Clark Fletcher
Contributor
I expect that @Steve_C will be the best person to answer this question as he seems to have a great number of dives out of Wilmington. But, I'll post anyway for all to comment.
So, is there a general rule of thumb (i.e. wind/waves) for diving out of Wilmington where the forecast prevents the dive boats from going out? We're supposed to dive the Rosin on Saturday (26th) and Markham/Hyde on Sunday. However, looking at the offshore forecasts, it isn't looking good.
Currently, the Saturday forecast is 20-25 knot winds and 4-7 ft. seas. The Sunday forecast is 25-30 knot winds increasing to 30-35 knot winds and 7-12 ft. seas with possible gale force winds.
I know it is greatly depending on location and actual wind direction. But, I'm unfamiliar with the geographics off of Wilmington and the wind directions/speeds that produce the worst conditions. However, for past offshore dives that we've had cancelled, the forecast was significantly BETTER than the Wilmington offshore forecasts for this weekend. So, what's the prognosis? Bleak?
So, is there a general rule of thumb (i.e. wind/waves) for diving out of Wilmington where the forecast prevents the dive boats from going out? We're supposed to dive the Rosin on Saturday (26th) and Markham/Hyde on Sunday. However, looking at the offshore forecasts, it isn't looking good.
Currently, the Saturday forecast is 20-25 knot winds and 4-7 ft. seas. The Sunday forecast is 25-30 knot winds increasing to 30-35 knot winds and 7-12 ft. seas with possible gale force winds.
I know it is greatly depending on location and actual wind direction. But, I'm unfamiliar with the geographics off of Wilmington and the wind directions/speeds that produce the worst conditions. However, for past offshore dives that we've had cancelled, the forecast was significantly BETTER than the Wilmington offshore forecasts for this weekend. So, what's the prognosis? Bleak?