So how do you determine if it’s safe to get out on the water for kayaking, paddle boarding, or snorkeling? I like to use a few different apps and links to try to determine what the weather is going to be like on any given day. My go to app is WeatherBug. WeatherBug is like a one stop shop in my opinion. You can determine the wind speed, the direction of the wind, the percentage of chance of rain in any given area, you can use a live radar to locate storm cells and you can find how close you are in proximity to the latest lightning strike. Scientifically lightning and strike you if you are within 10 miles of it. Personally, I do not go on the water unless lightning is 30 miles or more away. Like I said, it is a one stop shop for all things weather related.
I also like to use National Weather Service or NWS ( https://forecast.weather.gov/shmrn.php?mz=AMZ650 ). This link also provides wind strength and direction, but also includes advisories such as, “small craft should exercise caution”, or “small craft advisory in effect”. Personally, I do not go on the water during a small craft advisory. Generally, a small craft advisory is is for small motorized vessels going offshore, but the conditions are usually indicative of unsafe conditions for kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkeling.
Another tool that I like to use is an app called Windy, but I only use Windy if there is a discrepancy between what WeatherBug is reporting, and what the National Weather Service is reporting. I like to use this app as sort of a moderator between the two. So if one is reporting conditions that are conducive to getting out on the water and the other is reporting conditions that are hazardous, I’ll use Windy to decide which one is correct. Of course you should always take a few minutes to make your assessment in person to be sure it’s safe.
Last, but not least, I do like to use a link called tides.net ( https://tides.net/florida/301/?year=2024&month=10&day=5 ). Tides.net is exactly what it says it is, it’s a tide chart. This page allows you to determine when the tide is going to be low and when is the tide is going to be high. This is more of a personal preference thing for me. I like to kayak or paddleboard, and most definitely snorkel the intercoastal waters during an incoming tide, because the water is more clear and Caribbean blue which allows for better visibility and a better opportunity to spot marine life. By no means, should the tide restrict you from going out as it does not affect your safety as long as you’re aware of your surroundings.
Of course never forget to use common sense. If you check the weather using all of the above tools, and it seems like it will be safe to be on the water, but you arrive and it doesn’t feel safe then stay safe and save it for another day!
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