For all coastal boating adventures, you will likely need an understanding of the tide. This Boating Insights video podcast episode takes you through some essential considerations to help make tide your friend. The episode begins by looking at the potential impact of the tide on a passage plan. The tidal situation can impact the flow and depths, or both. There are other localised impacts, such as on/offshore winds, heavy rain and flooding. You must know how to check and interpret how the range of the tide/tides compares with the mean spring range in your location. It is also essential to confirm the quality of information on apps and whether it relates to verified information from official sources. Finally, in case of grounding, always know if the tide is flooding or ebbing. We teach tides from an introductory to an advanced level with our internationally recognised RYA training courses. Each course builds on the knowledge gained in the previous course. 1) RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship Course: aabboating.com/navigation 2) RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Course: aabboating.com/day-skipper 3) RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Course: aabboating.com/yachtmaster