SF area forecast end - tables, at least?

jpf18 · Joined: 13 Aug 2000 Posts: 347 Location: San Francisco

So the forecasts are done for the season, but can we at least get the tables back?

januwan · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 33

Who the f**k said, season is over

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

The season is never over here in California. Too bad many perceive windsurfing to be a season sport, like we might be living in some place like Minnesota or Michigan. While the folks at iWindsurf may not want to pay their forecasting staff for the Fall and Winter months, the wind sensors still work all year round. One just needs to keep an eye on things.

Also, while things might change, I've still noted that the forecasting curves still show up in the on screen thumbnail graphs when moving the cursor over individual sensor sites. I'm hopeful that this feature will continue to be available over the year.

jpf18 · Joined: 13 Aug 2000 Posts: 347 Location: San Francisco

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

I have to say that I subscribe to iWindsurf, and to Call of the Wind before that, for the sensor reports. In fact, I was a part of the original membership when Jim Martin initially developed the whole concept.

While I was a bit bummed out when when we lost the pager feature, because I've never owned a cell phone, I still have suitable computer access. However, on the up side, being limited to computer access did bring down the monthly cost to a very reasonable rate.

To be honest, I can't dream of being without iWindsurf's sensor reports. I'm totally addicted.

goinoff · Joined: 01 Feb 1998 Posts: 154

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

Well goinoff, being a year round ocean sailor in northern SoCal, one has to be tuned in because we don't really get a classic season like the SF Bay area does. Sure, the spring and summer months tend to offer more opportunities, but this last summer was really as slim pickens as the late fall and winter months can be. In the fall and winter months, it's mostly about pre and post frontal winds, with some Santa Ana winds thrown in. Although monthly numbers aren't always high, the winds and conditions in the late fall and winter months can be some of the best days of the year. No way am I going to buy into the idea that the season is over.

carl · Joined: 25 Feb 1997 Posts: 2674 Location: SF bay area

ronw · Joined: 07 Mar 2000 Posts: 42 Location: NSB, FL

bad_dolphin · Joined: 26 Feb 1995 Posts: 77

Absoutely agree--wherever would we be without iwindsurf? Remember the old days of agitating over which site to go to, and how many times you picked the wrong one? They have majorly cut down on that problem. And with gas prices what they are now...one of our destinations is 163 miles each way. With our large gas-guzzling windsurfing vehicles to carry full gear and be able to tow a trailer when necessary, too, that's almost $100 roundtrip in gas. Being able to watch what is going on remotely, even without a forecast, is critical in attempting to predict wind patterns.

25 or so years ago, I was given advice about weather prediction in our fair state. "90% chance it will be the same as yesterday!" Looking at wind patterns from sensors only can help spot trends at your favorite locations. The meteorological reports are serious and important icing on the cake.

And for those of us who travel or are considering traveling to distant windsurfing locations, sensor readings months in advance can help us understand local patterns even before we go.

We all need to do whatever we can to support this invaluable service.