Night diving off of a private boat... weather question...

[c1212]

Hi,

In october of 2010 we purchased a 25 ft pocket cruiser... we've been out diving a bunch and we've got into night bug diving too. One thing that baffles me is the weather reports... does anyone have any tips or a good place to do som reading... on where I can understand the reports better? Here is the weather report for tonight at channel islands harbor (CA) from the NOAA site... the small craft advisory was lifted at 2.00 PM as expected and the high winds/gusts have subsided.

Tonight: E wind 6 to 14 kt becoming NNE in the evening. Clear. W swell 3 ft at 15 seconds. Wind waves around 1 ft.

Is this OK weather to go out and safely boat at night? We will be probably only dive the rockwall... we want to b safe and also not waste 1.5 hours driving there to have to turn around.

Any advice is appreciated... thanks!
Edwin

 

[Hank49]

Windfinder - Wind & weather forecast Dana Point Harbor

I use this site here in Belize. They track wind forecasts all over the US and world. (I typed in Dana Point Harbor on this page. Not sure where you are)
You should be able to type in your exact location in CA.
Wind and rain are the factors that determine whether or not I go out. It's been pretty accurate having used it for the last year.
14 knots is getting a bit strong for my boat, but it depends on wind direction too.
And nothing beats local knowledge. If you know some other boaters or spearos there, ask them.

 

[SurferRyan]

Here in NC, I trust the wunderground.com marine forecast for our area. Just type in a city along the coast, and then click "Marine Forecast". You can check from 0-20miles out, and then they have an offshore report too from 20+ miles out.