Here are a few guidelines to help newer pilots avoid getting themselves blown over back at mussel rock. 

Every time you fly mussel rock you should be checking at least these 3 wind meters. The SF buoy, the one at Sharp Park and the one at Funston. If Funston or Sharp Park are close to or above 20 consider the risk high regardless of what the wind is doing at Mussel rock.

If you see shiny patches on the water close to the shore, and the surface texture further out is darker with white caps of any size, consider the blowback risk high, again regardless of what the wind is doing at mussel rock.

If the wind is 15+ at Walker or lemming blowback potential is high.

If there are whitecaps all the way to the shore, the risk is high.

Wind coming directly from the west in any of the above conditions increases the danger of being blown back.

If you decide to fly in any of the conditions above, please make sure you’re comfortable staying far away from the ridge, when you’re up high. If you’re at ridge top level or above, this means you should be out over the ocean. Or better yet, if you’re a newer pilot, simply don’t fly in these conditions.