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Post by martin on Feb 18, 2015 9:32:48 GMT -1
Forecasts of the last few days have given wind speeds of up to 28mph at Holyhead. I use the BBC weather app on my IPhone
My son and I had a little paddle in wind speeds forecast at 4mph last week and the conditions were perfect, we were warm as toast with all the gear on and paddling around
So the question is...... What weather conditions are you looking for, and where are you getting the information?
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Post by cobrakev on Feb 18, 2015 17:38:57 GMT -1
Hi Martin, I use 'wind guru' just google 'wind guru and location' Ie. wind guru blackpool. job done. I have found it to be very accurate. The wind factor depends on where you plan to go out from, as wind speed alone is not the whole picture, you also need to consider wind direction in conjunction with tide times ( ebb - flood ) tide height and tidal streams. experience is key ! I am still learning this therefore I am not afraid to ask other, more experienced guys than myself. every time you go out is a lesson. I still get excited !
The toughest decision is when you get to the shore and have to force yourself to go back home when it is just too rough to go out ! stay safe, Kev.
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Post by martin on Feb 18, 2015 21:33:50 GMT -1
It certainly is a big learning curve! My main kayak venue is going to be Anglesey. So far, I'm thinking that I need low wind speeds of probably less than 10 mph, and maybe to fish a bay on the Island in the lee of the prevailing wind
As far a tides go, I have even less idea. By staying within a bay, and avoiding headlands, I'm guessing that we'll be fairly safe
We've had just one trip so far. We had a friend on shore keeping an eye on us and I had bought a cheap pay as you go Moby to regularly speak to him
I want to have a trip with Tims crew at Blackpool as soon as the weather allows
Our first paddle went well, I made two silly mistakes; I forgot to expel the air from my dry suit and spent the day as Michelin Man :-)
And I forgot to drop the rudder before I left the beach and, as Michelin Man, struggled to turn around sufficiently to drop it.
Oh, and my seat and the rudder controls weren't adjusted correctly for me, making paddling uncomfortable...
But I won't make those mistakes again!
The Big Game was amazingly stable, I was able to easily and confidently sit side saddle while fishing
Before we left we practised moving around on the yaks, finding the limit of balance. That was really useful and gave us confidence. James was a natural, being 22 and having some canoe experience came to the fore I guess.
We both caught fish which was nice but not the intended priority of the day
I think if the weather wasn't so poor right now, we would be living on those kayaks :-) We're already planning to camp over and do two days on the water as soon as the weather calms :-)
We need to get a chart organised and want to use it and our gps to put us on to some interesting fishing spots
Wind and tide is a big concern at our present level of inexperience, and so any advice or insight would be appreciated :-)
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