Another newbie question

Are there websites that will predict wind and swell conditions?
I am particularly interested in the area south of Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur.
Can it be site specific such as Limekiln creek or will it cover the whole area.
Obviously once I get the info I need to know what it means to those locations.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Winnterr

there are websites. they typically cover an area. you do have to learn to correlate reports with actual conditions and that is a bit of an art and does take some experience.

Start with the National Weather Service marine forecast.

Good luck.

 

check this out:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/zone/west/mtrmz.htm

I like the stormsurf.com site.


Always err on the side of caution and consider all forecasts with scepticism

Always err on the side of caution and consider all forecasts with scepticism

...and know that sometimes....sometimes you just have to gamble on your instinct, suck up the fuel cost and go see for yourself. This old school approach can be rewarding, however you also need to be totally prepared to see conditions beyond your comfort level and bag it to go have breakfast somewhere.

Start with the National Weather Service marine forecast.

Yep, channel 1 on the VHF is what I use most often. 

And what Sean said...  there's no substitute for actually seeing it with your own eyes.

Sometimes it's completely doable despite a small craft advisary, and sometimes things sound good but conditions are scary.  Tide stages, the lay of the land around the launch, and all sorts of other variables can come into play.

I like the stormsurf.com site.


Always err on the side of caution and consider all forecasts with scepticism

Yes, I do need to qualify that statement, actual conditions can be SO much better than forecast that you'd be sorry you didn't go see for yourself.  OR the reverse can be true as well, actual conditions can be SO much worse than forecast that you'd be crazy to go out.  Dive instructor said in 1985, "the ocean will always be there, some days ya just gotta sit on the beach", true then, true now.


There's no substitute for going to "take a look"


dale

Here ya go: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/zone/west/mtrmz.htm
Just click on the area you need a forecast for. It can't get as specific as Limekiln Creek, for example. But if you know the dynamics of your preferred launch (is it protected from a due north swell; is it succeptible to strong offshore winds; does a South swell make it a dangerous shorebreak), then you can calculate how the general South Coast forecast will affect your launch site.

Here's all you want and more:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,1818.0.html

This is MOST important. NEVER be afraid to say " F " it and bail when the conditions seem to be greater than your ability. It is always better to suck it up and come back another day than to never come back at all.
ALWAYS err on the side of good judgement.