1. WHY DO YOU WANT A WAVE BUOY?
Visit the Sofar website to learn more about what a wave buoy can measure.
Questions to think about:
- Why do you want to join Backyard Buoys?
- What problem are you trying to solve?
(Examples: safer fishing trips, local wave data) - What would make this project successful?
2. BUILDING YOUR TEAM
You'll need people to help with different jobs:
- Team leader - coordinates everything
- Community outreach - tells people about the project
- Buoy maintenance - fixes and stores the buoy
- Permits - handles paperwork for approvals
- Boat operations - puts buoy in water and takes it out
- Data education - teaches people how to use the information
3. CHOOSING YOUR LOCATION
Where do you want the buoy? Think about:
- How deep is the water?
- What's on the bottom? (sand, rock, coral)
- How far from shore?
- Are there boats that might hit it?
- What time of year is best to put it out?
- Bad weather seasons when you can't go out.
What you'll need:
- At least one boat (having backups is good)
- Government permits (we have guides)
4. YOUR DATA, YOUR CHOICE
Important: Your community owns all the data from your buoy. You:
- decide who can see your data
- get a private dashboard to view your data
- can choose to share data publicly
- need good internet connection (cell phone or satellite)
5. THE FUTURE OF YOUR BUOY
Costs to think about:
- Internet/satellite connection fees
- Boat fuel and maintenance
- Permits and renewals
- Repair costs
We have a detailed cost list to help you plan.
Start thinking now about:
- Where might you get funding?
- Are there grants you could apply for?
6. NEXT STEPS
Ready to move forward?
- Check out our resources and training materials at backyardbuoys.org
- Contact your local IOOS Regional Association
- Email us at info@backyardbuoys.org
Before you use the CRISP Blueprint Builder, make sure you have:
- Clear goals for your project
- Ideas for team members and their roles
- A location in mind (even if not final)
- Thought about costs and funding
- Community support for the project