wind direction/paddling conditions for Manly, NSW

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tans
tans
NSW
30 posts
NSW, 30 posts
17 Apr 2009 5:47pm
hi guys.

quick question for those of you that paddle around Manly.

i was under the impression, and also by being told by other paddlers, that when the wind is a southerly (seabreeze north head predictions), then the conditions around Manly and the Bower should be pretty quiet?

So what happened today?!?!!! i went out around 1pm, after noting that said wind was indeed a S, albeit quite high knots wise speed, around 20-22.... and i almost felt like calling out for the lifeguards!!!!

the water was pretty choppy, and heading towards North Steyne was fine, probably because the wind was behind me, but coming back i had to paddle my little arms out thank the sea gods i had some music to keep me going, 'coz it was rough! but i made it, toughest paddle so far, a real 40mins workout.

did i get the wind thing completely wrong? or should i also be taking note of wind speed, even if the direction is right?

thanks for your forever useful inputs.
SF
SF
NSW
161 posts
SF SF
NSW, 161 posts
17 Apr 2009 9:36pm
Tans,

It sounds to me as if you were at the right place, but have come too far down the beach and got out of the full protection of the headland. Also when paddling down wind in moderate wind you can be deceived about its true strength. Paddling down wind at 5 knots in 15 knots of wind it will feel like 10 knots, but turn around to paddle up wind at the same speed and it will feel like 20 knots.

Good luck with your paddling, its good to see you are getting out in the ocean.

Steve
Casso
Casso
NSW
3785 posts
NSW, 3785 posts
17 Apr 2009 10:05pm
Yeah, what Steve said.

The southern end of Manly is great in a southerly but if it's over 10-15 knots just do laps between Shelly Beach and the beach in front of Manly Surf Club (and you might be able to catch a little wave or two on the way in).
boylos
boylos
NSW
769 posts
NSW, 769 posts
19 Apr 2009 7:37am
I paddle at Cronulla and surrounding Bays ,and I've been caught out like that as well.

Go to this website www.coastalwatch.com.au

It has surf cams ,but also has wind direction and swell size for the week ,for the areas that your paddling in .

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Boylos
tans
tans
NSW
30 posts
NSW, 30 posts
21 Apr 2009 2:44pm
hey, thanks guys!

bummer, and there's me trying to paddle all the way down to queenscliff

i guess i'm going to have to wait for those "perfect" conditions to come on by before i can attempt that....

i can't even go to the harbour side at the moment because of this darned wind!! ah well, i guess doing laps or paddling in circles is better than no paddle at all.... S*** weather for it at the moment though!
SP
SP
10982 posts
SP SP
10982 posts
21 Apr 2009 1:18pm
If your mobile try long reef, usually handles a southerly wind ok Or Collaroy
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