Spike Swell Course - Winter 2017

ABOUT

What is it?

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.

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.

• 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).

DIRECTIONS