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Boating Learn to Tame the Elements: Weather Forecasting for the Boating Enthusiast
Even the best planned boating trips can be inadvertently sabotaged by the caprices of nature. While some people have a great nose for the weather, even the most experienced boating enthusiasts know that they should never leave things such as the weather to hunch and chance. Seemingly benign weather could easily turn dangerous – and the last thing you want to be is helpless and at the mercy of the seas.
Sometimes anticipating the weather for the day is as simple as checking the local papers for weather forecasts. Sometimes, however, it isn’t that simple. If you are one of the many people interested in getting accurate information on the current state of the weather, then here are a few tips to help you keep the weather under tabs so you can enjoy your boating trip.
1. Check Local Newspapers – Local newspapers can be a good place to start your weather logging activities. Most major newspapers have accurate enough weather forecasts that can help you plan your boating day.
Unfortunately, newspapers come during the start of the day. And their predictions can only be so accurate. Most newspaper weather predictions can be quite reliable, but weather patterns can change quickly – even turning a crystal clear day into a gloomy overcast in the span of a few hours.
Stick to newspapers for preliminary weather reports, but remember to look for other, more frequently updated sources for blow by blow weather reports.
2. Radio and Television – Radio and television can give more accurate reports on the current weather. However, they don't offer information on demand, and you will have to tune in endlessly waiting for weather reports that may or may not come.
There are some dedicated weather channels and stations that take away from these problems. Check your local listings for these stations. These stations are available on cable and can serve as a good source of information when planning your trip.
If you need information on the go while you are on the seas, the NOAA or National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration has over 350 radio stations that continually broadcast up-to-date, and frequent reports on current weather, wind conditions, and wave heights. Tuning in to these broadcasts can be one of the best ways to keep track of current weather condition.
There are also VHF radio telephone broadcasts that can reach beyond 800 miles from the shore that issue warnings and give weather reports to mariners. If you can afford the equipment then try tuning in to such broadcasts.
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