Spike Spring Course

Introduction

Surf forecaster and founder of Wavescape, Spike, who also consults to surfing events, gives a multi-media presentation on how waves form, how swell moves through the sea, and what happens when it arrives at the coast, with the aim of improving your accuracy when analysing surf forecasts. This fascinating, graphical journey also brings home the catastrophic power of nature. Spike's insights give it a unique perspective with appeal to ocean users of all kinds.

Who is it for?

Ocean sports (surfers, sailors, kiters, boardsailors, divers, paddlers); marine industry (Salvors, harbour workers, lifeguards, fisheries, shipping): Recreation (beachgoers, anglers); Other (paragliders, marine tour guides, oil rig staff, naval officers)

What will you experience?

An entertaining but informative audio-visual journey into the genesis of ocean storms to understand the formation of mighty waves. Watch footage of intense hurricanes on land and from ships at sea. See the destruction caused by waves, such as tsunamis, and understand the power of wave period. See examples of weather models and how to analyse them. Get forecasting tips based on Spike's big wave studies and forecasting experiences over the years. Listen to anecdotes and share ideas with others.

What is the format?

Part 1 (30 minutes): Genesis of storms: how to define swell by understanding how energy is dictated by wind speed, duration of wind and distance (fetch)

Part 2 (30 minutes): Propagation of swell, role of period, destructive forces, how swell becomes surf, shoaling, storm damage, shipwrecks

30 minutes halftime break (food, refreshment)

Part 3 (50 minutes): The Internet, weather models, prediction and interpreting the data, big wave case studies, questions and open forum

Peer review

"You've read his twisted humour in the surf reports. Now experience it in person, with 'stories from the deep' - simple explanations of where waves come from, and a generally fascinating delve into weather patterns, storms and swell from around the world. Oh, and you also get a great dinner, a few beers and the chance to skinner with other surfers and kiters. Highly recommended!" -- Ian Henderson (kitesurfer)

"Over the years I have attended dozens of courses on various topics but nothing has the vibe of having a real enthusiast share his passion. Multo obrigado." -- Mike Ohlson, Richards Bay

Date: Tuesday 22 September
Venue: Wavescape, 3rd Floor, Woodstock Exchange, 66 Albert Road, Woodstock. Secure parking available on request. Map below
Time:   6.30pm to 9pm

Get your tickets for Cape Town

If you have a query or wish to pay by EFT rather, contact Spike here.