Spike Swell Course - Winter 2019

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.

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 (55 minutes)

We look at how storms form, and wind creates waves, with case studies of what transpired from which storms. 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 break (Light supper included. Cash bar available)

Part 2 (45 minutes)

A look at wave models, weather forecasting systems and the Internet, and some cool videos. 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: Sports Science Institute, Boundary Road, Newlands (secure parking)

Time:   From 6.30pm to 9pm or just after

Pull in and enjoy an entertaining audio-visual presentation, share anecdotes and ideas, and get practical tips to enhance your ocean lifestyle (and save some petrol).

DIRECTIONS