Thanks for directions to Jones! But seriously now..

dancingwind · Since 18 Jul 2007 321 Posts Obsessed

Thanks again everyone for all your help!! But seriously where was that marine push forecasters promised us for the North coast yesterday, Wed 19?? Got to Jones in the afternoon and there was nothing, waited a bit & then decided to head out to the N coast to catch some of that upper teens/ lower 20s per forecast. The closer I got to the coast the more excited I got, almost got a speeding ticket!! I get to the Coast, parking lot B at Fort Stevens and what the hell?? No wind, nothing at all but a lot of FOG! Oh man was I peeved!! It was about 3:30 and there was not a sliver of wind just fog all around! Waited and waited and all I got was a big fat NADA!!! A buddy was down in Newport and it was the same!!

I'm really starting to get frustrated paying $100 a year to you know who and getting lame forecasts, regularly!! The point of paying is to receive a FAIRLY accurate forecast and be able to plan accordingly. But I have to admit that their new and oh so many forecasters have not been able to nail it, an sometimes not even close!!!!

I think I'm gonna have to learn to do my own forecasts and stop wasting money!

Any forecasting tips anyone, especially for the NW coast?

Any good & honest online weather websites you rely on?

Thanks.

Bettyboarder · Thu Aug 20, 09 2:26 pm

Here some previous posts about it.

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-12987.html&highlight=ikitesurf

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-6349.html

wylieflyote · Thu Aug 20, 09 4:32 pm

And you can REALLY get some results by joining the Facebook ikite boycott group!
http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=ikite&init=quick#/profile.php?id=1719173905&ref=search&sid=1079105865.2410302377..1

C Johnson · Since 17 Apr 2009 854 Posts Seattle Opinionated

I was out on the strait today.

Cline spit delivered fully powered 9m conditions.

looks kinda like it might do the same thing tomorrow evening Smile

I have a gopro video uploading on vimeo right now. I'll post it in a new thread when its done Cool

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

THE COAST WAS FOGGY - footage at 11

Not sure Allah himself can predict wind and fog on a hot summer day - pretty sure he makes the decision to greenlight your sess at gametime

Nak · Fri Aug 21, 09 8:50 am

Check a variety of forecasts:

http://www.temirawagonfeld.com/WindBlog/Default.aspx
http://www.windfinder.com/forecasts/wind_oregon15.htm
http://www.atmos.washington.edu/data/zone_report.KPQR.html

There's more too. It's a learned art. Over time you'll get a feel for the reliability of the different forecasts for different conditions. When everyone agrees, that tells you something. When every forecast is different, that tells you something else. Even if you aren't going riding, check the forecast & then see how it turns out. Look at the sensors link at the top of NwKite. Be flexible with your plans. Before you head out, check the latest forecasts & sensor readings. Look at the pressure & temp differentials. Look at the webcams. Even once you're driving, be ready to change your destination. "NEVER leave wind to find wind." (An old quote from PKH. I usually regret it when I fail to heed this bit of sage advice. Smile

)

Remember, weather forecasts are fairly reliable for the first minute or two after they're issued. 24 hours out they're a pretty good guess. 48 hours out they're an educated guess. 72 hours out they're a wild ass guess.

If you do all of the above you won't get skunked as often, but you'll still get skunked. It's part of the game. Bring some beer for yourself & some extra's for the other skunkees. Friends you make sitting around waiting for wind will enrich your life & expand your network. You'll learn more about the sport; you'll get more out of the sport & eventually you'll give more to the sport.

Most of all, have fun!

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Aug 21, 09 9:16 am

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1736 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

Whatever happened yesterday-- the heat then a major cool down in the afternoon / eve--
was exactly the recipe for Sauvies. F'n A it went off. Did anyone get any?

Blue · Since 03 Jul 2007 469 Posts I used to be Obsessed

I checked the sensors before heading home from work, and couldn’t believe how fast the gradiend build up and what temp difference between Kelso and Portland was. The wind was good for 12m and gusty. I rigged 14 and that definitely added to the excitement of the session Smile

Blokt · Fri Aug 21, 09 7:36 pm

I had to change the oil in my van Sad

Good to see you got some, Blue!

dancingwind · Since 18 Jul 2007 321 Posts Obsessed

Thank you all for the input and NAK for your wisdom and insight!! Lots of lessons still yet to be learned. I'm coming to the conclusion that what makes a good kiter is not only good kiting skills but also sound forecasting abilities and a hell of a lot of flexibility and patience!!

C U all on the water!!