VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK • How we use the University of Washington Wind Model - Page 6
Page 6 of 16

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 4:28 pm
by Pete
Unfortunately, lately I haven't had the chance to use this site much for Windsurfing, but I do often work on the water and it's the first place I look before planning any trip in the area.

I would agree with many of the people on this forum that suggest there is a significant value that this site can provide the UW in return. Weather/Wind models are not even close to 100% accurate. For the UW to continue to improve on their model, they require actual observations that can be compared to the modeled predictions. The network of webcams and weather stations BWD has set up must generate a significant amount of data that should be useful to the UW.

You never know, maybe the UW has money to extend or improve on the "meteorological data collection network" BWD has set up.

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 5:27 pm
by kitesurferdale
I use this site for wind nfo on a very very regular basis....it would really reallly realllly suck to lose that valuable insite into the near future of wind.

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 6:51 pm
by Chris
Any windsurfers or kiters at U of W who we could get on side?
Hope you can work something out Dave, your site is unique as far as I know and is an invaluable tool for our sports.

At least once a day!

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 7:43 pm
by sparki
I check to forcast at BWD at least once a day, often more. I have just gotten back in to windsurfing and this is an invaluable resource. I am self employed and ofter plan my jobs around the wind forcast from BWD.

Please, please, please don't take this away from me.

The Wind Model

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:33 pm
by Bearded Lady
Having access to this model is fantastic. It helps one plan adventures on the ocean - it's not the only information which helps to get a bead on the weather, but a valuable one. I always start here, and then dig deeper into the NOAA site and ENVIR Canada sites. Please keep it accessible !
Thanks

just in case

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:41 pm
by voodmon
Do any of you remember what it was like listening to your little weather radio bought at radio shack, going through all of the environment canada and Noaa forcasts and waiting for the wind reports, no BWD weather stations in those days or web cams, I will have been windsurfing for 30 years come may 1st 2010, so I do really appreciate all that BWD does for us all and his service providers..cheers all! :twisted:

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:50 pm
by CTK
Use it for checking the conditions often. I was talking to some of the guys on my jobsite and apparently alot of fishermen use these models for planning there fishing trips.
Would be really horrible to see it go.

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:10 pm
by Gerry1
I rely heavily on your excellent wind forecasts for all of my fishing and boating trips. It is by far the best forecast for wind conditions for the Vancouver Island (where I reside).

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:12 pm
by Gerry1
I first found out about BigWaveDave.ca on the fishing site that I use, Sportfishingbc. It has been heavily recommended by many users on that site and it would be a shame to lose access to the wind model for forecasting.

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 10:38 pm
by TheLaw
Another thing I use the model for is surfing. I check three things before going surfing: 1. tides 2. Swell forecast and 3. Wind model. If any one of these are not inline I don't bother going out. Again the model saves me considerable time and gas!

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 11:25 pm
by NickM
I check the wind model quite frequently. It would be a real shame if we lost access!

Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 5:53 am
by scott c
I use this site every day for wind forecasts before i go fishing.
Most of my buddies do the same.
Would hate to see the forecasts dissapear. :cry:
Let us know if we can help in any way ?

Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 6:07 am
by duckbill
Isn't this what the Internet was originally intended for? The sharing of information?

internet

Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 7:02 am
by Sandy Beach
collective consciousness

Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 7:29 am
by linda mcphie
I check your wind model information every day. For days I am planning to kayak, I check the information for that day at least 3 times. I know of many other kayakers who do the same thing and it would have a big impact on our kayaking plans and safety if we did not have access to this information. Thank you to the people who provide it.