THE CROSSING

Generally the time chosen for the crossing is during the high tide cycle. In some cases, and depending on the tidal coefficient, the crossing can be started before low tide.

The superficial currents in the Strait are generally of Easterly direction, because the influence of input wáter from the atlantic into the Mediterranean predominates, with waters of low salinity and influence of evaporation of the Mediterranean. Different is with the Deep currents that moves in oposite direction for its dense and colder temperature. All these influences, as well as the special coastal geography and the sea floor in the area, mean that along the journey we find currents of different intensities and different directions, as well as different temperatures and / or salinity, producing a chaotic situation that makes it difficult (not to say impossible) to know the currents in each exact point of the crossing.

The conclusion of this Association, in the multiple crosses that it has organized, is that there aren´t two days of equal currents, although the same conditions of hour and tidal coefficient are met, so that the experience and expertise of the pilots, as well as technological aids will adapt the crossing so that it ends successfully. The last crossings made by this system have given a high success rate and are reflected in the navigation charts issued by this association on almost a straight line linking the island of fare and the points of arrival mentioned above.

As a conclusion we will say that the association carries out the crossings outside the hours where more current is expected, so the departure time will be determined depending on 3 variables:

• Speed of the swimmer.
• Coefficients and hours of the tides.
• Prediction of winds for that day.

The only condition to choose the day of the crossing are the weather conditions and the start time, which is done based on the hours of high tide and / or low tide and the coefficients . It can only be expected that the wind and sea conditions are adequate, but it is impossible to predict it until at least one or two days before the swim.

Many swimmers have had to return to their place of origin without being able to cross the Strait after having stayed many days in Tarifa, and even some have had to suspend the swim due to a sudden change of wind when they had been several hours in the water.

The ACNEG Association is responsible for organizing (based on the official categories and for the brands to be valid) different types of swims:

According to the crossing method:

• With neoprene
• Without neoprene

And according to the route:

• One way
• Round trip
• By relays

ACNEG, depending on the needs of the swimmer, is responsible for everything necessary for any of the modalities, the necessary permits with both governments (Spain and Morocco).