carherlo
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From how many knots would you say it is no longer suitable for snorkeling?
From how many knots...?
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Do you mean current?
I think a diver would struggle severely in 2 knots. I snorkeler could probably still make some headway but it would suck.
If you were somehow in a position to drift with the current and come out at a different spot than you went in, then the strength of the current doesn't matter nearly as much.
R..
I think a diver would struggle severely in 2 knots. I snorkeler could probably still make some headway but it would suck.
If you were somehow in a position to drift with the current and come out at a different spot than you went in, then the strength of the current doesn't matter nearly as much.
R..
OP
carherlo
Registered
I'm talking about the wind speed yes.
Only 2 knots really? I'm sure I've being snorkeling with more knots than that.
Only 2 knots really? I'm sure I've being snorkeling with more knots than that.
Wind speed isn't commonly a significant factor in snorkeling. Current and waves are much more significant and are not directly related to localized wind speed.
Provided the spray from the waves aren't constantly drowning my snorkel I've never thought to check winds.
I've been snorkeling in a 30-35 knot wind without discomfort, bigger risk was the kiteboarders.
Regards,
Cameron
Provided the spray from the waves aren't constantly drowning my snorkel I've never thought to check winds.
I've been snorkeling in a 30-35 knot wind without discomfort, bigger risk was the kiteboarders.
Regards,
Cameron
The 2 knots I was talking about was water speed.... current.
For wind speed divers will usually dive at force-5 Beaufort; say give-or-take 20 knots. Snorkelers are going to want force-3 or so (8 or 9 knots?) so they don't get tossed around too much.
R..
For wind speed divers will usually dive at force-5 Beaufort; say give-or-take 20 knots. Snorkelers are going to want force-3 or so (8 or 9 knots?) so they don't get tossed around too much.
R..
OP
carherlo
Registered
Ok. Then I think I didn't understand about current. (English isn't my first language sorry).
Since I'm not sure to follow you guys, I use the app windfinder. What column or value or tag should I look at when checking if the sea is OK for snorkeling?
Thanks in advance
Since I'm not sure to follow you guys, I use the app windfinder. What column or value or tag should I look at when checking if the sea is OK for snorkeling?
Thanks in advance
OP
carherlo
Registered
On the screen shot you showed us I would personally pay most attention to the wind. The size of the waves will usually be related to the wind.
If the wind speeds are under 10 kts then you'll almost always be ok. If they are above 20 then you probably will not enjoy yourself.
Keep in mind, however, that not only the wind can be moving but also the water can be moving. If there is a lot of current (water moving in a certain direction) then you may have trouble snorkeling in it even if the wind speeds are low.
So in addition to your weather app you will want to know about the tides. There are always two times during the day when the tides are changing (from low-to-high and high-to-low), which we call "slack tide" and often it lasts about an hour. The best time to go snorkeling will be when it is slack tide and when the winds are low.
I hope that helps to clarify.
R..
If the wind speeds are under 10 kts then you'll almost always be ok. If they are above 20 then you probably will not enjoy yourself.
Keep in mind, however, that not only the wind can be moving but also the water can be moving. If there is a lot of current (water moving in a certain direction) then you may have trouble snorkeling in it even if the wind speeds are low.
So in addition to your weather app you will want to know about the tides. There are always two times during the day when the tides are changing (from low-to-high and high-to-low), which we call "slack tide" and often it lasts about an hour. The best time to go snorkeling will be when it is slack tide and when the winds are low.
I hope that helps to clarify.
R..
OP
carherlo
Registered
Thanks a lot. That was really helpful indeed. Besides windfinder is there any other app you'd recommend for checking all of these values? Always orientated to snorkeling
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