Riders on the Storm
(Advice for sailing in a Tropical Storm or Hurricane
written by
Jim Karabasz* of
Extreme Windsurfing)
Thinking of
this classic Doors song (LA Woman album) it is a cool song playing in the
background while I write this.
Feeding the romantic urge to go out and “do battle” with one of God’s most
fierce force of nature (Hurricanes, Tropical storms).
I’m then snapped back by the best piece of waterman advice I know
WHEN IN DOUBT DON’T GO
OUT forget cool songs, if you don’t see a way for you to get YOURSELF
IN
even under extremely adverse conditions. I guess this follows the Red Cross
lifesaving rule #1 Your first obligation (as a life saver)
is to get yourself back ALIVE! Lastly, don’t put yourself in a position
(conditions) you wouldn’t want someone else in to rescue you.
So you are an excellent swimmer, with a clear TESTED self
rescue plan. NOW, you want to prepare to take on God’s fury.
My Irish Grandmother would say as my brother and I would (as kids) be charging
out the door to surf/sail in huge
hurricanes conditions “Remember boys…sometimes discretion is the better
part of valor” in other words sometimes
it is more fun to watch from the beach and be home for lunch.
1) First things First (equipment)
This isn’t a casual afternoon go out (just showing up and
hitting the water) it takes preparations (fun things to do on those
HOT no wind/waves summer days). First make sure your equipment is ready.
To take on serious conditions you need to have
the RIGHT equipment. Hurricanes sailing take sails from 3.5 to 5.2 rigged
properly (no stringing them up on over sized mast
& booms like we can do on just windy days). Make sure ALL lines are in new
conditions the strength of the chain is only as
strong as the weakest link. This goes MORE THAN DOUBLE for UNIVERSAL JOINTS.
Break one of these you’re in BAD shape.
Boards you’ll need a REAL high wind board probably less than 100L (No you can’t
fake it on that 120L board) Fins can’t be
overlooked the right size for these tiny sails are critical. If your fin is too
big it is just like having to big a sail…no matter
how good you are and out of control fin is just as lethal as an out of
control rig. Condition of the board & fin are as critical
as the condition of your rig and components. You may/will be betting your
life on them. Last but NOT least in preparation.
Go with a friend if he or she sails or not (Not probably better) is a good idea.
If that isn’t possible in this day of instant
electronic communication tell a person on shore (Via cell) where you are ,
how long you’ll be out and remember to call
them to let them know you are off the water…sorry about that dear! Coming
through the door with a big grin won’t make
up for hours of worry.
2) Know the Conditions
Tropical systems are different than ones “run of the mill”
weather system. Again a bit of study, Plus each tropical system
is unique water temp.; other atmospheric conditions will effect how these
systems will effect wind and waves. Even with
a life time of experience “knowing” the actions of a wild hurricane is
impossible.
So some basic facts might help get you started (or in
trouble). We are talking about intense LOW pressure systems.
Winds flow counter clock wise around them. Water temps can drop radically in
these systems due to wave action
“up welling” Offshore waves can be double the size that are breaking on the
beach be prepared. These systems are
so intense the features are equally intense. For instance Hurricanes mostly (and
Tropical Storms sometimes) have
eye’s in the center. To experience an eye of a hurricane is something one will
remember for a life time. The BEST
place to experience the eye is ON SHORE. These storms have safe & danger
quadrants. Know which part of the
storm you are going to encounter. This info comes from NOAA Weather radio,
Weather Channel, Local emergency
weather stations. If you are in a danger quadrant DON’T chance it. Comply
with all local authorities directions.
3) Now, Where/how to Go in New Jersey
This is pretty easy, stay to the main launches & beaches.
If you must challenge the BIG Hurricane surf, use an inlet.
Here in NJ I would recommend
Corson’s inlet (Between OC & Strathmere)
Hereford inlet (between Stone harbor & Wildwood)
There are plenty of sand bars to experience the waves in close. Remember
like with all wave sailing “DON’T GO OUT
FURTHER THAN YOU WANT/CAN SWIM BACK”. This might be contrary to my next
point. Since these launches are only slightly used.
For those looking for a mellower (BUT DEFINITELY NOT
MELLOW) experience with Hurricane conditions. I STRONGLY
recommend staying to the major bay launches. These here in NJ are (from
North to South)
Sandy
Hook,
Seaside,
Brant Beach (69th street) & here at
Lakes bay. Although these are not optimal on
360 degrees of wind directions,
chasing wind (from spot to spot) is silly…but safe since you’ll never sail. Pick
a spot you are comfortable with and
wait for the system to come by you. These systems generally move fast at
this latitude (20 ish MPH is the norm)
Rig for the conditions in front of you. Storm paths “wobble” and they never do
EXACTLY what you expect. Rig ONLY
what you are using the wind can/will make a 360 deg. switch as the storm
passes. There is no SURE way to secure
rigs in high winds in these conditions. Lastly watch out for tidal flooding
(losing your car can’t be made up for by
great sailing) a 6ft tidal flood at high tide in the bays is not uncommon.
Lakes bay parking lots stay dry (although
the roads around us flood) but watch the other launches they can/do flood
FAST!
Lastly Please remember When in doubt don’t Go out.
Your decision can & will effect more people & equipment
than just you and your equipment. BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!
JimK*
* Jim Karabasz is the owner of
Extreme Windsurfing, has been windsurfing for over 30 years, and has some
first-hand
experience with Hurricanes. On September 16, 1999, at about
6PM, Jim along with Petra experienced the eye
of Hurricane Floyd at Lakes bay and sailed in its eye wall.