Hello all,

In a perfect world, we would have a weather station reporting the
conditions in "real-time" at all our favourite launches. The reality
is that the conditions reported by Environment Canada do not always
reflect the conditions at a launch site (even just 15 minutes away
from a weather station). In fact, you could be standing right under
the EC weather station and not get the current conditions being
reported. For now, WindTracker is a simple and inexpensive
alternative.

The WindTracker service is currently active and I would like to see
more participation in WindTracker from the kiting and windsurfing
communities. I would like to create a network of kiteboarders and
windsurfers with Text Message Enabled (activated) cellphones. We
could use this service to report the current conditions at a launch
site (water, snow, or land) to the maximum number of people with
one short message.

Here's the concept...
Once at the launch site, a kiteboarder or windsurfer can use their
Text Message service to send a report to windtracker at mts dot net.
WindTracker will forward the report to the WinnipegKiteboarders
Group and the Manitoba Windsurfing Club Group as well as any other
cellphone user with Text Messaging service activated that would like
to be on the Forward List.

Another benefit to the cellphone user is they can receive a message
stating unfavourable conditions or a change in venue while on route
or away from their regular computer.

Or, if you are looking for some buds to sail with you can state your
intensions to head out to a particular launch in a message sent to
windtracker at mts dot net. Even when you are away from your normal
computer terminal.

However, do not expect to see "Play by Play" weather reports all the
time. Sometimes you just have to drive up and see for yourself (or
you get that irresistable urge that you just might miss out).

How to use the service...
This is the important part, Send or Reply to windtracker at mts dot
net from your cellphone, or from your usual e-mail client program or
service, or from either of the Groups. Your message will be
forwarded to each Group plus to all cellphone users who wish to be
on the Forward List. If you are on the Forward List and have a Text
Message Enabled (activated) cellphone you will also receive the
message as confimation that it has gone through.

Keep the messages short and please remember to sign them.

If you would like your cellphone or your mobile e-mail added to the
Forward List please e-mail me your cellphone number and the name of
your carrier or your mobile e-mail address.

Cost...
The service is FREE. The only cost is your own personal Text Message
Subscription from your carrier (or cost per message to Send and /or
Read from your carrier). Could be cheaper (depending on your
existing monthly plan) and quicker than calling everyone.

WindTracker (windtracker at mts dot net)... the service is FREE, it
can be used by ALL, it's EASY to use, it's QUICK and reaches the
maximum number of kiters /windsurfers with one short message.

Thanks,
Myron

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Home is Where the Wind Blows...

Myron Hlady (aka HippieBoy, aka zerogee) ,
WindTracker, windtracker at mts dot net
Kiteboarding Manitoba
http://www.kiteboardingmanitoba.com
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