Our Mission
Shake or Lake was created by The Antarctic Intelligence Project to help Antarctic travelers and expedition enthusiasts understand and prepare for one of the world's most challenging ocean crossings. We combine real-time meteorological data with accessible, easy-to-understand forecasts to answer the age-old question: "Will it be Shake or Lake today?"
About The Antarctic Intelligence Project
ShakeOrLake.com is a service of The Antarctic Intelligence Project, a collaboration of polar travelers, hobby meteorologists, and web coders committed to helping travelers feel prepared for their upcoming voyage to Antarctica. Our project brings together diverse expertise and passion for polar exploration to create tools that make Antarctic travel more accessible and predictable.
🌊 What Does "Shake or Lake" Mean?
These playful terms describe the two distinct experiences travelers might encounter when crossing the Drake Passage. "Drake Lake" refers to calm, smooth sailing conditions, while "Drake Shake" indicates rough seas that will have passengers holding on tight. Our tool helps you predict which experience awaits your crossing.
Why We Created This Service
The Drake Passage has fascinated explorers, scientists, and travelers for centuries. As the shortest route to Antarctica, it serves as the gateway for most Antarctic expeditions. However, its weather can be notoriously unpredictable, ranging from mirror-calm "lake" conditions to storm-tossed "shake" experiences.
We recognized that while professional marine weather services exist, there was a need for an accessible, traveler-friendly tool that could help expedition participants understand what to expect during their crossing. Our service bridges the gap between complex meteorological data and practical travel planning.
How We Work
Data Sources
We use cutting-edge meteorological data from trusted sources:
- Open-Meteo: High-resolution weather models updated multiple times daily
- Marine Weather APIs: Specialized oceanic forecasting data
- Real-time Conditions: Current weather observations from the region
- Historical Patterns: Seasonal trends and climatological data
Our Approach
We translate complex meteorological data into clear, actionable insights. Our algorithm considers multiple factors including wave height, wind speed, wind direction, and seasonal patterns to provide you with an easy-to-understand forecast for your specific departure time and route.
Important Disclaimers
While we strive for accuracy, it's crucial to understand that Shake or Lake is designed for entertainment and general planning purposes only. Weather forecasting, especially in the Drake Passage, involves inherent uncertainties. We strongly recommend:
- Consulting professional marine weather services for operational decisions
- Working with experienced expedition leaders and ship captains
- Treating our forecasts as one tool among many in your planning process
- Never using our predictions as the sole basis for safety-critical decisions
Commitment to Quality
We are committed to providing reliable, up-to-date information while maintaining transparency about the limitations of weather forecasting. Our service is regularly updated with the latest meteorological data and modeling techniques.
🎯 Our Values
- Accuracy: Using the best available meteorological data
- Transparency: Clear disclaimers about limitations and uncertainties
- Accessibility: Making complex weather data understandable for everyone
- Safety: Always emphasizing the need for professional guidance
- Education: Helping travelers understand Drake Passage conditions
Looking Forward
We continue to improve our service by incorporating user feedback, advancing our modeling techniques, and staying current with the latest developments in marine meteorology. Our goal is to become the go-to resource for anyone planning a Drake Passage crossing.
Whether you're embarking on your first Antarctic expedition or you're a seasoned polar traveler, we hope Shake or Lake helps you better understand and prepare for your journey through one of the world's most legendary waterways.
Connect With Us
Have questions, suggestions, or feedback? We'd love to hear from you. Visit our contact page or follow us on social media for updates and Drake Passage insights.