Save our Spring Break!!!!
Mar 10th, 2008, 07:28 AM
#21
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Water temperature depends on the year -- 68 is an AVERAGE. Have seen people swimming in Sarasota during spring break. Also have seen them sunbathing with goosebumps.
And if you really want to fret, you can worry about red tide blooms, which there's NO way to predict. You can't control for every eventuality. Go to Sarasota for all the OTHER reasons you chose it besides water temp. Or slip southward (Ft. Myers, Sanibel).
"EAST COASTERS ARE SUCH WUSSES" -- you're talking ONLY about people concerned about Florida's water temp. Talk to northeasterners about the temperature of the water in Maine or on the Cape or the Islands or even Long Island! As a kid, I swam in Cape Cod water that averaged between 58 and 65. I admit I've become fond of the 78 degree NC ocean temps. in shoulder seasons, but I still find water warmer than that unpleasant.
And if you really want to fret, you can worry about red tide blooms, which there's NO way to predict. You can't control for every eventuality. Go to Sarasota for all the OTHER reasons you chose it besides water temp. Or slip southward (Ft. Myers, Sanibel).
"EAST COASTERS ARE SUCH WUSSES" -- you're talking ONLY about people concerned about Florida's water temp. Talk to northeasterners about the temperature of the water in Maine or on the Cape or the Islands or even Long Island! As a kid, I swam in Cape Cod water that averaged between 58 and 65. I admit I've become fond of the 78 degree NC ocean temps. in shoulder seasons, but I still find water warmer than that unpleasant.
Mar 10th, 2008, 09:17 AM
#25
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linda8,
I agree that 68 degree water is very cold. Here in Austin we have Barton Springs, which is 68 degrees year round. The only time I can stomach that water temperature is in the summer when the air temp is 100+. Then 68 degree water feels very refreshing, BUT I still can't stay in it that long.
Just as those people from New England say 68 degree water is fine, they probably would find 88 degree water in Florida in the summer too warm and so would Californians. I could call them "wusses" for that, since they can't take the warm water just as they call us wusses for not taking cold water. It goes both ways! I personally think that around 85 degrees is a perfect water temperature and there is no natural body of water that I would say is too warm for me. Even hot tubs I like heated to a nice 105 degrees. Maybe to a Michiganite or Mainard, 60 degree water feels great but they may not like 90 degree water in OK/TX in the summer. Different strokes for different folks.
That is why I plan beach trips during the summer - I prefer warmer water.
As for why 70 degree air feels great but 70 degree water feels cold, it has to do with the fact that water absorbs heat from your body much faster (the specific heat of water is much higher than that of air).
I agree that 68 degree water is very cold. Here in Austin we have Barton Springs, which is 68 degrees year round. The only time I can stomach that water temperature is in the summer when the air temp is 100+. Then 68 degree water feels very refreshing, BUT I still can't stay in it that long.
Just as those people from New England say 68 degree water is fine, they probably would find 88 degree water in Florida in the summer too warm and so would Californians. I could call them "wusses" for that, since they can't take the warm water just as they call us wusses for not taking cold water. It goes both ways! I personally think that around 85 degrees is a perfect water temperature and there is no natural body of water that I would say is too warm for me. Even hot tubs I like heated to a nice 105 degrees. Maybe to a Michiganite or Mainard, 60 degree water feels great but they may not like 90 degree water in OK/TX in the summer. Different strokes for different folks.
That is why I plan beach trips during the summer - I prefer warmer water.
As for why 70 degree air feels great but 70 degree water feels cold, it has to do with the fact that water absorbs heat from your body much faster (the specific heat of water is much higher than that of air).
Mar 10th, 2008, 09:34 AM
#27
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Linda, I haven't been to the Keys yet but John Pennekamp will be our first snorkeling adventure there this April. Will two snorkel trips at this Park be enough? Looking for a boat that takes fewer passengers/snorkelers.
Mar 10th, 2008, 10:43 AM
#29
bkluvsNola: " . . . . they probably would find 88 degree water in Florida in the summer too warm and so would Californians. I could call them "wusses" for that, since they can't take the warm water just as they call us wusses for not taking cold water. It goes both ways! Huh? that's ridiculous. Who on Earth ever told you we don't enjoy warm water??
I don't stay out of the water when it is in the 80's - I was just saying folks who think 68F is cold would be shocked if they went to the beach in CA.
I don't stay out of the water when it is in the 80's - I was just saying folks who think 68F is cold would be shocked if they went to the beach in CA.
Mar 10th, 2008, 11:28 AM
#30
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janisj,
I used to live in Northern California, and while the water is really frigid most of the year, I do remember some warm September El Nino days where I swam out into the Pacific and it was at least 70 degrees.
I also remember when it got to 108 in Monterrey, CA (not Mexico) and the Pacific Ocean was very refreshing that day.
But you are right, most of the time the water is way too cold without a wet suit.
I used to live in Northern California, and while the water is really frigid most of the year, I do remember some warm September El Nino days where I swam out into the Pacific and it was at least 70 degrees.
I also remember when it got to 108 in Monterrey, CA (not Mexico) and the Pacific Ocean was very refreshing that day.
But you are right, most of the time the water is way too cold without a wet suit.
Mar 10th, 2008, 05:15 PM
#31
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Kathy in Va,
(By the way, I'm in Midlothian, VA.)
We loved snorkeling at John Pennekamp. I think 2 trips would be enough, but of course, that's personal preference. Our trip unfortunately got cut a little short due to a thunderstorm, but it was still wonderful. I could have snorkeled longer. We just did the trip right there at the Park, it was fine. I'm afraid I can't give advice on any other tour companies. But it is definitely worth it. Wetsuits are a good suggestion, I might get some for my family. Didn't thik of that! We loved Key West, be sure to rent bikes or scooters and drive all over the place. SUCH a cute town!
We missed Bahia Honda due to rough weather, unfortunately. If you're an old movie buff, go see the actual African Queen boat in Key Largo that Humphrey Bogart & Katherine Hepburn used in the movie.
(By the way, I'm in Midlothian, VA.)
We loved snorkeling at John Pennekamp. I think 2 trips would be enough, but of course, that's personal preference. Our trip unfortunately got cut a little short due to a thunderstorm, but it was still wonderful. I could have snorkeled longer. We just did the trip right there at the Park, it was fine. I'm afraid I can't give advice on any other tour companies. But it is definitely worth it. Wetsuits are a good suggestion, I might get some for my family. Didn't thik of that! We loved Key West, be sure to rent bikes or scooters and drive all over the place. SUCH a cute town!
We missed Bahia Honda due to rough weather, unfortunately. If you're an old movie buff, go see the actual African Queen boat in Key Largo that Humphrey Bogart & Katherine Hepburn used in the movie.
Mar 10th, 2008, 07:12 PM
#33
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I think it will pretty much average the same temp all across southeast/southwest FLorida.
I could recommend Ft Lauderdale and Miami ( i live here) but if you don't like large cities then you'll probably not enjoy it.
You can always stay near Sunny Isles, Hollywood, Hallandale, Ft Lauderdale to minimize crowds. There is a lot to do here in Miami-dade/Broward County besides just the beach. You could take the kids to Parrot Jungle (Even I love this place)in Miami, There is also a water park (Rapids) in West palm beach (about 40 min from Ft Lauderdale).
I could recommend Ft Lauderdale and Miami ( i live here) but if you don't like large cities then you'll probably not enjoy it.
You can always stay near Sunny Isles, Hollywood, Hallandale, Ft Lauderdale to minimize crowds. There is a lot to do here in Miami-dade/Broward County besides just the beach. You could take the kids to Parrot Jungle (Even I love this place)in Miami, There is also a water park (Rapids) in West palm beach (about 40 min from Ft Lauderdale).
