Hey all... new to the offshore world.. just got a 34 w 525s... and got some questions about the ocean...
1. What is too big of a swell to travel in
2. Do you head straight into the wave
3. what if your traveling south and the waves are comming at you from the side..
4. is there a training class in So Cal that can get me all the answers needed for safe ocean boating..
I know these must be stupid questions to the expercined boater.. but if safer to know now.. instead of it being too late.. thanks all

I know it sounds retarded but go take the US Coast Guard operators course, it's only like 80 dollars and you will learn alot about basic seamanship.

No safety question is a dumb question. I actually commend you for your interest of safe boating.
I think you would have to go by the capabilities of your boat and get used to it before you run (hard) in rough water. I try to drive at the comfort level of the person least comfortable in the boat. Good luck

Stupid would be going out there and creating stories that we will read about on the news. Spend time in calm water and slowly conquer rough water. Safety courses are a must and usually get you a 10-20% discount on ins. too.

Semper fi has words of wisdom listen to them and you will not error!!!!!!


oh and take the course worth its weight in gold!!!!!

after 25 yrs havnt seen it all but seen alot still learning

Go on the SCOPE site and ask for help. Maybe someone will meet you at the harbor and give you a few pointers. Then run with a group for awhile. Lakes and Ocean are night and day! Just take things slow, and remember that when you think you've got it all figured out... the ocean will show you who's boss.

Thanks for all your help... i am going to look into a boating class... AS I have been in lakes and rivers for some 20 + yrs... 1st time with a bigger boat... and last thing i want is too get sucked up by a rouge wave...

I would hate to be hit by a rouge wave.
The blue and green ones are bad enough.

Even worse would be a huge rogue rouge wave.

Welcome to OSO, Riverdude.

Tres Martin has put together a great program for training in Offshore Performance boats. Check it out:
http://www.performanceboatschool.com/