Winter Swell Course
Thursday 18 May 2017
Pull into the Spike Winter Swell Course on Tuesday 30 May at Touch of Madness in Obs, Cape Town. Spike is back for another edition of his fascinating audio-visual study of storms, swell and waves.
Join founder of Wavescape, surf forecaster Spike, for a fun and graphical evening into the ocean and into the eye of fierce storms to see how they create waves, and how these waves radiate away from the winds that created them. Also learn about the mechanics of waves and wave period to better interpret weather models. Get forecasting tips on the Internet, and check out case studies of previous giant storms, and the big waves (and damage) they wrought. This audio-visual journey has a perspective with appeal to all who love the sea.
Who is it for?
Ocean sports (surfers, sailors, kiters, boardsailors, divers, paddlers); marine industry (salvors, lifeguards, fisheries, shipping): Recreation (beachgoers, anglers), and even armchair weather folk.
Part 1 (70 minutes, with 5 minute chat break)
We look at how storms form, and wind creates waves. We analyse the anatomy of swell, and ponder how it is possible for air to transfer energy into water in the form of waves. We watch as the swell propagates from the storm, looking at wave period, and finally how these waves transform into the surf we see on the shore.30 min dinner break (veg, chicken or beef taco meal and craft beer or glass of wine included
Part 2 (45 minutes)
A look at wave models, weather forecasting systems and the Internet. We predict some surf, interpret some data, and look into some examples of forecasting failures and sucesses.- 20 mins+ Q&A, Anecdotes, more case studies time dependent
Venue: Touch of Madness, 12 Nutall Rd, Obs (secure parking)
Time: From 6pm to 8.45pm / 9pm
Pull in for a drink or two and dinner (veg, chicken, or beef taco and drink included) and enjoy an entertaining audio-visual talk and some of Spike's humour. Share anecdotes and ideas, and get practical tips to enhance your ocean-reading lifestyle (and save some petrol).
Go direct to Quicket here
"You've read his twisted humour in the surf reports. Now experience it in person, with 'stories from the deep' - simple explanations of where waves come from, and a generally fascinating delve into weather patterns, storms and swell from around the world. Oh, and you also get a great dinner, a few beers and the chance to skinner with other surfers and kiters. Highly recommended!" -- Ian Henderson (kitesurfer)
"Over the years I have attended dozens of courses on various topics but nothing has the vibe of having a real enthusiast share his passion. Multo obrigado." -- Mike Ohlson, Richards Bay