Weather Information

WINDLINE 916-777-7007

(Windy Cove to Sherman Island)

New Windtalker Location Coming Soon!

 

As some visitors to California know, the Sacramento Valley is awfully hot in the summertime. Many find refuge from the heat by visiting the cool San Francisco Bay area. It is this phenomenon that that makes windsurfing in Rio Vista spectacular. The thermal winds created by the temperature differences between San Francisco and the Sacramento valley are awesome. The winds are further complemented by the channeling effect created by the Montezuma Hills.

What this means to visiting sailors is predictable winds. Watch the weather reports for several days of "heating up" in the Sacramento Valley, this usually leads to several days of breezes. That indicates to you that it's blowing in Rio.

THE CONDITIONS

The season for sailing in Rio Vista is basically May through August. During the high wind season sailors can usually count on two sessions daily, from sunrise to about 10 a.m., followed by an afternoon session running from around 3 p.m. to sunset. Often it blows all day. It is possible to windsurf year- round but these conditions are not predictable and should not be attempted by novices or those unfamiliar with launch sites and conditions as it can be dangerous.

The Sacramento River is a tidal area, meaning that sailors should be aware of whether the river is ebbing or flooding. On an ebb tide the river water is flowing out toward San Francisco Bay. The prevailing wind direction is southwest. This causes choppy water conditions with lots of ramps for air and makes for easier upwind sailing. The tide generally runs around 4-5 hours and is followed by a slack tide, then turns to a flood tide, then repeats the cycle. The flood tides are generally smooth water conditions on a southwest wind but means the sailor should be pointing fairly well if they want to get back to their original launch. Tide charts are available at Windcraft.

Of course, sail sizes vary according to the conditions and sailor size, ability and equipment. A quiver from 4.0 to 6.5 will work well with 4.5 to 5.5 being used the most.

There are key people at Windcraft that have experience and years of knowledge. You are welcome to call the shop, however, as a result of our attendance to cusomter needs at the store, please understand that the Windtalker number is your best resource (916-777-7007).

Vic Swanson's personal insight:

"Here's the deal. If you are deciding where to sail and your schedule constricts your enjoyment of this sport, then I understand your search for the wind. Personally, if that is the case, I would seek other employment opportunities that are more convenient to my spiritual needs. I have found that whether the wind and/or the conditions are to my liking or not, I still found it rewarding to unfurl my sails, tune my equipment and wait, sometimes unsuccessfully. But it always rewarded my understanding of the elements and the focus I needed that give me my greatest pleasures. I've learned more about my favorite sailing places when the wind wasn't blowing. Sometimes it is just worth hanging out."

Click to continue your adventure