VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

Hi all

Wondering what locations folks use to get best wind forecasts?
For example is the Ogden Point location better for RB than Gonzales?

For RB what’s the go to?
What about Willows?
IV?

Thanks for the input for a newbie!

Oh man a loaded question, who can predict the wind? Though it's getting much better all the time, the wind is still a fickle thing and can change right up to the time you get there. Thankfully BWD has compiled almost all of the tools necessary right here on the website to predict when and where to go. Anyway, I always use a combination of forecast tools, so in answer to your question:

• First, use the BWD Forecast - Quicklook to see RB and other nearby locations for potential upcoming (3 day period) windy days.
  • Use another tool like Predict Wind or Windy or others on web.. to look at various wind models for the area, these often forecast out a week or better but anything beyond a couple days for wind you must really be skeptical about
  • Look at BWD Imagery weather/pressure maps, satellite images, etc to see potential wind fronts incoming
  • Day of: - look at BWD Wind Latest Reports to see if it's truly windy. For example RB doesn't have a weather station right there so use both Ogden and Gonzales and Trial to get an idea of wind in the area
  • Day of: - look at a BWD site web cam if possible to see if it's truly windy enough to go to the spot
  • Day of: - Monitor the various local "chats" to see what others are thinking or where they're going, like BWD Comments, Facebook RBFC group

Great advice thanks!

Lots of info here too:
https://bigwavedave.ca/sailing-guide.html

I use:
Ross Bay
Model 2
Juan de Fuca E marine forecast
Ogden Pt on latest reports
Harling Pt on latest reports (wind is usually somewhere in between Ogden/Harling)
Race Rocks on latest reports
Pressure gradient prediction (https://bigwavedave.ca/pressure-gradient.html)
Ross Bay and Dallas Road webcams

Willows
Model 2
Haro Strait Marine forecast
Discovery Isl on latest reports
RVYC on latest reports
Ten Mile Pt on latest reports
Willows Webcam

Island View
Model 2
Haro Strait Marine forecast
Island View Beach on latest reports(reads a bit high)
Kelp Reefs on latest reports
Victoria Airport on latest reports
IV webcam

For future forecast the “show all” button by Model 1 and Model 2 at the top will give you a week out rather than 3 days.

I use Ogden, and the webcam to see texture. Before heading down. For me if Ogden is over 15kts - it will be just foldable at RB.

BWD is right with marine forecast JDF E for accurate overall forecasts.