2011 Chase Partner Thread

[Drew.Gardonia]

Looking for someone with lots of experience who has a proven track record of seeing/finding/spotting/intercepting tornadoes to partner up with in May.

I have a window of May 9th - May 30th. I want to see a tornado (at minimum one, more if possible) this year, no and if's or butt's about it, and I will have enough funds to drive wherever we have to drive to see one, don't care if that means driving all night, a thousand miles, whatever...I just want someone to help make my dream a reality because I want to see one and see it up close (not as in Reed Timmer close) but close enough to experience it, hear it, see it, feel it's power.

I have some limited chase experience, but I have my own laptop, data card, usb card, camera gear, and I can read a map and navigate.

I can be a gopher, pack mule, photographer, videographer, whatever, let's just make it happen.

I'm coming from Murfreesboro, TN (25 miles south of Nashville), but I can be in KS, MO, OK, TX within 8 - 10 hours.

I am easy to get along with, sarcastic sense of humor, i love all kinds of music, from metallica, to george strait to led zepplin, to 4 Non-Blondes, and so on. Just don't play Nysnc, Backstreet Boys, or Brittany Spears type music and we're good.


thank you.

Drew

 

[cstrunk]

I'm located in Tyler, TX. I'd like to find a few people in northern/eastern portion of Texas or surrounding areas to partner up with from time to time next spring. I'm not sure what my schedule will be like for sure with work, but I think it will end up being an 8 on, 4 off schedule, so I might be able to head out for a few days at a time. Hopefully Mother Nature cooperates.

I've never chased in Texas or Oklahoma, and that's the main area I would like to chase. Maybe into Kansas as well if there might be 2-3 days to make the trip worthwhile.

I don't have a lot of equipment yet; but I expect that by the time next spring rolls around I might have a data card for a laptop and maybe some chaser-friendly software (GRL3 and GPS). I just invested in a DSLR, so I'm excited to try to get some good storm shots next season.

I have a little bit of amateur experience. I have only been chasing a few times when I've ever been on a good storm, and have yet to see a tornado while chasing, although it's been close.

I'm a pretty good driver. I drive an older 4x4 pickup. It does pretty well, but it's got a lot of miles now. I trust it but if someone else has something newer then we could use that. You never know when something might finally go on an older vehicle, and it would be nice to not have happen in the middle of an intense situation.

I have chased with a couple of people on Stormtrack with positive experiences each time. I feel like I'm pretty easy to get along with. I like most all kinds of music.

I can cover a lot of the cost, but I'll expect you to chip in as well, especially if you have a job and can afford it without problem.

If anyone with some experience wants to keep in touch, just let me know.

Chris

 

[Danny Neal]

Adam Lucio and I will be chasing our fourth year together next Spring (maybe sooner)! I have 13 years of chasing experience, while Adam has 7. Hopefully we have the same success next year as we did the last few years. Last year we took a variety of chasers out with us at various times of the year.

This year we are offering the same thing we did last year. We will take anyone chasing with us as long as they:

- Can handle being close to the "area of interest"
- Can contribute financially (chip in for gas) *Over the years we have built up a variety of connections and built friendships where lodging usually is free when we stay with people we know. We usually buy that person lunch the next day and/or take them chasing free of charge.
- Is willing to be flexible and meet us at a spot within reason. (I.E if you are from MI, come to Chicago to meet us)
- Fit in well with Adam and I... (WE LOVE HEAVY METAL!!!!)
- And just be interactive. If you have questions, ask them. If you have a difference of opinion, state it. We love chasing, but also love teaching.
- I am a firefighter/EMT so if we come across damage; I will get out and assist in any way possible

Obviously if you are on drugs or do drugs, don't even bother. I am not risking my occupations/future for BS like that. Otherwise we can pretty much guarantee you a fun, exciting experience. Anyone who has ever chased with us always came back wanting more. We would like to offer that opportunity to younger chasers who don't feel confident venturing out on their own, or a gentleman's chase with some of the vets who may not have a means to travel that particular day.

Some of the tornadoes we bagged last year: http://northernilstormchaser.com/2010-Tornadoes.php

If you are interested, the best way to get a hold of us (aside from PMing us on ST) is emailing Adam [email protected] or me [email protected] . Chase season is still a couple of months away but quickly approaching. Rock on chasers \m/ >_< \m/

 

[Jason Foster]

I'll put out...that if my trip extends into June...and some of my other possible chase partners/friends aren't chasing I would need/want a partner to share costs, driving duty and enjoy the plains whether there are storms or not.

Bonus if you can drive back to the east coast when my/our trip is done (not set date at this time)

Here is my current tentative schedule

May 6 thru May 16 - chasing with Mark Ellinwood
May 17 thru June 2 - open. would like to chase with more than one. Probably will also be chasing with some friends & previous chase partners but nothing scheduled or known.

--Bonus for someone who is chasing with me the last week (unknown date at this time, but figure between May 25 and June 15) and wants to drive back to the East Coast (PA thru SC).
--Bonus if you like camping (I will have tent a few basic camping gear). Camping is for down-days and when it's dry.

Note: I have a tight budget and will (at times) be chasing for money which will affect where I chase a few times. But things are tentative at this point.

My ride: 1997 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon. It's not that big...and with the laptop table up front, it's tight. One back seat will have a second laptop table if you want to bring your own.

 

[Mark Ellinwood]

I'll put out...that if my trip extends into June...and some of my other possible chase partners/friends aren't chasing I would need/want a partner to share costs, driving duty and enjoy the plains whether there are storms or not.

Bonus if you can drive back to the east coast when my/our trip is done (not set date at this time)

Here is my current tentative schedule

May 6 thru May 16 - chasing with Mark Ellinwood
May 17 thru June 2 - open. would like to chase with more than one. Probably will also be chasing with some friends & previous chase partners but nothing scheduled or known.

--Bonus for someone who is chasing with me the last week (unknown date at this time, but figure between May 25 and June 15) and wants to drive back to the East Coast (PA thru SC).
--Bonus if you like camping (I will have tent a few basic camping gear). Camping is for down-days and when it's dry.

Note: I have a tight budget and will (at times) be chasing for money which will affect where I chase a few times. But things are tentative at this point.

My ride: 1997 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon. It's not that big...and with the laptop table up front, it's tight. One back seat will have a second laptop table if you want to bring your own.

BTW... we could probably use a 3rd person with us while I'm out there as well. I have a friend who wants to join us, but I haven't heard a "I'll be there 100%" from him yet. Jason and I did some Mid-Atlantic chasing this year, and we chased 8 or 9 tornado-warned cells (sadly, only one produced and it was obscured when it put down 4-5 miles away from us... 'tis the bane of chasing the Mid-Atlantic). I'm shooting for at least 2 tornadoes in the time I'm out there.

I did most of the forecasting for us this year, and Jason has his 6 years of Plains chasing and does a great job with navigation on top of finding great vantage points. If we didn't live in the Mid-Atlantic, we would have had a great season

 

[Jennifer Palmer]

I am looking for anyone who wants to chase with me in Dixie Alley!!! I'm a weekend warrior mostly, but I am looking on doing at least one long distance trip this year.

I am in school and I work through the week, so the only way I'll probably have the opportunity to go to the plains is if the models look superb and I can get a couple of days off.

PM me if you'd like to chase with me! I typically go at it alone, and I don't like it! But I will keep going alone if I have to...

 

[Rob H]

We're really looking for people from MN or IA, willing to go out 5-20 times a year, and are able to leave for a day or two with little to no notice. We'll usually be about 50% sure of a day several days in advance, and 75-90% sure the day before we need to leave. A lot of times, we get up early and make the final decision the day of. We chase throughout the alley, so if sitting in a car driving 12 hours down to OK - chasing for 5 hours - and then driving 12 hours back sounds horrible, that's because it *is* horrible. This also doesn't mean we can pick you up after work for a chase 200 miles away - it means that we need to be in the target area 1-2 hours before initiation. We won't take minors out, we don't smoke (or drink during the chase), and if you're generally just kind of a jerk we really don't want to spend 30+ hours with you on a long chase

Family and work always come first, and unfortunately most people can't easily get away from either for chasing. We don't mind taking completely new people - in fact we kind of like people that ask questions and we like seeing the look on someone's face the first time they see the textbook definition of a supercell. If you're a more experienced chaser, we're pretty laid back and we can figure out a forecast together, or would love to meet up with you before or after the chase if we have different ideas on target/chase strategy.

We chase with GrLevel3, Mobile ThreatNet, and PYKL3, and go out in an AWD Ford Explorer - so the only equipment you need to bring is a phone and a camera/camcorder.

 

[Kate Pfeister]

Glad to see the 2011 thread up!

I'm looking to join up with others as well. I am hoping to spend as much time in the field from March into hurricane season as I can.

My backing for chasing is for photographic and documentary purposes, other then the fact that I just can't get enough of it...

Experience wise, I just started last spring, but I have a lot of drive to learn. I spent seven weeks with Vortex2 doing a documentary for my photo degree, and spent 6 of those weeks riding with/assisting/working alongside severe weather photographer Jim Reed. I am an excellent driver and navigator (I drove/navigated for him) in good weather and bad, and can split costs. I am fine with getting close, if I feel like the person I am chasing with is safety oriented and not driving blind into the tornado itself, and basically knows what they are doing.

I am also CPR, and first aid certified (American Heart Assoc. december 2010), and have gone through the spotter training courses.

Looking for:
-someone with strong meteorology background that can read storms with/without technology, forcasting skills...
-willing to split expenses
-a chase vehicle better then my little toyota corolla... obviously that doesn't work too well.
-hopefully someone who is willing to share what they know...

I listen to anything and everything... not hard to get along with. I've done the long days and nights so I'm aware of what it takes to be out there...

I have plenty of camping/travel equipment to share.

I currently live in Murphysboro, Illinois (southern Illinois) but can get anywhere pretty fast.

 

[Donovan Gruner]

Glad to see the 2011 thread up!

I'm looking to join up with others as well. I am hoping to spend as much time in the field from March into hurricane season as I can.

I potentially have two separate professional gigs lined up right now for the spring season, so I cannot fully commit to anything else yet, but I am ALWAYS looking for local people to join up with for local chases.

I live 40 minutes due west of Chicago in Warrenville, Illinois, about 5 minutes off of Rt. 88.

My backing for chasing is for photographic and documentary purposes, other then the fact that I just can't get enough of it...

Experience wise, I just started last spring, but I have a lot of drive to learn. I spent seven weeks with Vortex2 doing a documentary for my photo degree, and spent 6 of those weeks riding with/assisting/working alongside severe weather photographer Jim Reed. I am an excellent driver and navigator (I drove/navigated for him) in good weather and bad, and can split costs. I am fine with getting close, if I feel like the person I am chasing with is safety oriented and not driving blind into the tornado itself, and basically knows what they are doing.

I am also CPR, and first aid certified (American Heart Assoc. december 2010), and have gone through the spotter training courses.

Looking for:
-someone with strong meteorology background that can read storms with/without technology, forcasting skills...
-willing to split expenses
-a chase vehicle better then my little toyota corolla... obviously that doesn't work too well.
-hopefully someone who is willing to share what they know...

I listen to anything and everything... not hard to get along with. I've done the long days and nights so I'm aware of what it takes to be out there...

Hey, Kate! If you need someone to chase with later in the season, my chase partner and I will most likely be chasing out of Rockford come June/July-ish. Until then, we'll be out of Norman, being we have school and the weather is just plain better there that time of year anyway. We want to get closer than we have before this year (although Joe accidentally drove into one while filming for Storm Riders last spring, so not that close), and really focus on getting amazing pics and videos. If you're still interested come then, feel free to get ahold of us!

 

[Kate Pfeister]

Hey, Kate! If you need someone to chase with later in the season, my chase partner and I will most likely be chasing out of Rockford come June/July-ish. Until then, we'll be out of Norman, being we have school and the weather is just plain better there that time of year anyway. We want to get closer than we have before this year (although Joe accidentally drove into one while filming for Storm Riders last spring, so not that close), and really focus on getting amazing pics and videos. If you're still interested come then, feel free to get ahold of us!

thanks, I'll definitely keep you guys in mind towards the back end of the season... still not sure what exactly I'll be doing, but I'll be out there for sure.

thanks for the offer!

 

[jamesmseitz]

Last year we made it down to TX for the 4/22 storms, OK for the 5/10 storms, CO, for the 6/10 storms, amongst many more in the IA/MN/SD area. We vet our long trips quite well, but we do spend most of our time in the upper plains. James is a very, very modest person so I'll toot his horn for him. He's seen a ton of great tornadoes like Hallam and Goshen over the years and besides being a great friend, he's done an amazing job of taking me under his wing and teaching me the things you can't learn from a book.

If you want to ride with us out of MN, have us pick you up in some other state on the way, etc. let me know. We also tend to meet up with others chasers that elect to take their own cars and we'd love to meet anyone. Saving money on gas is a great benefit to chasing in groups, but building lasting friendships is very important to us as well.

Well since Rob has said it all...... Yes we are looking for someone who loves weather, long road trips on the hope of seeinng something, hoping we do so that the drive back is much better than if you bust. Going on 17 years but still love this stuff....

Let either of us know! Never can have to many friends

 

[AndreasWinsnes]

Hi,

As mentioned here, I don't have a driver's license, and am therefore looking for other storm chasers who has a car with a vacant seat. I'm from Norway and I'll visit the plains, Amarillo and Denver most likely, from the first of May to the middle of June. I can pay a 1000 dollar for fuel. But depend on staying in inexpensive motels or sleeping in a car.

A short presentation of oneself on the Internet will never be adequate, but I'll give it a try. I've traveled on six continents, with other backpackers from all over, so I easily get along with all kinds of people, except shallow persons who think they are cool or individuals who are vulgar. Music on the road: country, Springsteen, black metal. But I also like silence. Am about to finish a PhD in philosophy, with a focus on law, ethics, psychology, and religion. But only took an academic turn because skateboarding and playing cornerback took a heavy toll on my legs. We live in a global world, in a so-called "information age", so I've traveled around and studied everythings from surrealism and Buddhism to neurology and international politics, but basically support traditional values when it comes to family life, religion, and nation. I believe it is important to have roots in a local community. However, it's not an exaggeration that I'm equally curious as the people at NatGeo and Discovery, and I love to collect stories abour real life events, but also practice meditation and value the silence of nature, so don't mind looking quitely out the window for hours when traveling. I'm not your typical extreme sports dude. The personal traits I appreciate most are kindness, humility (which I sometimes lack unfortunately), openess and honesty. Everything else is rather primitive.

That's it. Not many things impressive me these days, but a supercell will definitely increase my dopamine level, so I'll be grateful if I can tag along with other passionate storm chasers.

 

[Zack Cooper]

Looking for someone to chase with this saturday (1/8/11) in central tx. will split/pay for gas money... please let me know in pm if interested.

 

[Bart_Comstock]

I have moved out of northwest Arkansas and now live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I almost always have an open seat in the Jeep for another chaser who may want to tag along. I like to split costs evenly on a chase and can get an employee discount at Choice Hotel properties (Comfort Inn, Quality Suites, Econo Lodge, Sleep In, Clarion, etc). I have been spotting storms since 04, chasing since 05, and do not have any trouble with chasing long distances.

I typically prefer to go in my own chase vehicle which is a 2000 Grand Cherokee that I affectionately call "The Storm Trooper." I have an aggressive chasing style and when it appears the tornado threat on a storm is not great I love to chase hail so you must be okay with large hail intercepts. I also try to chase into the night sometimes so you must also be okay with night spotting, that said, I do not get nearly as close at night as I do in the day.

I would prefer to have a chase partner that is not tied down their schedule and would be okay with having to stay out in the field for a day longer if something unexpected happened. I also would prefer that you lie close to Tulsa but if we could meet up along the way that is fine too. Just send me a PM if you are interested in chasing with me. The Storm Trooper has 3 seats available.

 

[Brandon]

Hey chasers I am 26yrs old from San Diego and looking to get in a group and do some storm chasing this May. I work full time in music as a videographer and have toured the past 7 years for reputable bands and companies. I have 2 weeks of availability, May 8th - 23rd, and would love to film and photograph some storms / tornadoes. I use the Panasonic HMC 150 and Canon 7D with an array of lenses. I'm a great navigator, lots of fun, normal, and a great person to have on a trip. Let me know if I'd be a good addition to your group!