San Francisco Boardsailing Association Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the sailing season?
The sailing season usually starts in March or April, depending on the year, and runs into
September. During this period you can sail almost every day if you are willing to do a
little driving. Winds during this period will range from the mid-high teens to occasional
"nuclear days." There are many in the windsurfing community that sail all year
long! That will require sailing before, during and after winter storms. These usually
results in gusty and sometimes rainy conditions. The wind can shut off with little
warning. See below for info on where to sail during storms.
What are the common wind patterns?
The common wind pattern during the spring and summer is for the coast to be cool and the
inland to warm during the day. The temperature gradient also results in a pressure
gradient. This drives the wind, causing air to flow from high pressure (cold temps) to low
pressure (warm temps). This air flow also causes the coastal fog in the summer. Once the
fog comes overhead the wind will drop drastically. If SF and the Peninsula are fogged in
head east to Berkeley Alameda or the Delta.
In the spring after a storm front passes we will sometimes get clearing winds as high
pressure builds up. These winds can be quite strong.
A more complete discussion of the wind patterns can be found on Ken Poulton's windspeed info.
How cold is the water and what kind of wetsuit do I need?
At the beginning of the season in March/April the water is in the Bay is quite cold, low
50's, and a full wetsuit, 5/3 or 4/3 is needed. As the weather gets nicer the water warms
up so a lighter full wetsuit or a convertible (short sleeves, long legs) can be used. Some
even sail in shorties later in the summer. However, if you spend a lot of time in the
water or sail far from shore a very warm wetsuit is recommended. An equipment breakdown
can result in spending a long time in the water and hypothermia can set in rapidly.
Sailing the coast at any time of the year requires a heavy-full wetsuit.
What size sails do I need?
For most people their bread & butter sail is 5.0-5.5. Of course, if you are much
lighter or heavier than average your most frequently used sail will differ. A full quiver
will generally include sizes as small as 3.5 and as big as 6.0.
Where can I take lessons?
Many shops offer lessons for first time beginners up to advanced sailors. Information on
how to contact them is listed on the SFBA Shops page. Great
places to learn include Alameda, Shoreline Park, Foster City Lagoon, and the Delta.
Where can I rent or demo equipment?
Most shops have equipment for rent or demo. Note that many shops do not rent wetsuits.
Information on how to contact them is listed on the SFBA Shops
page. Places that you can rent right at the sailing launch include Crown Beach Alameda
(Boardsports School), San Francisco (Boardsports School), Coyote Point (ASD), Foster City Lagoon (California Windsurfing),
and Shoreline (Spinnaker Sailing).
Where can I get info on wind conditions?
There are many resources on the net that have a variety of weather/wind conditions and
forecasts. The SFBA Links page has a large list of sites. Among
the best are iWindsurf and Windsight. Additionally, there
are some public windtalkers that are useful. See the SFBA
Windtalkers page for the numbers. The SFBA has a windtalker Berkeley. The phone number
for this is for SFBA members only and are not released to
the public.
Where is the best sailing?
There is no one answer. The great thing about the sailing in SF is the variety of
conditions. Everyone has there own favorite places. The SFBA
Site Guide shows the major sailing spots. Coyote Point, 3rd Ave and the Delta have
great "bump & jump" conditions. Candlestick is great for flat water drag
racing and practicing jibes. Crissy Field has spectacular urban scenery and the
opportunity to sail near or under the Golden Gate Bridge. Waddell Creek is the main surf
sailing spot for Northern California.
Where should I go for storm sailing?
Typical winter storms are accompanied by winds out of the southwest. The two main
locations that have good conditions during storms is Alameda and Pillar Point Harbor at
Half Moon Bay. Alameda will have big chop and swells, while Pillar Point will have flat
water because it is protected by a breakwater.
How safe is the water?
In general the ocean water is the cleanest. The water quality in the Bay isn't great, but
you shouldn't be too worried. It is a good idea to have your tetanus booster shot up to
date. Also, any cuts should be disinfected with hydrogen peroxide immediately after
sailing. The water quality in the Delta may be worse than the Bay because of the runoff
for pesticides and fertilizers from the agricultural fields.
After heavy rains the water quality in the Bay will be markedly worse because of runoff
from the storm sewers. Also, the local sewage treatment plants can discharge partially
treated water if there system becomes overloaded because of heavy rainfall. Local agencies
will usually post warnings if this occurs.
One of the previous SFBA newsletters has an article on water quality issues.
Info specific on the water quality at Crissy Field can be obtained at:
(415) 242-2214 or toll free 1-877-SFBEACH.
Where can I get info on local racing?
The SFBA is not normally a sponsor of local races. The local race series is the Cal
Cup. Their website
has the complete schedule. Many of the shops, including ASD and
Berkeley Board Sports, are involved in sponsoring races. Information on how to contact
them is listed on the SFBA Shops page.
What about the tides?
The tides can give you much grief if you don't pay attention or have an equipment
breakdown. This can result in the "walk of shame", a long walk carrying your
gear back to the launch or a rescue. Normally the best sailing is during an ebb tide,
where the water is flowing out of the Bay. Here the current is in the opposite direction
of the wind. This increases the apparent wind, makes it easy to stay upwind and can cause
big swells. This situation duplicates the typical summer conditions at the Gorge. When the
tide is flooding staying upwind will usually require a lot of work. Get a tide table at a
shop (they usually have then for free) or check out the tides on web.
Should I be worried sharks?
There has been only one reported attack by a shark, probably a great white, of a
windsurfer. This occurred at Davenport, which is located near Waddell Creek. There are
much bigger problems, like drowning, getting bonked by your mast, getting run over by a
boat, etc., than getting attacked by a shark. However, the area from Pt Reyes, to the
Farallons to Ana Nuevo (near Waddell) is known as the "red triangle" because of
the high concentrations of great whites.
You shouldn't be worried at all about sharks inside the Bay.
What should I carry in a safety kit?
Sailing far from shore in offshore or sideshore winds can be potentially hazardous in the
event of an equipment breakdown. The SFBA strongly recommends sailing with a buddy. In
addition we recommend carrying a safety kit, which should include 3 flares, 30' of line,
loud whistle and a waterproof strobe. Many of the shops carry strobes, as well as West
Marine Products (Palo Alto, S. SF, Sausalito and Oakland).
Where can I buy or sell used equipment?
Many shops sponsor swap meets throughout the season. The swaps at the beginning and end of
the season are usually the biggest. You can also post messages on the wind_talk
email list. iWindsurf
has online classified section for used equipment.
Updated - 9/18/01
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