tides

which is the recommended site(s) to look for tides and how do you guys choose when to go out?

Tides = http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide/sites_uswest.html
Marine forecast = http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/
When planning a trip, monitor the marine forecast for a few days leading up to your trip. This will give you a good idea what the ocean is doing and what to expect.
Rule #1: the ocean has no conscience.

Rule #2. NEVER turn your back on the incoming swell..

Tides:  http://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/LoversPoint/tides

Weather: http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/data/Forecasts/FZUS56.KMTR.html
           : http://swellwatch.wetsand.com/#place=36.630958008194106_-121.95854199999998_11_1536_height_Buoy_Ter_-1

When to go: most responses I got when I started is anytime I got the time, weather allowing. I agree with Sin Coast: have a preview of weather conditions prior to ur planned trip so you'll see how the weather is trending. Swellwatch site is cool. During my early yaking days, I just got to look at the color and immediately, I can tell if I'm going or not. Visit the site and you'll know what I mean.

For your 1st trip, try Stillwater South or Lover's Point/Pacific Grove, both easy launches and short paddling distances to fishing grounds. Or better yet, if you can wait for a hook up with a seasoned NCKAer who's familiar with an area, it would increase your productivity.

Welcome to the madness!

Danny

www.saltwatertides.com

www.saltpointoceanconditions.com

Tides:  http://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/LoversPoint/tides

Weather: http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/data/Forecasts/FZUS56.KMTR.html
           : http://swellwatch.wetsand.com/#place=36.630958008194106_-121.95854199999998_11_1536_height_Buoy_Ter_-1

When to go: most responses I got when I started is anytime I got the time, weather allowing. I agree with Sin Coast: have a preview of weather conditions prior to ur planned trip so you'll see how the weather is trending. Swellwatch site is cool. During my early yaking days, I just got to look at the color and immediately, I can tell if I'm going or not. Visit the site and you'll know what I mean.

For your 1st trip, try Stillwater South or Lover's Point/Pacific Grove, both easy launches and short paddling distances to fishing grounds. Or better yet, if you can wait for a hook up with a seasoned NCKAer who's familiar with an area, it would increase your productivity.

Welcome to the madness!

Danny

Danny, Thanks for the link. Just bookmarked it.

kwonsoo

Rule #3: have fun doing it!!!

You might try swellinfo.com has some great intel, pic your area gives tides,swells, and a bunch more...it's always treated me right...

All of these sites that are being recommended are great...one thing i found, some sites are easy to read for me and some aren't, pick what works for u and have some fun...

I thought it was chainsaws that didn't have a conscience...