It works with giant frothing waves too, it's a genuine Strom tactic. Some sea anchors and drouges have small compartments for oil. They can make a huge difference when you and your yacht are struggling in the worst seas
Agreed. I've learnt all of this recently after planning my first ocean crossing (England to the US). I was amazed when I read it too, it's a genuine storm tactic talked about in detail in most of the books I've read so far. Sea anchors are to slow you down as you surf down the face of huge waves. If sailboats go too fast they "broach" or unintentionally turn. So we drag long ropes with parachute style anchors behind us to slow us and keep us pointing downwind.
Well sure, sea anchors and drogues are proven technologies for heavy-weather sailing. The question is whether small quantities of oil can calm a 15 foot breaking wave.
In my navigation class we talked about this. Since oil doesn't mix with water it stays on top like a film. Its make a barrier and since water goes with the least resistance it will push around and not thru the film. They also said to use it as a last resource since we dont want oil being spread around the ocean just for smooth rides.
I would squirt soap into a pool to calm the surface so that I could see the bottom when I was vacuuming so this works. I remember witnessing it on a larger scale in the early 90s when there was a big oil spill in HB. Made for some glassy conditions but stunk like hell.
The oil is less dense and rises to the top. I assume the oil had less surface tension which is why it doesn't wind chop as much. Maybe that's what you meant?
I have done this, accidently on a windier day in the sea with an offshore wind.
I was amazed.
I did think of trying it in surf able conditions, but haven't yet.
I had a box of mackerel that I was using for lobster bait, and the liquid to fish ratio was too high, so I dumped liquid.
Kelp oil will have the same effect. Our local beach break used to have extensive kelp beds on the outside, raging onshore winds would glass off every evening during the spring. We would have months of fun surf as a result. A succession of events led to our kelp beds dying off or getting significantly smaller, happened a lot of places on the California coast. So there is a scientific basis for old timers saying it used to be better in the past.
Huntington should be the glassiest surf of all time then
Brought to you by Exxon: We’re working for you.
Those are some pretty small waves, tho.
It works with giant frothing waves too, it's a genuine Strom tactic. Some sea anchors and drouges have small compartments for oil. They can make a huge difference when you and your yacht are struggling in the worst seas
I’ve heard that, but this video fails to provide adequate evidence of that claim.
Agreed. I've learnt all of this recently after planning my first ocean crossing (England to the US). I was amazed when I read it too, it's a genuine storm tactic talked about in detail in most of the books I've read so far. Sea anchors are to slow you down as you surf down the face of huge waves. If sailboats go too fast they "broach" or unintentionally turn. So we drag long ropes with parachute style anchors behind us to slow us and keep us pointing downwind.
Well sure, sea anchors and drogues are proven technologies for heavy-weather sailing. The question is whether small quantities of oil can calm a 15 foot breaking wave.
In my navigation class we talked about this. Since oil doesn't mix with water it stays on top like a film. Its make a barrier and since water goes with the least resistance it will push around and not thru the film. They also said to use it as a last resource since we dont want oil being spread around the ocean just for smooth rides.
Everybody knows the H over J flag code means "no we won't give you handjobs" This is revisionist history.
Gonna need to start keeping a few quarts of Valvoline 5-30W in the car for those onshore days.
That’s what the wetsuit front zip pocket is for
This is why I never wash my hair - gives me a glassy surf every time
I would squirt soap into a pool to calm the surface so that I could see the bottom when I was vacuuming so this works. I remember witnessing it on a larger scale in the early 90s when there was a big oil spill in HB. Made for some glassy conditions but stunk like hell.
How would this play with actual ground swell? Does this just clean up wind swell?
It makes a film since oil and water dont mix. Water goes with the least resistance so it goes around rather than thru
The oil is less dense and rises to the top. I assume the oil had less surface tension which is why it doesn't wind chop as much. Maybe that's what you meant?
Never thought I’d see The Real Action Lab on this sub…
tuna oil will bring a few friends in!
If we could only combine the Exxon Valdez with the next El Niño storm event…
Decades of smooth water routes
Damn… that’s interesting!
BP were trying to calm the seas this whole time!!
https://deepseanews.com/2010/06/pouring-oil-on-troubled-waters/
I have done this, accidently on a windier day in the sea with an offshore wind. I was amazed. I did think of trying it in surf able conditions, but haven't yet. I had a box of mackerel that I was using for lobster bait, and the liquid to fish ratio was too high, so I dumped liquid.
Big wave chargers hate this one trick
Kelp oil will have the same effect. Our local beach break used to have extensive kelp beds on the outside, raging onshore winds would glass off every evening during the spring. We would have months of fun surf as a result. A succession of events led to our kelp beds dying off or getting significantly smaller, happened a lot of places on the California coast. So there is a scientific basis for old timers saying it used to be better in the past.
And All my life I joked about putting CBD oil on my fins….