The best timing for crossing a tidal race is

• A. Slack water
• B. High tide
• C. Low tide
• D. Flood current

Answer: (A)

Crossing a tidal race is safest when the current is at slack water—the moment the tidal flow is about to reverse and the water in the race is moving the least. In this window you have the most control: the current isn’t pulling you strongly off your intended line, so steering and bracing are easier and you’re less likely to be swept toward rocks, standing waves, or strong eddies.

If you cross during a flood current, the incoming water pushes you downstream and can sweep you sideways, making it hard to hold your course. During an ebb current, the outgoing flow can pull you toward hazards and increase turbulence. High tide or low tide are times when the current is often changing rapidly or accelerating through the race, which can heighten those risks. Slack water minimizes these forces, giving a safer, more predictable crossing.