Shadow Rip Currents

“Boundary controlled rip currents” aka “Structurally controlled rip currents” are one of three main types of rip current.

This type of current has two sub-currents, both with their own name and individual characteristics.

Sub-currents:

1. “Deflection” rip current

2. “Shadow” rip current

The example in the picture explains a Shadow rip current.

If you are swimming on a beach and there is a structure in the water, the water will move around that structure.

If the weather is coming from the opposite side of the structure (the up wave side) you will note a “shadow rip current” on the opposite side of the structure (the down wave side).

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