keeping a weather eye

I have been fortunate to have spent most of my life on, or around the  water. I started sailing at the age of 12.  Sailing became windsurfing. Windsurfing became  boardsports.   Boardsports has become Stand Up Paddling.

    A great morning for a paddle!

One of the first things I learned as a young sailor was to always keep "a weather eye". The  definition of a weather eye is: An ability to recognize quickly signs of changes in the weather.  While this is a skill acquired over a lifetime,  anyone new to SUP should have a basic awareness of the weather in order to have a safe experience on the water.

The  weather on the water can change very quickly.  A sunny summer day can turn into a summer squall in a matter of minutes.  These squalls can produce high winds and heavy rains.  On the water, these squalls usually appear as a low line of clouds across the horizon, and usually indicate a  severe change in the weather.  The first sign of this cloud line is a good time to haul ass to the nearest beach and get off the water.

Schooner Woodwind heading home towards a cloud line and a possible squall .

Less than 5 minutes later, the wind shifted almost 180 degrees and increased from 7 mph to over 20!

Notice the shift and the huge spike in wind speed as the front passed.

 Thunderstorms are another huge risk to anyone on water. Thunderstorms are most likely to occur in the spring and summer months and during the afternoon and evening hours, but they can occur year-round and at all hours of the day or night. Thunderstorms can produce high winds, heavy rain, and dangerous lightning.  The potential of thunder storms usually (but not always) is indicated by the upward movement of large cumulus clouds (the ones that look like cotton candy). 

Potential Thunderhead

 When these clouds turn dark or at the first rumble of thunder, it is time to get off the water.  Most thunderstorms are short in duration and it is best to seek the closest shelter, than try to out run one.  According to NOAA "there is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm. If you are on the water and skies are threatening, get back to land and find a safe building or safe vehicle." Wait for it to pass and then paddle home.


WIND! She can be your friend or or enemy.  She can blow you where you want to go, or make it impossible to get there.  I have friends that do downwinders (blowing with the wind) in Hawaii in 40 knots.  They surf the wind swell and cover long distances in a short time. Paddling into the  wind, in much more than 15, it is very difficult, if not impossible to make forward progress.  Whenever possible start out your SUP journey by paddling into the wind.  If you choose to paddle on a windy day, it is a really good idea to wear a leash.  If you should fall, you won't have to worry about having your board blow away from you. If you find yourself in a situation with too much wind, try paddling on your knees.  You will be more stable and have less windage.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST:  If the weather breaks bad, NEVER leave your board and try to swim home.  Stay low, lay down, ride it out, do whatever it takes to stay with your board!

Pay attention to the Weather Channel, listen to a marine weather forecast, and keep an eye to the sky.
Remember, you don't have to get there, you just have to get home.
Paddle often, paddle fun, paddle safe!

Red Sky at Night  Sailors Delight.  Not bad for a paddle either!

  
Aloha, MB