They’re not something we talk about often, but they can be extremely dangerous if you don’t know what to look for. As someone who spends a lot of time on the coast – both paddling and teaching others – I think it's important to raise awareness of how these hidden currents work, and people are often surprised when I say there are rip tides in Fife.
So… what is a rip tide?
Despite the name, rip tides aren’t caused by the tide itself. They’re fast, narrow currents of water that flow out to sea, usually from the shoreline. They happen when water that’s been pushed up onto the beach by waves needs to escape back – it often finds the path of least resistance through a gap in sandbars or near piers, rocks, or outfall pipes.
It can look totally harmless on the surface, but once you’re in it, it can feel like you’re being pulled backwards at speed.
How to spot a rip current
They’re not always easy to see, but here are a few tell-tale signs:
-
Water that looks darker and deeper than the surrounding area
-
A channel of choppy, rippled water between two areas of breaking waves
-
Foam or debris moving steadily away from the shore
-
A strange gap in the waves where the water seems calmer
If you spot any of that, give the area a wide berth. Conditions can change quickly, and it’s not worth the risk.
What to do if you get caught in one
The main thing is don’t panic. I know that’s easy to say – but panic is what leads people to exhaust themselves quickly. Watch this animation on what to do.
Here’s what to do:
-
Don’t try to fight it – you won’t win.
-
Go sideways, not back to shore – paddle or swim parallel to the beach until you’re out of the current.
-
Float if needed – if you’re tired or struggling, lie on your back and float to conserve energy. Follow this advice from the RNLI.
-
Raise one arm to signal for help. If you’re on a paddleboard or kayak, stay with your craft – it’s easier to spot and helps keep you afloat.
Local rip current hotspots in Fife
Unfortunately, we do have a few areas around Fife where rips are known to form – especially when the tide’s dropping or after rough weather. A few to be aware of:
-
Seafield Beach, Kirkcaldy – This might look like a quiet, tucked-away spot, but there’s an outfall pipe and some shifting channels that can create strong rip currents. Watch RNLI video of rescue of swimmer here.
-
St Andrews West Sands – Beautiful stretch, but with sandbanks that shift regularly. Rips are common near the river mouth.
-
Elie & Earlsferry – Popular beach, especially in summer, but outgoing tides can create narrow rips around the sandbars.
-
Tentsmuir – Remote and wild, but it’s also exposed and tidal. Not a place to be caught out.
-
Largo Bay & Leven – Gentle sloping beaches here can be deceptive – rips still form, especially on a dropping tide.
If you’re unsure just drop me a message, I can arrange a lesson and show you what to watch out for on the sea...
Stay safe out there
At Och Aye Canoe, I include this kind of safety training in coastal sessions because being confident on the water means understanding what’s going on underneath it too. If you want to build your coastal knowledge or just brush up your skills, get in touch for a lesson – I tailor everything to your level, and I keep it friendly, safe, and fun.
