Overview of Conditions in the California Channels
Compiled by Ned Denison and Dean White
Below is some general information about the wind, current and water/air temperature in the channels. This is followed by a few comments on specific crossings and finally some information regarding the scheduling of boats and pilots.
The Santa Barbara channel is bordered on the north and east by the California coast and to the south by the four northern Channel Islands. See Maps & Route Descriptions. The four islands from east to west are Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel. These four islands make up the Channel Islands National Park. Besides being a great place to make swims from, these islands are wonderful to visit if you have the time. Following is some general information about the wind, current and water/air temperature in the channel. Then a few comments on specific crossings and last some information regarding the scheduling of boats and pilots.
- Wind: During the summer months the wind is predominately from the west to northwest. The winds tend to be funneled around Point Conception where the coast line turns north and are accelerated along the north side of the 4 Channel Islands. This area is referred to as “windy lane” by local boaters. This effect is strongest towards the west end of the channel and decreases as you move east. Winds tend to blow strongest in the afternoon and evening. This is the main reason we have been starting most of the swims at 12-2 AM so that the swimmer can get across in the calmest possible conditions. NOAA Weather Buoy 46053 is located roughly mid-channel. Here is a chart of monthly average winds over a 6 year period (46053_wind_speed.pdf)
- Currents: The currents for most of the swims so far have been mild with a few notable exceptions (going East from Anacapa and Santa Cruz). The currents tend to swirl around, in and between the islands so there is not a nice clear pattern. More is mentioned in the individual crossing section below. Here is a website of hourly channel currents from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB ocean surface currents mapping project).
- Water Temperature: Water temperatures in the channel are vast! As a general rule it is 50F (10C) to 60F (15.5C) in the winter and 55F (13C) to 70F (21C) in the summer. This last summer it hardly ever got over 65F and dipped in the 50’s on occasion. Other summers we have been at or close to 70 for weeks. Here is the 6 year water temperature average for the same NOAA buoy mentioned above. (46053_sea_temperature.pdf).
- Air Temperatures: Air temperatures like water temperatures can vary. There are slightly more sunny days later in the summer, but you can run into overcast/foggy days anytime. Average temperatures during the summer are in the 70’s. They will be in the 60’s if it is overcast and can be in the 80’s if it is sunny with nice calm conditions.
Other weather related links:
Weather, Boats and Schedules:
The weather in the channel can be quite rough at times. In fact, history has show that half of the swims will be postponed usually due to high winds. Following are a few points regarding boat charters, schedules, etc:
- Most of the pilots, observers, kayakers, have other jobs so for the most part swims are scheduled on the weekends. You will find this reflected in generally lower boat (with Captain) rental prices!
- The crossing is scheduled for a specific day. Not a “window” of possible dates as for some other channel crossings. Since most charters are through a commercial charter company there is no refund if the swim can not go.Please read our registration forms to understand the Santa Barbara Channel's cancellation policy.
- Here is a list of possible boats for hire. Feel free to contact SBCSA about further details regarding the charter of these boats
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