Recommendations for a Storm Chasing Tour?

[Jason Boggs]

Not saying that it's absolutely the best idea, but I just went out on my own and made mistakes and learned from experience. The best part of the deal...none of the mistakes were deadly.

Sometimes you just have to go for the gusto if no other options are available. I sure as heck wasn't going to drop 2 grand for someone to drive me around and look at storms. I had the passion to learn how to do that myself.

 

[Melanie Kern-Favilla]

Sometimes you just have to go for the gusto if no other options are available. I sure as heck wasn't going to drop 2 grand for someone to drive me around and look at storms. I had the passion to learn how to do that myself.

But I think that there are other options available. Why go the most dangerous route if you don't have to? There are tons of experienced chasers on this site. Maybe a newbie could contact one of those individuals and see if they could chase with them, offering to pay for gas/lodging. Or maybe they would give permission to follow them in their own car. I just don't think it's a great idea go chasing alone if you might not even know what a meso is.

mel

 

[Bill Schintler]

Storm Chasing Tours

I am the owner and operator of Twister Tours USA, and we're offering chasing tours based in Oklahoma City again in 2009. We're fully insured and have been operating since 2001. We provide an educational experience for those who are interested, which includes a detailed morning briefing while encouraging participation from tour members.

bill schintler
http://www.twistertoursusa.com/

 

[Shane Adams]

Not saying that it's absolutely the best idea, but I just went out on my own and made mistakes and learned from experience. The best part of the deal...none of the mistakes were deadly.

Sometimes you just have to go for the gusto if no other options are available. I sure as heck wasn't going to drop 2 grand for someone to drive me around and look at storms. I had the passion to learn how to do that myself.

I am 110% on that same wavelength with Jason. I wanted to chase tornadoes, and I knew there was no_way_possible to truly learn how to chase other than just getting out there and doing it. Even people who started out taking tours, and then chased on their own...they honed their true skills after they took the "plunge" and went solo. People like Jason and myself, with regards to storm chasing, I like to refer to as having "shark" in them. Meaning, they're aggressive, passionate, and sensible enough to take something on by themselves without exposing themselves to danger. It all comes down to how bad a person wants it.

But I think that there are other options available. Why go the most dangerous route if you don't have to? There are tons of experienced chasers on this site. Maybe a newbie could contact one of those individuals and see if they could chase with them, offering to pay for gas/lodging. Or maybe they would give permission to follow them in their own car. I just don't think it's a great idea go chasing alone if you might not even know what a meso is.

I also agree 110% with this, in the case of people who don't have "shark". I don't think most people (who opt for tours) do, and a tour is probably the best bet, although IMO it will never make economic sense compared to just chasing on your own. But the people who take tours, IMO, are the kind of people who'd rather pay more to ensure success, do less, and just enjoy the perks. More of the "business-minded" types who look at chasing as a vacation, not a passion...although IMO taking a tour isn't chasing.

As I always say, if you're thinking about chasing and you have to ask me what you need to do it, my advice is "don't". The answer, as far as I'm concerned, is nothing more than "ambition".

 

[Robert Edmonds]

Sorry guys to dig up a post from the past, but this page came up in a google search.

Figure I should throw out the name of my tours:
Storm Chase Guide - Storm Chasing Tours

Two years running and everyone has seen a tornado! If you ever have any questions feel free to email me.

 

[KeenanCampbell]

ILCHASE always welcomes newbies on our yearly chase trips. www.ilchase.org