Westport may crank out some beautiful morning glass on Friday, but surfers better bring along their winter wetsuits.
Surf forecast sites - see the links to your right - predict waist to head-high waves and an moderate offshore breeze on Friday, which is a recipe for glassy waves and terrific surfing. Westport is always best when the waves are small and clean, and that doesn't happen too often during late winter on the Washington coast.
A surfer finding some afternoon glass at The Groins in Westport a couple of weeks ago.
But it is still winter, and the same forecasts call for a daytime high of 44 degrees. Combine that with the wind -- and water evaporating off wetsuits -- and it's gonna be cold out there.
So, if you go -- and the waves may be really, really good -- wear a thick, winter wetsuit, neoprene gloves, booties and a hood. Check out this link for more information. Eat a hot breakfast -- oatmeal is fantastic -- and chug down a warm drink before you hit the water.
All this -- along with paddling -- will keep you pretty warm for an hour or two, but get out of the water when you first start feeling those cold tentacles creeping up your legs and arms. Don't wait until your teeth rattle and your hands shake.
Job One out there is staying healthy and alive. Besides, the sweet swells of spring and summer are just a few weeks -- OK, that is an eternity -- away.
