Question: Hey guys – I am a surfer who is new to paddling and SUP. When you guys go out paddling, before you go, what websites do you prefer for wind and ocean conditions? Additionally, what combination of wind, surf, and weather tells you that going out for a paddle in the ocean is a stupid idea?”

– Anonymous, CA

This is one of those questions where if you ask experienced paddlers they look at you like you have two heads because it is so obvious. What they don’t remember is that everyone  has their own set of rules and they each had to sort this out at one point or another.  In discussing this with the Ask Us Anything Crew, there were alot of opinions. The problem is that this answer really depends on your experience and willingness to deal with adverse ocean conditions. Below are our general guidelines you can use until you develop your own.

NOTE: these guidelines are for ocean paddling in San Diego and may be different for other locations. Hopefully, we will get some input from other paddlers living in different regions once this is posted on our Facebook page.

Websites : We prefer www.iwindsurf.com for our wind reports and forecasts. You can get wind information from many online outlets but we like the interface and have found www.iwindsurf.com to be pretty reliable over the years

Wind and wave recommendations (SUP and Prone paddling)

• Wave Height : you are going to need to learn to get through the surf at one point or another.
  • < 3 feet  = wave height is not an issue go out and paddle
  • 3-5 feet = these waves are going to be challenging for new paddlers especially if the wave period is short because the waves are going to keep on coming. This won’t leave you much time to get through the surf.
  • >5 feet: experienced paddlers can handle this type of surf but many paddlers don’t hassle with getting through the surf especially if the water is cold. If the surf is pushing overhead, regardless of the wind conditions, consider heading to the bay or lagoon or do some cross training.

• Wind speed and direction: More wind means more chop. Although you need to learn to paddle in choppy conditions, at some point you are just out there fighting the wind and trying to stay on your board. Moreover, rough seas can be dangerous for inexperienced paddlers.  Here are our rules:

• If the wind is blowing at any direction other than directly north or directly south
  • <3-5 knots = go out and get your workout in
  • 5-10 knots:  you are going to be fighting a headwind at some point in your session. The water will also likely be choppy but you need to learn to handle it.  This is the general afternoon condition here in San Diego. You need to learn to paddle in this type of condition. Go out and get your workout in. Be prepared to get wet. Dress appropriately.
  • 10-16 knots: things can get sketchy depending on your experience so use caution in this range.  Know your limitations.
  • >16 knots: George’s 16 knot rule states “you are an idiot if you go out alone if it is over 16 knots.”

• If the wind is blowing directly north or directly south  (rare in San Diego)
  • <3-5 knots = go out and get your workout in. You are going to have a headwind in one direction so be sure to account for the differential out and back time
  • 5-10 knots = this amount of wind as a direct headwind is going to make paddling difficult. Consider trying a downwind run.
  • 10+ knots = this does not happen all that often here in San Diego but if it does – get your significant other to drive you and your buddies up or down the coast and get a downwind run in.

Roch and George