An extra-large tidal range occurring around full and new moons, when the sun and moon's gravitational pulls align to create higher highs and lower lows.
Spring tides happen roughly every two weeks, around the full moon and new moon. During these periods, the tidal range (difference between high and low water) is at its greatest — high tides are higher than normal and low tides are lower than normal. This matters hugely for watersports.
Low spring tides can expose reef breaks that are normally submerged, creating shallower and more hollow waves. Some flat-water kite spots — like Sotavento in Fuerteventura — only form their famous lagoons on low spring tides. Conversely, high spring tides can submerge beach breaks that normally work.
In places with large tidal ranges (like Cornwall, where the difference can be 8+ meters), spring tides dramatically change which spots are rideable. The opposite — neap tides — occur during quarter moons and have a much smaller tidal range.
Example usage
"Spring low tide tomorrow — the lagoon at Sotavento will be massive. Perfect flat-water kiting."
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