Sidetracked

Whadduya know? After seemingly infinite wind and chilly temps, it’s finally decided to become California again. And the lack of wind is creating glassy conditions conducive to The Stoke. 

Of course, I wouldn’t suggest you trunk it in the water just yet. KSBY did a good job recently explaining why the water has been especially cold this year. Water temps are typically in the mid-50s this time of year, but they have been in the high 40s and low 50s.

So don’t blame your old wet suit just yet.  

According to meteorologist Dave Hovde, the cold water is a result of the wind, which has basically been kicking up the cold water from below. As the weather warms and the wind settles, we’ll be getting more glassy conditions. Of course, warm temperatures and calm water usually leads to red tide, which makes some of us (i.e., me) sick. But, hey, I’ll take red tide over sharks any day, though they are apparently vulnerable to that Three Stooges move, where Moe pokes Larry in the eye. 

Speaking of sharks, have you seen the video where a dude gets towed in by a great white? Yeah, yeah — it’s bogus. I know. But it’s still fun. And who knows – someone like Laird Hamilton might actually try something like that some day.   

Personally, I still get a little nervous whenever I see a dolphin in the water.

Posted on May 16th, 2008 by Pat
Filed under: Surf stuff