Weather prediction

Hey there,

newbie here; done lots of reading (this forum and others resources), still need help putting some things together.

For example, I want to go to HMB when weather is *good* (and for now for me good means calm ). Last week I was checking some sites, which predicted 4-6 ft swell for 4/18 (6am-12noon). I don't have points of reference (my first time in the ocean), but I had a feeling swell was often more than 6ft.  Some guy I met on the shore said it was up to 9ft, at the same time, some folks here said it was pretty calm   Later NDBC/NOAA 46012 showed 9ft for that day.

I read great article @ http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=32677.5 (thanks, FisHunter!). I think what I'm looking for is some kind of add'l reference / resources, e.g. "if *this link* says <6 ft and wind<5 kts you can go to the green buoy"

Thanks!

I think what I'm looking for is some kind of add'l reference / resources, e.g. "if *this link* says <6 ft and wind<5 kts you can go to the green buoy"

Thanks!

Thing is nobody here really can or should be making that decision for you.  You are responsible for your safety and knowing your limits.  Not anyone else.

Best thing to do, and what I do, is check the buoy reports before you go.  Know what the trends are.  Read the local NOAA office scientific discussion reports so you know what is coming.  When you do go, remember what the conditions were like compared to what the buoy trend and scientific report were.  Build a picture in your mind as to what conditions will look like from the reports and compare them with reality when you get there.  Don't assume that different locations will look the same in similar forecasts, even if the locations aren't that far apart.

If in doubt, don't go.

"Thing is nobody here really can or should be making that decision for you."

Absolutely. What I'm looking for is the help with where to find information (reference, resources) to make the decision. I.e. where you would be looking for info if you planned to go to HMB?

Thanks for reply!

I use magic seaweed and weather.gov

Scientific discussion:

http://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=MTR&issuedby=MTR&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1

MSW:

http://magicseaweed.com/Mavericks-Half-Moon-Bay-Surf-Report/162/

I use magic seaweed and weather.gov

Scientific discussion:

http://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=MTR&issuedby=MTR&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1

MSW:

http://magicseaweed.com/Mavericks-Half-Moon-Bay-Surf-Report/162/

Great, thanks!

So, it does show 8ft swell for 4/18 am, which is great datapoint for me. Also means I need to throw away some links I bookmarked