coastie chat

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

spending time on the coast has me wondering a few things... like, what geographic setup creates better coastal conditions? For example, why does Manzo always seem to be a little windier than places minutes north or south of it? It has a little cape sticking out, so does it face a slightly different direction? or what?

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

That headland just north was weather breaker yesterday - you could sit up at the viewpoint and see cranking caps to south - glassy nothing to the north - just minutes apart.

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2626 Posts The 503 METAL

Headlands always seem to do that. Cape Blanco is another example. Tillamook Head will do that for Seaside on some SW days.

Cool

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

Its no different than an airfoil on it's side. As the wind comes from the NW and hits the headland, it stays close to it as it curves to match the shape of the headland. Along with curving comes an acceeleration of the airflow, just like the air over the top of a wing accelerates as it is re-deirected. I'm sue there is more to it, but that is what I assume to be the basic idea.

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

i should add more:

PC, the winds are always less, yet the shape of the land seems to mimic that (somewhat) of manzanita.

why?

stringer · Since 31 Jul 2007 694 Posts Chucktown Flying Tomato

How do you guys predict wind at the coast?
I've been working on some strapless surfboard riding, and am dying to get a coast sesh.
Rolling the dice on wind sucks at close to $4.50/gal.

I've also heard that the coast never blows, water is full of gigantic sharks, the waves suck, there are too many logs in the surf, its never sunny, and nobody should ever go there no matter what. Wink

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2626 Posts The 503 METAL

Sunny Manzo...

scottnorby · Mon Jun 16, 08 1:10 pm

Manzo is a natural venturi.
A valley (nehalem bay) off in the distance, combined with air molecules separating and speeding up as they race around the point.

Best weather forecast tool for the coast is the marine forcast combined with Accuweather.com and magicseaweed.com.

5 foot southwest swell with 17 second intervals today. NW wind.
Could be epic.

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2626 Posts The 503 METAL

Kites in the Manzo cam..wish I was there.. Confused

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 902 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

Think of the northerly winds along the coast as a huge river of fluid heading from north to south. The headlands are like rock outcroppings in the river slowing the current down on the upstream side and then when the water rushes around the rocks on the downstream side it accelerates and gains speed. That is why it is generally light winds on the north sides of the headlands for several miles, and directly below the headlands on the south sides you find strong winds and good kiteboarding conditions. The barometer will also read slightly higher pressure on the north side versus the south side which will read lower pressure. Fluid always moves from high to low according to laws of physics.

FlyDunes · Since 09 Oct 2007 1034 Posts Aloha XTreme Poster

Well it will be stronger a little down wind of the headlands. Too close to the headlands and you will be in the lee and the wind will be flukey as shit. You can find lots of (dangerous for paragliders, annoying for kites) rotor in the lee!