Coastal current forecasting?

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

This is for anybody with some coastal experience or knowledge. As I learned from the Columbia, it helps to have the current opposing the wind.

Is there any semi-reliable way to forecast current along the Oregon coast?
Or is the current a result of the wind, in which case it would always be in the direction of the wind?
Are there any places in particular that are good for staying upwind?

I ask this because I would like to be able to stay upwind on a cross-shore wind, I don't always have the resources to do a downwinder.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Riding on the inside of a jetty usually helps because the jetty blocks the current. Plus you also get cleaner waves. Otherwise you can try to figure out how to ride a bus or cab back to the launch so you can downwind anyway Smile

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2103 Posts PNW Bigfoot

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

All good advice - hard enough to predict wind and fog - currents a distant third.

Being aware of currents is a really really good idea.

The currents generally run in the direction of the wind when its sideshore - breakwaters/jetty can create a backeddy flow - usually straight out to sea - can suck if you lose your board or if you are fishing and fall off the jetty.

Inlets in outgoing tides and onshore winds will give you a boost - but if you drop your kite - next stop Japan (definately don't try this at the mouth of the columbia) Even small river mouths emptying into the ocean can put you into a world of hurt if things go bad (plus thats where whitey hangs out). Have fun be safe.

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

Don't they have to put buoys in place and watch them drift to figure the currents? Which I don't think would be feasible close to land.

Then things change seasonally. My assumptions around Newport are: 1. There is a southern current at south beach once you go south of the jetty and 2. I believe there is one at Beverly too - though that one probably needs more research. 3.Possible rips near the creek at Beverly and off the jetty.

OSU Rip Current Info

sentone · Since 10 Feb 2006 66 Posts

spike....ocean currents have daily variables main factors are swell direction north swells push north to south......south swells south to north ect.....west come straight in.....now the fun part......lots of Beach's face different directions.....aka port orford faces south......you need to know all the info....jeddies.....river mouths .....headlands can cause apparent and local oddities.....rips....drains .eddies......fist thing each day is different when you get to the beach a careful study is mandatory......surfers are famous for this and spend endless time watching the ocean......... winds are hard to rely on and they are in charge of surface water as that where they effect currents dont allways follow there lead we get lots of west swells with east winds the deep water curent moves west to east cuz its swell genarated..TIDES play a big part to get a tide chart learn to use it ..high tide is full water......waves move in ....backwash pops up ect low tide the surf breaks out more on the sand bars thin water on the inside... riding next to jetties is a art....say a large north swell is running you find a jeddie and ride the south side of it....ya the current is blocked but only for the shadow of the jeddie the rest of the ocean is still rageing...if you ride a block be careful as this is where most nasty eddies occur and if you drop your kite it most likely wont go in.....but will go up near the jeddie and go out until it clears the shadow and gets into the real current .......needless to say[ i hope ]don't ride on the un blocked side as the surf current ect will push you INTO the Jeddy ....do not be afraid to ask any and every one.fisherman...surfers....lifegaurds .locals.....i know on the coast a long reach to the out side is lots of time impossable.......to getback up wind ..and short inside tacks are hard and many but safer.....if not 100% sure in the ocean wait for some else or don't go.....are beaches here are posted with signs that say WHEN IN DOUBT DONT GO OUT...sounds kinda corny...but i guess it works....we get tons of tourist here that have never seen the ocean....and want to snorkeler the guide book s tell them where to go .......clueless to the DAYLY conditions......it seems unreal to any locals but .......the human factor ........dont really want to get going on that........... so...study the day....the wind...swell and your head.....ride aggressive know your out and if possable ride with others....... oh ya if your lit.....you got a upper hand......if its light your already rolling the bones light winds big ocean........borderline .... get youself a dirt board ....rip the long empty beaches untill its on .....at least ya get to ride ....... BE SAFE.....HAVE FUN...... Exclamation