, 12 Jan 2024 21:53:01 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836634&title=riding-the-swell#1836634 <![CDATA[Riding the swell? : Rule of thumb travel slower than...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836631&title=riding-the-swell#1836631 Author: krow
Subject: 138156
Posted: 12 Jan 2024 at 9:42pm

Rule of thumb travel slower than the following sea. If the swell is small all good to overtake.
I'm out wide off Tuts heaps. Old boat 5.5m now 6m. Experience is all you need. Know how your boat handles various conditions. Let the sea catch up and give you a push then slide under you. Be active on the helm. What may happen is you end up "stuck" on the back of that wave but just change direction/speed or wait and it will move on for the next push. How a boat handles has a lot of variables including the height of the swell and the wind on it. Following sea is more dangerous than head on IMHO so you are right to be cautious.  If the swell is big enough to make you surf DOWN the face you are in danger. 99% of the time you don't go if the conditions aren't favourable. Swell on the East coast isn't usually big enough to be an issue on it's own. When I'm looking at going I'm way more concerned on the wind forecast than the swell. Wind against swell is not pleasant either as it stands the waves up and creates a "confused" sea. 
]]> Fri, 12 Jan 2024 21:42:43 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138156&PID=1836631&title=riding-the-swell#1836631