Premium

How Tides Affect Surfing and Sports

Interactive passage with audio narration, comprehension questions, and printable PDF.

No ratings yet

Just this resource

$1.50

One-time purchase

Best value

Unlock everything

$19.99/yr

5,000+ resources, AI tools

Unlock above to use these actions

Format: Interactive (Online), Printable (PDF)
Grades: 5678
Subjects: scienceela
Standards: MS-ESS1-2
Languages: English, Spanish

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

What's included

Reading passage

Reading comprehension

Audio narration

With word word highlighting

Comprehension quiz

Auto-graded

Writing activity

Open-ended response

Glossary & flashcards

Vocabulary practice

Differentiated version

Adapted for varied levels

Spanish translation

Bilingual support

About this reader

This 400-500 word informational science reading passage for middle school students (grades 6-8) examines how tides affect surfing and other ocean sports. Aligned with NGSS standard MS-ESS1-2 and disciplinary core idea MS-ESS1.B (Earth and the Solar System), the passage explains the gravitational forces that create tides and how coastal athletes and recreationists use tide patterns to optimize their activities. Students explore real-world connections including how surfers time their sessions for the best waves, how fishermen use tide changes to improve their catch, and how beachgoers consult tide tables for safety. The passage includes audio integration for accessibility, a simplified differentiated version for struggling readers and English Language Learners, Spanish translations, a comprehensive glossary of scientific terms, multiple-choice comprehension questions, writing activities that encourage analysis and explanation, and graphic organizers that help students visualize cause-and-effect relationships in tidal patterns and ocean recreation.

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

Sample passage and quiz content

CONTENT PREVIEW

A thrilling capture of a surfer skillfully riding a wave in the open ocean, showcasing the excitement of surfing. — The rise and fall of ocean water levels change conditions for surfing, fishing, and beach activities.Image by Vladimir Kudinov / Pexels.

Tides shape ocean sports and recreation in powerful ways. The rise and fall of ocean water levels change conditions for surfing, fishing, and beach activities. Understanding tides helps athletes and recreationists plan their activities for the best results and safety.

Tides occur because of the gravitational pull from the moon and sun on Earth's oceans. The moon's gravity pulls ocean water toward it, creating a bulge of water on the side of Earth facing the moon. Another bulge forms on the opposite side due to Earth's rotation. These bulges create high tide, while areas between the bulges experience low tide. Most coastal areas have two high tides and two low tides each day. The difference in water height between high and low tide is called the tidal range.

Surfers use tide patterns to find the best waves. Evidence shows that incoming tides often create larger, more powerful waves as water flows toward shore. Many surf breaks work best at specific tide levels because underwater rocks and sandbars shape waves differently at various water depths. Scientists observe that during spring tides, which occur during full and new moons, the tidal range increases and waves can become more dramatic. Experienced surfers check tide tables before heading to the beach to predict optimal surfing conditions.

Fishermen also rely on tide information for success. Fish often feed more actively during tidal currents, especially when tides change direction. The moving water stirs up nutrients and small organisms that attract fish. In Montauk, New York, charter boat captains schedule fishing trips around tide changes because striped bass and bluefish feed most actively during these periods. Tide pool explorers must wait for low tide to safely access rocky areas where sea stars, anemones, and crabs live in shallow pools.

Coastal swimmers and beachgoers need to understand tides for safety. Rising tides can trap people on rock formations or cut off access to shore. Beach erosion increases during high tides, especially during storms. Park rangers at Acadia National Park in Maine warn hikers to check tide schedules before walking to Bar Island, as the sandbar connecting it to the mainland disappears underwater during high tide. Reading tide tables helps people avoid dangerous situations and enjoy coastal areas responsibly.

Interesting Fact: The Bay of Fundy in Canada experiences the world's highest tides, with water levels changing up to 53 feet between high and low tide—enough to cover a four-story building!

What causes tides to occur in Earth's oceans?

Wind patterns and stormsThe gravitational pull of the moon and sunOcean currents from the equatorUnderwater earthquakes

How many high tides do most coastal areas experience each day?

OneTwoThreeFour

What is the tidal range?

The distance between the moon and EarthThe time between high and low tideThe difference in water height between high and low tideThe area of ocean affected by tides

According to the passage, when do spring tides occur?

Only during the spring seasonDuring full and new moonsWhen the sun is closest to EarthDuring summer months

Why do fishermen prefer to fish during tide changes?

The water is calmer during these timesBoats can move faster during tide changesFish feed more actively when tides change directionFishing licenses are cheaper during tide changes

What tool do surfers use to predict optimal surfing conditions?

Weather mapsTide tablesThermometersCompasses

Based on the passage, why must tide pool explorers wait for low tide?

To safely access rocky areas where marine life livesTo avoid crowds of other visitorsTo find better parking at the beachTo see larger fish in deeper water

If a surfer wanted to catch the biggest waves, which tide condition would likely be best based on the passage?

Low tide going outHigh tide with no movementIncoming tide during spring tidesAny tide at midnight

Tidal currents stir up nutrients that attract fish.

TrueFalse

The Bay of Fundy experiences tidal ranges of only a few inches.

TrueFalse