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Punta San Carlos is a popular destination
for quite a diverse group of visitors. We are proud of the
fact it rarely disappoints its guests. It is uncanny the amount of
e-mail and phone calls we get regarding "inside information" as to the
weather and swell conditions. For the most part the simple fact is,
there really isn't any magic involved as we rely on the same public
information systems as you do. This is probably the closest we
get to "the inside scoop" -
P unta
San Carlos ocean and air temperatures are generally cool. Water averages
between 53-60 degrees depending on the time of year. Most sailors bring
a 4.3 wetsuit. If you are hearty, a 3.2. Spring is traditionally the
coolest air & water. Summer - cool water/cool air, Fall - about as warm
as it gets. Spring & Full suits (3.2) and if you are lucky- a vest or
trunks on rare occasions.
The wind is also cool and
manages to penetrate the best of wetsuits over the course of your
go-out. Hoods, booties and gloves are welcome accessories in the Spring.
Bike gloves for the hands will keep you on the water pain free. Booties
are year around due to the rocky bottom.
Mountain Bikers & Hikers
should bring clothing for mild to hot weather conditions with adequate
head shade.
SUNSCREEN - a must.
Our conditions can be more intense due to superior air quality & lack of
sun-dimming effects. Cool winds can be deceptive when gauging your
sun exposure. Sun burns are more rapid. WEAR SUNSCREEN!
DRESSING for SUCCESS
Spring is traditionally cool
day & night with periods of downright North Atlantic. UGG boots are the
all around foot wear. Warm wind resistant jackets, ski caps & sweaters
for night are normally OK. During the day T-shirts and shorts or sweat
pants. Summer, fall & winter require a series of wardrobe changes. At
sun-up its UGGs, jackets & sweatpants. As the Sun clears the top of the
mesa - shorts, t-shirts and slaps for most of the day with UGGs &
jackets in the evening. Hats are necessary for sun protection, wool caps
for evening.
A word about shoes - 3 ought
to do it - 1) good, tough walking/hiking shoes 2) slaps for the beach 3)
UGGS for nighttime (leave the bunny slippers at home).
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT OUR
CONDITIONS
FACT - The local San Carlos area has its
own micro climate system most likely due to the fact in is located on the
edge of two diverse climate zones. That causes it to get very windy
when the adjacent area is blowing a mild 8-10 mph. Unfortunately a
very popular Internet wind report website broadcasts Punta San Carlos wind
predictions based on the outside areas and is wrong a great deal of the
time. We have offered to have them put a sensor near the island but
they have been cool to the suggestion. Lets move on.
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FACT - Punta San Carlos is windy 12 months
a year. Your expectations will drive your stoke. For example.
A lot of Gorge folks really like the white out of March - May. If
the surf isn't trashed by spindrift, then why bother. The hardcore
wave sailors avoid these NUKE days because it isn't the perfect wavesailing conditions - so
go out. It doesn't mean that there
aren't white out days in July or August....I've suffered through
them....days at a time. That is the beauty of Punta San Carlos....kinda
like a box of chocolates thing....So what is the prefect wavesailing day?
Ask the hardcores and they will say "just enough wind to sail out and its
prefect to drive down the line, in control, smacking the lip as you go on
a well shaped wave face. "Being a surfer/windsurfer - that's
my paradise. Punta San Carlos dishes up all that and everything in
between - all in one day.
FACT - Punta San Carlos is great on a south
& northwest/west swell. Late October and April enjoy the best of
both worlds as they are transitional swell months. KT and I love the
fall. Late souths, early wests, incredible sunsets and the perfect
combo of surf in the morning sail/kite in the afternoon. Of course
all subject to the moods and whims of mother nature. Speaking of
mom...
FACT - Hurricanes rarely travel up as high
as Punta San Carlos. It doesn't mean that it doesn't effect the
local weather. It can, but usually for only a few days and nothing
like being in it. There are a number of public information systems
on the TV and the web that can give you up-to-date info if you have
concerns about traveling during hurricane season. Unfortunately we
are not trained meteorologists and prefer to decline speculation as to
what the weather will be. We also will decline marital
troubleshooting & medical advice. We will be happy to critique your
sailing or kiting style usually with the help of a Tecate or two.
The point is - WE DON"T KNOW ANYMORE THAN YOU DO.
So - That's the long and short of it.
We try to answer all inquires on the e-mail & the phone answering machine
but sometimes we are just swamped and can't....don't take it personally,
especially after this little diatribe, Hope to see you down there!
KT & Clark
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