November Swell Courses
Wednesday 23 October 2013 Spike is offering a new swell course this November 5 and 13. Pull into a fascinating audio-visual journey to the deep ocean where mathematically defined lines of swell magically propagate from the messy and imperfect maelstrom of storms.
What is the swell course?
South African surf forecaster and founder of Wavescape, Spike, gives a multi-media presentation using video and graphics to discuss how waves form, how swell moves through the sea, what happens when it arrives at the coast, and how to call it. He throws in some crazy case studies. This fascinating, graphical journey brings home the catastrophic power of nature. Unique surf forecasting insights give it a unique perspective that appeals to all ocean users and interested people.
Who is it for?
* Ocean sports (surfers, sailors, kiters, boardsailors, divers, paddlers)* Marine industry (Salvors, harbour workers, lifeguards, fisheries, shipping)
* Recreation (beachgoers, anglers)
* Other (retirees, paragliders, marine tour guides, oil rig staff, naval officers)
What do we cover?
* The genesis of ocean storms
* The destructive force of waves
* Video footage inside intense hurricanes
* Damage by freak waves & tsunamis
* Ways to understand wave power
* Ways to understand wave period
* Ways to interpret weather models
* Surfcasting tips and tricks
* Storm and big wave case studies
What is the format?
1. Section 1 (45 minutes)
Genesis of storms and swell, how to define and observe swell, and the mathematical connection to energy dictated by the formation of swell - Drinks break (10 minutes)
2. Section 2 (45 minutes)
Propagation of swell, role of period, destructive forces, how swell becomes surf, shoaling, storm damage, shipwrecks - Light supper (25 minutes)
3. Section 3 (55 minutes)
The internet, weather models, prediction and interpreting the data, big wave case studies, questions and open forum
What do people say about it?
"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
Venue
Save Our Seas Shark Centre, 28 Main Road, Kalk Bay
Time and Dates
6-9pm | Tuesday 5 November | Wednesday 13 November
What do you get for your bucks?
* Entertaining lecture using video, sound and animation
* Practical tips to enhance your lifestyle (and save you petrol)
* Refreshments (beer, wine and cooldrink) and light supper (pizza and salad)
* A5 colour booklet with basic course information