All in all, I applaud the efforts they continue to make to improve the
site. I like 'em.

A few specifics:

-I like the FlowViz screen a lot. If the computer models were any
good, this new screen would be outstanding. If it's using the same
old models, then, sadly, it's a waste. :(

-I also really like the satellite, radar, wind map combo screen. Small
issue: The wind map screen has red asterisks to indicated iWindsurf
owned sensors. Those asterisks show up much more prominently than the
arrow and make it look like the sensor is in a different location.

-I'll echo the many requests others have had to keep the entire day's
forecasts up. Please let us see if the forecast trend agrees with the
observed trend.

-If a wind sensor is only going to report wind during daylight hours,
it would be nice if it didn't show an entire 24 hr graph (with mostly
blank space).

From:	Florian Feuser /FFF/
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	13 Jan 2005 23:39:23 GMT

On 1/13/05 5:20 PM rathokan@gmail.com wrote:
> I hate it!
>

It somehow doesn't look as windy as it did before...

florian

From:	MTVNewsGuy
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	14 Jan 2005 13:17:52 GMT

Nay. I'm still working through it, but so far I think it stinks.

<< Subject: Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
From: Florian Feuser /FFF/ florianSPAMTRAP@funnygarbage.com
Date: Thu, Jan 13, 2005 6:39 PM
Message-id: <20050113183908097-0500@News.Individual.DE>

On 1/13/05 5:20 PM rathokan@gmail.com wrote:
> I hate it!
>

It somehow doesn't look as windy as it did before...

florian

>>

Michael

From:	Paul Braunbehrens
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Fri, 14 Jan 2005 09:22:23 -0800

There are a few problems with it right off the bat.

Fist off, the name of the sailing site used to be on the map, but now
it is not. This makes it a little harder to figure out what's going
on, especially if you are looking at an area that you are not very
familiar with. There is plenty of room on the map, so there is no
reason not to have the name.

Also, the map is divided up differently for my area, I used to be able
to have a map that included the Delta as well as Crissy and everything
in between. Now I lose the Delta when I zoom in enough to get all the
sites in the middle to show (like Treasure Island). The upshot is that
you used to be able to see at a glance what the wind was doing between
the Delta and the Bay, and now you can't.

Forecastst still don't show real vs predicted wind, which would help in
deciding how much trust to put in the forecast, and which way to slant
it.

The wind vector and wind flow maps are nice, but I wonder how useful
they are going to be if they don't take into account actual conditions,
and are just based on the forecasts.

Also, it says "many new features". It would be useful to know what
they are so we can have a look at them.

I'm hoping that this kind of detailed response will be useful to the IW
guys, so they can figure out how to improve the site.

If there is something you do or don't like about the site, I'd suggest
mentioning specifics.

BTW, I think some of the changes were done to make it compatible with
their www.sailflow.com site. I suspect they get more income from that
anyway.

Paul B.

In article <20050114081752.10996.00000001@mb-m28.aol.com>, MTVNewsGuy
wrote:

> Nay. I'm still working through it, but so far I think it stinks.
>
> << Subject: Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
> From: Florian Feuser /FFF/ florianSPAMTRAP@funnygarbage.com
> Date: Thu, Jan 13, 2005 6:39 PM
> Message-id: <20050113183908097-0500@News.Individual.DE>
>
> On 1/13/05 5:20 PM rathokan@gmail.com wrote:
> > I hate it!
> >
>
> It somehow doesn't look as windy as it did before...
>
> florian
>
>
>
>
>
> >>

>
> Michael

From:	(Pete Cresswell)
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Fri, 14 Jan 2005 18:02:59 GMT

Per Paul Braunbehrens:
>Fist off, the name of the sailing site used to be on the map, but now
>it is not. This makes it a little harder to figure out what's going
>on, especially if you are looking at an area that you are not very
>familiar with. There is plenty of room on the map, so there is no
>reason not to have the name.

My guess is that some maps are more dense location-wise than others.

Take a look at
http://www.iwindsurf.com/windandwhere.iws?regionID=108&snapShotBar=snapShot

lotta locs packed pretty close.... Maybe this scheme leaves them open for
increased density on all maps without having to worry if they've got room.
--
PeteCresswell

From:	Ben Kaufman
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Fri, 14 Jan 2005 10:57:59 -0500

On 13 Jan 2005 23:39:23 GMT, Florian Feuser /FFF/
wrote:

>On 1/13/05 5:20 PM rathokan@gmail.com wrote:
>> I hate it!
>>
>
>It somehow doesn't look as windy as it did before...
>
>florian

Lol.

It looks nice. The new features look useful but my main concern, which they
said they were working on (x months ago) , is the predictive model accuracy.
The live forecasters rarely devote consideration to what's happening on the
Hudson unless it is the hot spot of the day, otherwise, they seem to ignore it.

Ben

From:	android
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	14 Jan 2005 17:12:34 -0800

I took a closer look at the pressure/isobar feature. Real time
pressure numbers with no isobars. Go to the forecast and you get
isobars - but the scale on the map is zoomed way in (I think) so you
can't get a point of reference. Pretty useless.

From:	Paul Braunbehrens
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Sat, 15 Jan 2005 00:03:54 -0800

I'm really glad people are posting specifics. If no one from IW
replies once it dies down, I'll collate it and mail it to them. IMO
they provide an incredibly valuable service, and I'm glad they are
adding features and improving it. I'm sure they have doubled my
sailing fun, if not sailing days.

In article <1105751554.748329.55660@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com>,
android wrote:

> I took a closer look at the pressure/isobar feature. Real time
> pressure numbers with no isobars. Go to the forecast and you get
> isobars - but the scale on the map is zoomed way in (I think) so you
> can't get a point of reference. Pretty useless.
>

From:	Glenn Woodell
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Sat, 15 Jan 2005 16:15:44 -0500

Although I am the technical rep for the Hampton Roads area I have
always forwarded along any comments, positive or negative, to the
iWindsurf staff about all areas. I am now compiling these comments as
well as others to send to them in addition to my own comments.

Glenn

On Sat, 15 Jan 2005 00:03:54 -0800, Paul Braunbehrens
wrote:

>I'm really glad people are posting specifics. If no one from IW
>replies once it dies down, I'll collate it and mail it to them. IMO
>they provide an incredibly valuable service, and I'm glad they are
>adding features and improving it. I'm sure they have doubled my
>sailing fun, if not sailing days.
>
>
>In article <1105751554.748329.55660@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com>,
>android wrote:
>
>> I took a closer look at the pressure/isobar feature. Real time
>> pressure numbers with no isobars. Go to the forecast and you get
>> isobars - but the scale on the map is zoomed way in (I think) so you
>> can't get a point of reference. Pretty useless.
>>

From:	Bob A.
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Mon, 17 Jan 2005 15:00:26 -0500

Glenn,

Here is a copy of the feedback I've just sent directly to iWindsurf. I'm
posting this here in case any rec.windsurfing sailors would care to comment.

I like the trend of bringing more weather information into iWindurf. I'm
very familiar with getting this type of information off the web at large,
and it would be nice to have it all in one place. iWindsurf (formerly the
Wind Hotline for me in Massachusetts) has been indispensible to me since its
beginning, by providing real time wind observations for my sailing sites.
That alone is worth the price of admission. That said, some of the new GUI
features are obscuring the information they are trying to convey, in my
opinion, and there are some things I'd love to have access to that iWindsurf
hasn't yet addressed.

Wind Obs Map: The overlayed text doesn't have enough contrast. (The red
asterisks are the most noticeable thing and they are not meant to convey
anything spacial.)

Tides: The old sunusoidal graph was great. The new GUI with the numbers
superimposed on the map is too complex for me to digest.

Cloud Cover Observations: I liked the old GUI for real time satellite map of
visible clouds. The new GUI with subtle shades of color denoting cloud
coverage zones has way too little contrast and resolution to be helpful.
Here's an example a great GUI for visible clouds (provided by the Weather
Underground website):
http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/satblast/satBlast?lat=41.442863&lon=-71.331284&width=640&height=480&zoom=5&SatType=VIS&Map.x=347&Map.y=144

Pressure Map Observations: I don't see much value in seeing only raw
pressure numbers on a limited area map. I'd love to see actual real time
ISOBARS, 1 mb resolution, and they should be overlayed over a larger area
than the current pressure obs maps. I've been using CoolWx.com to see real
time 1 mb resolution isobars (updated hourly) and they are my most critical
tool for deciding weather to go sail or stay home
http://coolwx.com/cgi-bin/getanalysis.php?region=ne&time=current&field=pres
They have streamlines too, also updated hourly:
http://coolwx.com/cgi-bin/getanalysis.php?region=ne&time=current&field=stream
The charts on this site have the right coverage area ( i.e. about the size
of an average state) for determining the overall pattern and still having
enough detail to see how the pattern is affecting a given sailing site.

Wireless Web Interface: Here's a summary of how I use weather information
for my best shot at ensuring wind: Before deciding to drive I check all the
forecasts (local radio/tv, iWindsurf, etc.). After glancing at the iWindsurf
wind graphs, I immediately check out the real time isobars (1 mb resolution
very important) and Streamlines at CoolWx to see what is actually
developing, going back in time to check previous hourly isobars/stramlines
too. Then I look at visible satelite to see about the sun/thermal factor (or
check radar to see about the storm factor). Finally, I look at the iWindsurf
wind observations again (and again and again...) to confirm that things are
happening like I think they should be. Once things look like they are
developing favorably I'm off in my car to drive the 1 to 1-1/2 hours to my
"local" sailing site(s). Now that I'm driving I only have my FX pager
(iWindsurf wind observations). In my idea of a better world, I want to have
access to my critical weather graphs on my cell phone, so I can fine tune
which site I go to, or can abort the trip if things are changing for the
worse. This means that I want to have access to these things on my wireless
web interface:

1. Visible Cloud Loop (same type of GUI like the Weather Underground site I
bookmarked above)
2. 1 mb real time isobars chart, and access to seveal hours of isobar
history (like the CoolWx site)
3. Streamlines real time chart, and access to several hours of streamline
history (like the CoolWx site)
4. Radar Loop--looks like iWindsurf already has this one.

(In the past I've occasionally tried to use the "call my wife to look at the
computer and try to describe it over the phone" interface--not always
productive for various reasons.)

Good sailing,
Bob A.

"Glenn Woodell" wrote in message
news:1s1ju091d2j9hs0ss1hj7n0jlkbqkodjqh@4ax.com...
> Although I am the technical rep for the Hampton Roads area I have
> always forwarded along any comments, positive or negative, to the
> iWindsurf staff about all areas. I am now compiling these comments as
> well as others to send to them in addition to my own comments.
>
> Glenn
>
> On Sat, 15 Jan 2005 00:03:54 -0800, Paul Braunbehrens
> wrote:
>
> >I'm really glad people are posting specifics. If no one from IW
> >replies once it dies down, I'll collate it and mail it to them. IMO
> >they provide an incredibly valuable service, and I'm glad they are
> >adding features and improving it. I'm sure they have doubled my
> >sailing fun, if not sailing days.
> >
> >
> >In article <1105751554.748329.55660@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com>,
> >android wrote:
> >
> >> I took a closer look at the pressure/isobar feature. Real time
> >> pressure numbers with no isobars. Go to the forecast and you get
> >> isobars - but the scale on the map is zoomed way in (I think) so you
> >> can't get a point of reference. Pretty useless.
> >>
>

From:	Bob A.
Subject:	Got Prompt Reply from iWindsurf
Date:	Mon, 17 Jan 2005 18:54:26 -0500

Hi Bob,

Thank you for your very thorough feedback of the new website. We will
defiantly use your input for future changes to the site. Just some quick
comments:

Expect some changes to the overlay text on the maps.
The old sunisoidal graphs are still present, just click on the tide site you
want to view.
Expect new products to be added to wireless web soon. The radar maps are
the first product to use our new mapping software.

Also check out
http://www.iwindsurf.com/windandwhere.iws?regionID=149®ionProductID=1&timeoffset=0
We are in the process of converting all the maps to look more like the Tampa
region.

I don't think the "call my wife to look at the computer and try to describe
it over the phone" interface is possible to add to all regions for all
customers :).

Also check out http://www.iwindsurf.com/whatsnew for a list of the new
features and how to access some of the old features.

Thanks,
Robert J Derr
WeatherFlow, Inc.

From:	Cliff Frost
Subject:	Re: Got Prompt Reply from iWindsurf
Date:	Wed, 19 Jan 2005 00:51:51 +0000 (UTC)

This is very helpful.

I agree with Paul Braunbehrens that dividing up the SF Bay Area into 3
regions presents a significant loss of useful information for me.

I would have preferred having the option to view it all as one area rather
than increase to 3!

Also, when I click on "Wind Vector Fx" I get "Entire Grid Undefined", so I
guess there's still some work going on. Looking at the Tampa Bay area (link
below in Mr Derr's note) gives a good idea of what it should look like.

Thanks,
Cliff

Bob A. wrote:
> Hi Bob,

> Thank you for your very thorough feedback of the new website. We will
> defiantly use your input for future changes to the site. Just some quick
> comments:

> Expect some changes to the overlay text on the maps.
> The old sunisoidal graphs are still present, just click on the tide site you
> want to view.
> Expect new products to be added to wireless web soon. The radar maps are
> the first product to use our new mapping software.

> Also check out
> http://www.iwindsurf.com/windandwhere.iws?regionID=149®ionProductID=1&timeoffset=0
> We are in the process of converting all the maps to look more like the Tampa
> region.

> I don't think the "call my wife to look at the computer and try to describe
> it over the phone" interface is possible to add to all regions for all
> customers :).

> Also check out http://www.iwindsurf.com/whatsnew for a list of the new
> features and how to access some of the old features.

> Thanks,
> Robert J Derr
> WeatherFlow, Inc.

From:	Peter Berkey
Subject:	Re: Got Prompt Reply from iWindsurf
Date:	Mon, 17 Jan 2005 16:48:00 -0800

Something I just discovered today.... the new wind graphs will now extend
beyond 50, check this out:

http://www.iwindsurf.com/windandwhere.iws?regionID=216&siteID=247

Not benificial for many of you sailors, but here in the Gorge it's nice to
know that it's blowin' 60+

"Bob A." wrote in message
news:NLWdnZWQN4yuzXHcRVn-oQ@comcast.com...
> Hi Bob,
>
> Thank you for your very thorough feedback of the new website. We will
> defiantly use your input for future changes to the site. Just some quick
> comments:
>
> Expect some changes to the overlay text on the maps.
> The old sunisoidal graphs are still present, just click on the tide site
> you
> want to view.
> Expect new products to be added to wireless web soon. The radar maps are
> the first product to use our new mapping software.
>
> Also check out
> http://www.iwindsurf.com/windandwhere.iws?regionID=149®ionProductID=1&timeoffset=0
> We are in the process of converting all the maps to look more like the
> Tampa
> region.
>
> I don't think the "call my wife to look at the computer and try to
> describe
> it over the phone" interface is possible to add to all regions for all
> customers :).
>
> Also check out http://www.iwindsurf.com/whatsnew for a list of the new
> features and how to access some of the old features.
>
> Thanks,
> Robert J Derr
> WeatherFlow, Inc.
>
>

From:	Glenn Woodell
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Mon, 17 Jan 2005 20:20:04 -0500

On Mon, 17 Jan 2005 15:00:26 -0500, "Bob A."
wrote:

>Tides: The old sunusoidal graph was great. The new GUI with the numbers
>superimposed on the map is too complex for me to digest.

Just a note. Click on the dot for each site and you will get the
sinusoidal graphs that you had before.

Glenn

From:	Scott
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Mon, 17 Jan 2005 17:33:50 -0800

> I'm really glad people are posting specifics. If no one from IW
> replies once it dies down, I'll collate it and mail it to them. IMO
> they provide an incredibly valuable service, and I'm glad they are
> adding features and improving it. I'm sure they have doubled my
> sailing fun, if not sailing days.
>

I find much more value in the wind reports than the forecasting - I seem to
get more accurate forecasts from the NWS and my own analyis of satellite
data, computer models, and surface observations (all posted by the NWS for
free). Personally, I would prefer to see iWindsurf put their R&D money into
more sensors rather than a more slick GUI.

Scott

From:	(Pete Cresswell)
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Fri, 14 Jan 2005 01:42:49 GMT

Per rathokan@gmail.com:
>I hate it!

The windspeed graph seems harder to read. The observation point dots trash up
the visual for one thing.

Compressing it into 24 hours doesn't help any either - but I guess some people
want to know how it was blowing all night....

Anybody know if they've stopped deleting their forecast information as the day
goes on? That seems *really* counter-productive bc the viewer can't tell if
the forecast is optimistic or pessimistic..... If anything, you'd think they'd
offer a screen where the wind graph is overlayed on top of the forecast.
--
PeteCresswell

From:	turtle
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Fri, 14 Jan 2005 17:44:29 GMT

They need to get the descriptions back into the wind map for sure. It
took me a couple of guesses to find lake isabella. However this is
probably the time of year to mess with it. I am sure they will get it
dialed in.

On 13 Jan 2005 14:20:47 -0800, rathokan@gmail.com wrote:

>I hate it!
>

From:	Florian Feuser /FFF/
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	14 Jan 2005 21:06:21 GMT

On 1/14/05 10:57 AM Ben Kaufman wrote:
> On 13 Jan 2005 23:39:23 GMT, Florian Feuser /FFF/
> wrote:
>
>>On 1/13/05 5:20 PM rathokan@gmail.com wrote:
>>> I hate it!
>>>
>>
>>It somehow doesn't look as windy as it did before...
>>
>>florian
>
>
> Lol.
>
> It looks nice. The new features look useful but my
> main concern, which they
> said they were working on (x months ago) , is
> the predictive model accuracy.
> The live forecasters rarely devote consideration to
> what's happening on the
> Hudson unless it is the hot spot of the day, otherwise,
> they seem to ignore it.
>
> Ben
>

The graph display actually is more truthful as in that it displays a line
between sample points and not bars that imply calculated averages over periods
of time.

The new features are kind of useful - especially the looping of the "current
conditions" display - it lets me see trends and compare that to the
meteorological events forecast for that day (I.e.: front moving through, changes
in direction etc.)

Overall, I like it - there's lots of new stuff. so it looks like we'll see
another fee hike though.

florian

From:	android
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	13 Jan 2005 15:53:21 -0800

Florian Feuser /FFF/ wrote:
> On 1/13/05 5:20 PM rathokan@gmail.com wrote:
> > I hate it!
> >
>
> It somehow doesn't look as windy as it did before...
>
> florian

Initially I didn't like it, but after looking at some of the new
features, I think it will be OK. Will it decrease the skunk factor? I
think a dartboard works just as well sometimes.

From:	Brian Burke
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Sat, 22 Jan 2005 17:50:03 -0800

Like the other guys from SF Bay area I find the new central bay map less
useful than the old north bay map which included what is now the central
bay and north bay maps.

I'm happy to see the Pt Potrero Site northwest of Brooks Island. This is
good info for dog park sailors.

Mostly I hope the Point Isabel marker will migrate northwest to Point
Isabel and leave Golden Gate Fields to the horses.

Brian

From:	Paul Braunbehrens
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Sat, 22 Jan 2005 23:06:52 -0800

I sent them an email explaining the problem. Where is "dog park"?

In article ,
Brian Burke wrote:

> Like the other guys from SF Bay area I find the new central bay map less
> useful than the old north bay map which included what is now the central
> bay and north bay maps.
>
> I'm happy to see the Pt Potrero Site northwest of Brooks Island. This is
> good info for dog park sailors.
>
> Mostly I hope the Point Isabel marker will migrate northwest to Point
> Isabel and leave Golden Gate Fields to the horses.
>
> Brian

From:	Bob Jacobson
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Sun, 23 Jan 2005 08:25:13 GMT

Paul,

There is an off-leash dog park at Point Isabel, haven't you noticed? They
also have a new building there with a full-service dogwash in it. They also
put a snack bar/espresso shop at the north end of the building. Just a
service window, no seating (no beer either!).

No showers at all for windsurfers, and warm showers with blow dry and
pedicures for dogs. Gives you an idea of the status of windsurfers in the
Bay Area.

"Paul Braunbehrens"
wrote in message
news:220120052306525708%bakalite@insertthesamewordthatisbeforetheatsign.com...
> I sent them an email explaining the problem. Where is "dog park"?
>
>
> In article ,
> Brian Burke wrote:
>
> > Like the other guys from SF Bay area I find the new central bay map less
> > useful than the old north bay map which included what is now the central
> > bay and north bay maps.
> >
> > I'm happy to see the Pt Potrero Site northwest of Brooks Island. This is
> > good info for dog park sailors.
> >
> > Mostly I hope the Point Isabel marker will migrate northwest to Point
> > Isabel and leave Golden Gate Fields to the horses.
> >
> > Brian

From:	Paul Braunbehrens
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Sun, 23 Jan 2005 08:58:09 -0800

Oh, I thought it was something other than Pt. Isabel. Makes sense now.
Don't they charge for the dog wash?

In article , Bob
Jacobson wrote:

> Paul,
>
> There is an off-leash dog park at Point Isabel, haven't you noticed? They
> also have a new building there with a full-service dogwash in it. They also
> put a snack bar/espresso shop at the north end of the building. Just a
> service window, no seating (no beer either!).
>
> No showers at all for windsurfers, and warm showers with blow dry and
> pedicures for dogs. Gives you an idea of the status of windsurfers in the
> Bay Area.
>
> "Paul Braunbehrens"
> wrote in message
> news:220120052306525708%bakalite@insertthesamewordthatisbeforetheatsign.com...
> > I sent them an email explaining the problem. Where is "dog park"?
> >
> >
> > In article ,
> > Brian Burke wrote:
> >
> > > Like the other guys from SF Bay area I find the new central bay map less
> > > useful than the old north bay map which included what is now the central
> > > bay and north bay maps.
> > >
> > > I'm happy to see the Pt Potrero Site northwest of Brooks Island. This is
> > > good info for dog park sailors.
> > >
> > > Mostly I hope the Point Isabel marker will migrate northwest to Point
> > > Isabel and leave Golden Gate Fields to the horses.
> > >
> > > Brian
>
>

From:	Cliff Frost
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Sun, 23 Jan 2005 19:11:33 +0000 (UTC)

Bob,

In all fairness, there are probably 4-5 orders of magnitude more
dogs and dog owners than windsurfers in the East Bay.

And while I think very highly of my fellow windsurfers, I love
dogs and don't begrudge them a thing there!

Cheers,
Cliff

Bob Jacobson wrote:
> Paul,

> There is an off-leash dog park at Point Isabel, haven't you noticed? They
> also have a new building there with a full-service dogwash in it. They also
> put a snack bar/espresso shop at the north end of the building. Just a
> service window, no seating (no beer either!).

> No showers at all for windsurfers, and warm showers with blow dry and
> pedicures for dogs. Gives you an idea of the status of windsurfers in the
> Bay Area.

> "Paul Braunbehrens"
> wrote in message
> news:220120052306525708%bakalite@insertthesamewordthatisbeforetheatsign.com...
>> I sent them an email explaining the problem. Where is "dog park"?
>>
>>
>> In article ,
>> Brian Burke wrote:
>>
>> > Like the other guys from SF Bay area I find the new central bay map less
>> > useful than the old north bay map which included what is now the central
>> > bay and north bay maps.
>> >
>> > I'm happy to see the Pt Potrero Site northwest of Brooks Island. This is
>> > good info for dog park sailors.
>> >
>> > Mostly I hope the Point Isabel marker will migrate northwest to Point
>> > Isabel and leave Golden Gate Fields to the horses.
>> >
>> > Brian

From:	Paul Braunbehrens
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Sun, 23 Jan 2005 11:37:28 -0800

I agree, but why not ask for a nice shower and hose combo on the site?
People could use it to rinse off their dogs and we could use it too.
While we are at it, maybe we could get some volunteer effor going to
make the access a little nicer...that step down is a little difficult.

Truth be told, I've only sailed there twice, Berkeley is almost always
better anyway.

In article , Cliff Frost
wrote:

> Bob,
>
> In all fairness, there are probably 4-5 orders of magnitude more
> dogs and dog owners than windsurfers in the East Bay.
>
> And while I think very highly of my fellow windsurfers, I love
> dogs and don't begrudge them a thing there!
>
> Cheers,
> Cliff
>
> Bob Jacobson wrote:
> > Paul,
>
> > There is an off-leash dog park at Point Isabel, haven't you noticed? They
> > also have a new building there with a full-service dogwash in it. They also
> > put a snack bar/espresso shop at the north end of the building. Just a
> > service window, no seating (no beer either!).
>
> > No showers at all for windsurfers, and warm showers with blow dry and
> > pedicures for dogs. Gives you an idea of the status of windsurfers in the
> > Bay Area.
>
> > "Paul Braunbehrens"
> > wrote in message
> >
> > news:220120052306525708%bakalite@insertthesamewordthatisbeforetheatsign.com..
> > .
> >> I sent them an email explaining the problem. Where is "dog park"?
> >>
> >>
> >> In article ,
> >> Brian Burke wrote:
> >>
> >> > Like the other guys from SF Bay area I find the new central bay map less
> >> > useful than the old north bay map which included what is now the central
> >> > bay and north bay maps.
> >> >
> >> > I'm happy to see the Pt Potrero Site northwest of Brooks Island. This is
> >> > good info for dog park sailors.
> >> >
> >> > Mostly I hope the Point Isabel marker will migrate northwest to Point
> >> > Isabel and leave Golden Gate Fields to the horses.
> >> >
> >> > Brian
>
>

From:	Cliff Frost
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Sun, 23 Jan 2005 19:56:10 +0000 (UTC)

I remember a season, I think 3 years ago, when I sailed far more at
Pt Isabel than Berkeley. Just the way the winds were blowing that year.

I've participated in several of the community meetings held by various
government bureaus on development of the Bay Trail, specifically in its
incarnation around Berkeley and Pt Isabel. In the plans I last saw
(probably 2 years ago) for the Pt Isabel area there was a nice area for
windsurfers shown.

In the meetings the windsurfers and dog owners were allies in wanting
to continue access to the water and supported each other quite well.

There is a small, but vocal, contingent that wants to keep the Albany
Bulb area free for the "plop artists". A lot of us windsurfers lobbied
for WS (and kayak, etc) launch access towards the end of the bulb, but
I don't think we got very far. As I recall there's also a strong lobby
for keeping the bulb "wild".

In any event, these things don't just happen to us. We get to participate
in meetings and those who are there *do* influence the course of the
projects. So if you care about these areas, get yourself on the mailing
lists for public meetings.

Here are some relevant urls:

http://www.baytrail.org
http://www.abag.ca.gov/bayarea/baytrail/about.html

There are some very exciting developments in store for the launch
off Berkeley near H's Lordship's restaurant--major improvements to
access for windsurfers is in the plans. Who knows when they'll be
implemented, however...

Cheers,
Cliff

Paul Braunbehrens wrote:
> I agree, but why not ask for a nice shower and hose combo on the site?
> People could use it to rinse off their dogs and we could use it too.
> While we are at it, maybe we could get some volunteer effor going to
> make the access a little nicer...that step down is a little difficult.

> Truth be told, I've only sailed there twice, Berkeley is almost always
> better anyway.

From:	Paul Braunbehrens
Subject:	SF Bay WS Access was: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Sun, 23 Jan 2005 18:14:01 -0800

Where is the bulb?

In article , Cliff Frost
wrote:

> I remember a season, I think 3 years ago, when I sailed far more at
> Pt Isabel than Berkeley. Just the way the winds were blowing that year.
>
> I've participated in several of the community meetings held by various
> government bureaus on development of the Bay Trail, specifically in its
> incarnation around Berkeley and Pt Isabel. In the plans I last saw
> (probably 2 years ago) for the Pt Isabel area there was a nice area for
> windsurfers shown.
>
> In the meetings the windsurfers and dog owners were allies in wanting
> to continue access to the water and supported each other quite well.
>
> There is a small, but vocal, contingent that wants to keep the Albany
> Bulb area free for the "plop artists". A lot of us windsurfers lobbied
> for WS (and kayak, etc) launch access towards the end of the bulb, but
> I don't think we got very far. As I recall there's also a strong lobby
> for keeping the bulb "wild".
>
> In any event, these things don't just happen to us. We get to participate
> in meetings and those who are there *do* influence the course of the
> projects. So if you care about these areas, get yourself on the mailing
> lists for public meetings.
>
> Here are some relevant urls:
>
> http://www.baytrail.org
> http://www.abag.ca.gov/bayarea/baytrail/about.html
>
> There are some very exciting developments in store for the launch
> off Berkeley near H's Lordship's restaurant--major improvements to
> access for windsurfers is in the plans. Who knows when they'll be
> implemented, however...
>
> Cheers,
> Cliff
>
> Paul Braunbehrens wrote:
> > I agree, but why not ask for a nice shower and hose combo on the site?
> > People could use it to rinse off their dogs and we could use it too.
> > While we are at it, maybe we could get some volunteer effor going to
> > make the access a little nicer...that step down is a little difficult.
>
> > Truth be told, I've only sailed there twice, Berkeley is almost always
> > better anyway.

From:	Cliff Frost
Subject:	Re: SF Bay WS Access was: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Mon, 24 Jan 2005 06:06:14 +0000 (UTC)

Paul Braunbehrens wrote:
> Where is the bulb?

The Albany Bulb is at the foot of Marin Avenue (or Buchanon St), just
to the North of the Golden Gate Fields race track. You can take
Marin Ave all the way to it's end, going under 580/80 and out to
a small parking lot. Then you can walk to the shore or out a trail
onto the "bulb" itself.

Cheers,
Cliff

From:	Paul Braunbehrens
Subject:	Re: SF Bay WS Access was: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Mon, 24 Jan 2005 00:00:31 -0800

Thanks Cliff, I'll have to take a stroll out there next time I get
skunked :-)

I was hoping for a picture but it looks like the California Coastal
Records Project skipped the bay altogether. If you haven't visited the
site it's well worth a look though...

http://www.californiacoastline.org/

Check out this picture for example:

http://www.californiacoastline.org/cgi-bin/image.cgi?image=200400345&mod
e=big&lastmode=sequential&flags=9&year=current

( a little big if you're on a slow connection).

In article , Cliff Frost
wrote:

> Paul Braunbehrens wrote:
> > Where is the bulb?
>
> The Albany Bulb is at the foot of Marin Avenue (or Buchanon St), just
> to the North of the Golden Gate Fields race track. You can take
> Marin Ave all the way to it's end, going under 580/80 and out to
> a small parking lot. Then you can walk to the shore or out a trail
> onto the "bulb" itself.
>
> Cheers,
> Cliff
>

From:	Bob Jacobson
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Sun, 23 Jan 2005 21:35:05 GMT

Actually I think there were more good days at Isabel than Berkeley in 2004.
You may have been misled because the wind sensors were reading consistently
low at Isabel and high at Berkeley.

My remark about windsurfer status vs dogs was made in a humorous (attempted)
vein. Yes, there are a lot more dog-owners than windsurfers at Pt. Isabel,
and no, there aren't any serious conflicts between them.

The dog wash is private business, and I'm grateful that they decided to open
the snack bar. Berkeley still has the advantage, because you can buy beer
at the bait shop, although I never do because it isn't legal to drink beer
in the rigging area.

Most of the long-time East Bay windsurfers are against improving the
access, as they enjoy the lack of crowds.

At one time I saw plans for the Albany Bulb that included a windsurfing
launch a the end. That is potentially the best launch site in the East Bay.
Probably won't happen though, because of the crowd that wants to have it
left wild, even though it is a land fill.

"Paul Braunbehrens"
wrote in message
news:230120051137281566%bakalite@insertthesamewordthatisbeforetheatsign.com...
> I agree, but why not ask for a nice shower and hose combo on the site?
> People could use it to rinse off their dogs and we could use it too.
> While we are at it, maybe we could get some volunteer effor going to
> make the access a little nicer...that step down is a little difficult.
>
> Truth be told, I've only sailed there twice, Berkeley is almost always
> better anyway.
>
>
> In article , Cliff Frost
> wrote:
>
> > Bob,
> >
> > In all fairness, there are probably 4-5 orders of magnitude more
> > dogs and dog owners than windsurfers in the East Bay.
> >
> > And while I think very highly of my fellow windsurfers, I love
> > dogs and don't begrudge them a thing there!
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Cliff
> >
> > Bob Jacobson wrote:
> > > Paul,
> >
> > > There is an off-leash dog park at Point Isabel, haven't you noticed?
They
> > > also have a new building there with a full-service dogwash in it. They
also
> > > put a snack bar/espresso shop at the north end of the building. Just a
> > > service window, no seating (no beer either!).
> >
> > > No showers at all for windsurfers, and warm showers with blow dry and
> > > pedicures for dogs. Gives you an idea of the status of windsurfers in
the
> > > Bay Area.
> >
> > > "Paul Braunbehrens"

> > > wrote in message
> > >
> > >
news:220120052306525708%bakalite@insertthesamewordthatisbeforetheatsign.com..
> > > .
> > >> I sent them an email explaining the problem. Where is "dog park"?
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> In article ,
> > >> Brian Burke wrote:
> > >>
> > >> > Like the other guys from SF Bay area I find the new central bay map
less
> > >> > useful than the old north bay map which included what is now the
central
> > >> > bay and north bay maps.
> > >> >
> > >> > I'm happy to see the Pt Potrero Site northwest of Brooks Island.
This is
> > >> > good info for dog park sailors.
> > >> >
> > >> > Mostly I hope the Point Isabel marker will migrate northwest to
Point
> > >> > Isabel and leave Golden Gate Fields to the horses.
> > >> >
> > >> > Brian
> >
> >

From:	Bob Jacobson
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	Sun, 23 Jan 2005 08:25:54 GMT

Hey Brian, missed you at Doc Steve's birthday party. He told me he just
bought two brand new Black Diamonds (5.4 & 6.0) on e-bay.

"Brian Burke" wrote in message
news:bburke-1E67F0.17500322012005@comcast.dca.giganews.com...
> Like the other guys from SF Bay area I find the new central bay map less
> useful than the old north bay map which included what is now the central
> bay and north bay maps.
>
> I'm happy to see the Pt Potrero Site northwest of Brooks Island. This is
> good info for dog park sailors.
>
> Mostly I hope the Point Isabel marker will migrate northwest to Point
> Isabel and leave Golden Gate Fields to the horses.
>
> Brian

From:	android
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	17 Jan 2005 15:17:16 -0800

Bob,
Thanks for the tip on the nice isobar site at coolwx.com

From:	iostorms at yahoo.com
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	13 Jan 2005 19:55:24 -0800

rathokan@gmail.com wrote:
> I hate it!

The "GUI" seems to function the same as it used to mostly. As for the
new features I'll have to wait until it warms up some to see how useful
they really are... that flowviz thing looks pretty cool though.

From:	android
Subject:	Re: New iWindsurf GUI - Yay or Nay?
Date:	15 Jan 2005 05:48:09 -0800

Found another interesting quirk on the isobar forecast feature. If you
move your cursor around on the map, info for sites in your area comes
up (wind forecast in a little box) at the location of the sensor. They
need to do a map overlay along with the isobars so you don't have to
use your imagination to find your sites.

From:	rathokan at gmail.com
Subject:	Re: Got Prompt Reply from iWindsurf
Date:	19 Jan 2005 11:25:31 -0800

the map of tampa looks good, and if they convert all maps in all
regions, that would be good... however it would be very similar to
what we already had b/f the change. the map animations are kind of
cool, but not really that useful. the biggest bummer is splitting the
SF Bay into three regions. totally ridiculous. i can't even see what
it's blowing at ocean beach w/o zooming out. ad space is sold per
region, so this gives them one more page for revenue, but it really
screws everything up for me. Now, I have to look at three different
pages to get what I used to get on one page. dumb!! arghhhh!!

on a good note, it's been windy at Crissy lately. sailed yesterday
powered up on a 5.2. looks like it's going again today (this morning).
where is everybody? only one other sailor yeseterday and no kiters.
what's up w/ that?

kev

From:	Bob A.
Subject:	Re: Got Prompt Reply from iWindsurf
Date:	Wed, 19 Jan 2005 23:30:19 -0500

Why not put all of your favorite SF area sites onto your "my iWindsurf"
page, in the bar graph section? At least you'll have everything at a glance
that way.

wrote in message
news:1106162731.337211.90890@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> the map of tampa looks good, and if they convert all maps in all
> regions, that would be good... however it would be very similar to
> what we already had b/f the change. the map animations are kind of
> cool, but not really that useful. the biggest bummer is splitting the
> SF Bay into three regions. totally ridiculous. i can't even see what
> it's blowing at ocean beach w/o zooming out. ad space is sold per
> region, so this gives them one more page for revenue, but it really
> screws everything up for me. Now, I have to look at three different
> pages to get what I used to get on one page. dumb!! arghhhh!!
>
> on a good note, it's been windy at Crissy lately. sailed yesterday
> powered up on a 5.2. looks like it's going again today (this morning).
> where is everybody? only one other sailor yeseterday and no kiters.
> what's up w/ that?
>
> kev
>

From:	Paul Braunbehrens
Subject:	Re: Got Prompt Reply from iWindsurf
Date:	Wed, 19 Jan 2005 22:35:52 -0800

Not a bad idea, that's how I have it on the Cell phone. However, it's
nice to see a map, with all the sensors, and see what's going on. The
other option, if you have a huge monitor, is to open 3 windows. You
may be able to automate this in your browser.

It is a hassle though, we shouldn't have to find workarounds for
something that was working perfectly well before.

In article , Bob A.
wrote:

> Why not put all of your favorite SF area sites onto your "my iWindsurf"
> page, in the bar graph section? At least you'll have everything at a glance
> that way.
>
> wrote in message
> news:1106162731.337211.90890@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> > the map of tampa looks good, and if they convert all maps in all
> > regions, that would be good... however it would be very similar to
> > what we already had b/f the change. the map animations are kind of
> > cool, but not really that useful. the biggest bummer is splitting the
> > SF Bay into three regions. totally ridiculous. i can't even see what
> > it's blowing at ocean beach w/o zooming out. ad space is sold per
> > region, so this gives them one more page for revenue, but it really
> > screws everything up for me. Now, I have to look at three different
> > pages to get what I used to get on one page. dumb!! arghhhh!!
> >
> > on a good note, it's been windy at Crissy lately. sailed yesterday
> > powered up on a 5.2. looks like it's going again today (this morning).
> > where is everybody? only one other sailor yeseterday and no kiters.
> > what's up w/ that?
> >
> > kev
> >
>
>

From:	Paul Braunbehrens
Subject:	Re: Got Prompt Reply from iWindsurf
Date:	Wed, 19 Jan 2005 22:33:21 -0800

I was SMAO up in Tahoe, and now I'll prolly have to spend a couple days
dealling with the rest of my life. Hopefully it will still be windy
early next week.

In article <1106162731.337211.90890@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com>,
wrote:

> where is everybody? only one other sailor yeseterday and no kiters.
> what's up w/ that?
>
> kev
>