Volunteer Breaking News:
.........
Only two private chase slots remain for 2010. Book now! (Convoy chases available for all periods.... see below)
The Ultimate Storm Chasing Adventure Needs You Now!
Now accepting reservations for 2010 tornado chasing expedition
volunteers!
• Unique, one-on-one and
private storm chase and tornado chasing adventures with the world's most successful and best known
professional storm chaser.
• Warren Faidley -- As seen on The Discovery Channel's HD Theater, CNN, Fox News,
National Geographic and The Weather Channel.
• We chase in safe, comfortable, SUV chase vehicles filled with high-tech equipment so you are not
stuffed into a crowded van full of people fighting for the best view out the window!
• You are a working volunteer and part of an actual chase crew, not just a tourist!
(You can be as involved as you want, or not all all).
•
We are the only adventure outlet that allows you to change your volunteer chase dates if no severe weather is occurring. (Subject to available dates and other terms).
"Best time I ever had, hands down! Better than any regular storm tour or tornado tour." D.
Connell. Executive storm and tornado chasing volunteer 2005.
"My wife and I considered many options before chasing with Warren. I am glad we decided to
chase in a private setting as opposed to a shuttle van. We were also part of the crew and that made
all the difference. The front seat ride was well worth the extra money... like the difference
between sitting in 22A on a 747 and being in the cockpit! M. Brown. Executive storm and tornado
chasing volunteer 2006.
All volunteers are now covered by a basic travel insurance plan! See details below.
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$299.00 per month, discounted for 3, 6 and 12 months if paid in advance. This page is no 1 ranked in
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For the first time ever renown storm adventurer, storm chasing
celebrity and extreme weather journalist Warren Faidley
is offering a rare opportunity to chase storms and tornadoes with him -- during the height of the
tornado season! You will not simply be a tourist, but a working volunteer tornado chaser.
From the morning briefing to the excitement of the storm chase -- you will (if you want - not
required) work the radios, check the maps and learn first hand what's it is like to be a part
of, not simply a tornado tour passenger in the adventurous world of storm chasing and tornado
chasing! In fact, the 2009 tornado chasing season may be one of the most exciting ever. With a
massive government research project beginning in 2009 -- the excitement and visuals will be
spectacular!
Warren Faidley was the first, full-time, storm chasing journalist, professional
photographer and cinematographer. If you are unfamiliar with Warren Faidley, his
background, credits and history, we urge you to visit his biography page.
As featured on.......
There are several
outstanding storm chase tour and tornado chase tour companies offering the opportunity to chase
severe weather. If you are seeking to chase in a transport van filled with people -- these tornado
tour groups are an acceptable way to chase storms. But if you are interested in a more private,
professional, hands-on storm chasing experience -- this is for you. The extra cost to chase
one-on-one is a smart investment for a once in a lifetime adventure. We limit volunteers to one per
chase vehicle, or groups of two if requested. With us, you will have a comfortable seat with a
window view, as opposed to most larger tour groups that seat 9-12 people in a single van. You will
be able to ask Warren questions at any time. In addition, since our meeting, pick-up and drop off
locations will be located in "active" areas, you do not waste precious chase days traveling to hot
spots, as with many tornado holiday and storm chasing tour groups. In fact, we can often customize
your pick-up and drop off locations saving you multiple (wasted) days of driving. This single factor
alone makes the extra investment worthwhile -- often adding a day or more of active chasing.
Dan Connell having the "time of his life."
Please remember, this
adventure is a working situation. Severe weather is a serious but exciting business. As a team
member you will be required to follow specific rules to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
It is likely your boots will get muddy, a few mosquitoes will bite, your hair will be wind-blown and
you will have to sit in a chase unit for hours on end. However.... not a single person who has
participated has not had a total blast. Our current success rate for witnessing tornadoes is around
95 percent and our overall success rate of encountering any severe weather is 100 percent. Of
course, no "tour" group can guarantee you anything or they would be deceiving you. However, since
Warren makes his living by getting as close to the action as possible (in a safe manner), you are
guaranteed the best chance of witnessing amazing events. After all.... he has been chasing for over
20 years! If you are a photographer -- you will be traveling with the most successful storm
photographer in history. Remember the poster, promotional and DVD artwork for Twister? That
was Warren's!.
Warren currently offers four types of storm chasing and
tornado chase volunteer opportunities:
1: Springtime storm chases and tornado chasing in Tornado Alley -- you ride with Warren
-- one-one-one!
2: Chase convoy -- you drive your own car or rental vehicle as part of Warren's chase
convoy during the springtime tornado chase season.
3: Executive Monsoon Safari and Photography Adventures during the July summer
thunderstorm season in Tucson, Arizona.
4: Executive customized chases, education and extended storm chasing during and after
the normal chase seasons.
Let's Go Tornado Chasing and Storm Chasing!
"Warren is the Michael Jordan of chasing" Dr. R. Moles. Executive tour 2005.
The tornado season will begin in late April and run through mid-June. Some dates are reserved well
in advance, so please book soon to reserve the most popular weeks. There are many people looking for
tornado chasing adventures, storm chasing tours and storm chasing vacations!
Confidentiality and privacy is our specialty for high-profile clients and celebrities. Our clients
have included models, actors and even the President of a major worldwide corporation. Our volunteer
adventures are very popular as gifts to students and family members.
Cost: A donation fee to support chase operations, educational and
charitable projects is required. See availability and cost listed below for five day
volunteer chases. Price does not include (inbound or outbound transportation, lodging or meals. Lodging can be arranged for an extra fee. A 50% deposit is required to hold a date. (See terms of deposit listed below). Volunteers will receive officially-licensed chase team logo clothing.
Longer chase periods can be arranged or combined. Rates subject to change without notice.
Now excepting 5 day volunteer, one-on-one expedition team members for the 2009
tornado season in Tornado Alley!
2010
For 2011, please email us for available dates. We now offer a lay-away plan where you pay the deposit, then add funds to your account.
Special note: There is a 10% discount for booking two people for the
same period or booking for two consecutive periods. Fees are per person.
April 29 through May 3 -- Reserved
May 5 through May 9 -- Reserved -- Convoy chase available. See below.
May 10 through May 14 -- Reserved -- Convoy chase available. See below.
May 16 through May 20 -- Reserved -- Convoy chase available. See below.
May 22 through May 26 -- Reserved -- Convoy chase available. See below.
May 28 through June 1 -- Open $5,900.00
June 3 through June 7 -- Reserved
June 9 through June 13 -- Open $5,900.00
June 15 through June 18 -- Reserved
Donation fees listed are per person. Please note that volunteers are required to arrive one day
before the scheduled start date, and depart on the day after the scheduled departure date. Some
flexibility on noted dates can be discussed.
To reserve a chase, please see the
"reservation instructions" located at the bottom of this page.
Convoy tornado chases (You drive your own vehicle or a rental SUV as part of our
convoy):
Our chase convoy option is a very popular option. Not only does it make chasing with Warren affordable, it allows more freedom in choosing active chase dates.
The chase convoy allows you to use your own vehicle (or better yet -- a rental SUV) to be a part of our storm chase
convoy. (We can also arrange for experienced, private drivers). This allows you the freedom to meet us at the "rally point" on your own time without having
to worry about last minute flight schedules. You also have the ability to pick your own five day period within our normal chase operation timeframes. (Subject to restrictions). For many, this allows a wider opportunity for selecting active days, as you can adjust your five day period accordingly.
During your chase, you will be supplied with all the necessary
communications equipment. This is also a great way for multiple people to chase. Many people find
this more personable and comfortable than storm chasing adventures or tornado chasing tours. Please e-mail for available convoy dates.
Cost: A donation fee of $2,900.00 for the first person and $1,200.00 per additional person is required per five day period. Price does not
include lodging or meals. A 50% deposit is required to hold a date. (See terms of deposit listed
below). For safety purposes, convoy chases are limited to no more than two vehicles. Limit of four
passengers in any vehicle. Please reserve soon as good dates go quickly.
To reserve a convoy chase, please see the "reservation
instructions" located at the bottom of this page.
Prime dates are still available. Reserve now as they will go soon!
Arizona Monsoon Photo Safari Adventures Now Available!
The Monsoon Photo Safari Adventure is a unique event, based out of Tucson, Arizona, the "lightning photography
capital of the world." While the evenings will be saved for monsoon madness, days include visits to Biosphere, the
Sonora Desert, cultural stops and personal time to shop, play golf or take a treatment at the wonderful Loews Ventana Canyon Resort."
Warren, your personal host, says the philosophy of this opportunity is two fold. The adventure is about the changing
ecology of the desert and the photography of the Southwest's stunning atmosphere. Its also a great
hands-on experience for photographers. The entire package is geared for comfort and having a great
time here in Tucson, and even if you're not a photographer, you will still be witnessing amazing
desert monsoon events."
Book soon, this group is limited to 12 people at the very most.
Dates for 2010 are July 22 to July 28. Prices start at $4,900 per person with resort lodging provided. We suggest making reservations before the end of the year as this has been a very popular program. Please contact us about our 2010 program and reservations.
Custom Chase Adventures, Private Instruction and Safety Consulting
Warren also offers:
Chase season customized chase dates
(Additional fees apply)
Extended chase periods of 1 to 2 weeks
One-on-one chase
training and consulting during the off season. Personal and in-depth storm chasing and tornado
chasing instruction and training for spotter and Skywarn certification. Conducted during the off
seasons. Complete photography, videography, transportation, technical, meteorological, logistical
and safety instruction. Two days of complete fun including actual instruction in a chase vehicle,
lodging, lunch, clothing, manuals and more. Great for corporate groups. Please contact us for pricing.
Safety consulting for individuals, government
and corporate employees
We use advanced, real time GPS
tracking and Doppler Radar systems to chase in a safe and productive manner. For redundancy, we also
use satellite, wireless and hard copy mapping.
"Doc" Randy seen in the Arch Angel.
Our typical chase day includes a morning briefing and
safety discussion. After going over a checklist of equipment and radio checks we load-up and head
out. Once our target is chosen, the excitement begins. As the day progresses we will narrow our
chase target until we are engaged with one or more storms. At the end of the day, nothing beats
relaxing with a cool drink and talking about the day's chase. Your mind will race from all the
excitement as you look over the pictures and video. But don't relax yet.... there is always
tomorrow!
"Steph" seen near a tornadiac storm in West Texas.
For additional information please contact our volunteer office: All client information
is confidential.
1: Before forwarding any deposit, please email our office to confirm
the dates you are requesting to make sure they are still available. Some flexability on listed dates
may be possible. If you have any questions we will be happy to assist you. Please note that we
do not provide a phone number here, because of the overwhelming number of unsolicited calls we
receive. Once we start the process, you will be forwarded full contact information including phone
numbers.
2: Basic terms of deposit and making your reservation: A 50% percent deposit of the total
cost listed above is required to hold a chase period. No dates are reserved until the deposit is
received and cleared. We will place a courtesy hold on dates for 48 hours. All deposits must be
in the form of a money order or bank transfer of funds. Checks should be made out to "Weatherstock
Inc.," PO Box 31808, Tucson, AZ 85751. For direct bank deposits, please email us and we will forward instructions. Before you make any deposit we will
be forward a copy of our basic deposit agreement form unpon request.
3: Insurance: Weatherstock Inc. is an insured and licensed company.
4: Cancellations, date changes and refunds: Only under a few, specified circumstances will a
deposit be refunded. Exceptions to "no refunding of deposits" include the following: 1: A national
emergency forces the closure of all air transportation, preventing air travel on the reserved
(inbound) dates. 2: Weatherstock cancels the chase for any reason, prior to your first scheduled
date, and our cancelation is not for reasons related to a breach of the agreement by you. The
remainging total is due at least one week before your scheduled chase date. If for any reason you
must cancel, this second payment will be refunded, although the initial 50% deposit is
forefited. In some circumstances, we may attempt to re-schedule a chase period if you must cancel.
Additional terms apply. Please see the entire agreement for deposit details.
Miscelanious:
All chases begin
and end in Amarillo, Texas unless otherwise noted. You are REQUIRED to arrive one day in advance of
the actual chase date and depart one day after the actual end date -- so please note this requires a
7 day commitment, although you may remove days if desired. In some circumstances, if you have the
ability to change travel plans within 12 to 24 hours of arrival, we may be able to offer a flexable
pick-up and drop-off option that may allow you to save a travel day or two, allowing additional and
more precise chasing.
Reservations for tornado chase volunteers will be taken up to the active chase period. Please contact us for last minute reservations and availability.
Monsoon Chases: Additional information will be posted soon.
Notes:
Our goal is to witness severe weather! Although May through early June is statically the most likely
time for severe weather and tornadoes in the Central Plains, it is important to understand that days
or even weeks can go "bust" without storm formation of any kind. If no chasable weather is
forecasted "before" your volunteer position begins, we "may" be able to re-schedule the position to
other dates (or year), if available. However, no refunds are granted if your reserved chase period
is inactive. Refunds are handled per terms of the agreement and any rescheduling is at the sole
discretion of Weatherstock Inc.
Our active storm chasing areas are limited to a region roughly bounded by Midland, TX, Roswell,
NM, the eastern plains of Colorado, southern Nebraska, far western Iowa, Oklahoma City and west of
Dallas, TX. For safety reasons, we do not chase in areas where vegetation or terrain limits
visibility, generally east of Oklahoma City.
Travel Insurance: Weatherstock now includes a basic "Travel Max" plan through Travelex.*
The basic plan includes limited coverage for: trip delay, missed flight connections, baggage delay,
emergency medical, emergency medical evacuation, 24 hour AD&D, travel assistance, concierge and
limited trip disruption.* Please note
that this plan, including: coverage
limits, benefits and policy terms are the sole responsibility of Travelex and are subject to
change.
This plan DOES NOT cover trip cancellation. You may purchase additional
coverage, including trip cancellation insurance via Travelex or through other insurance companies.
This insurance is limited in scope and is not designed to replace major medical or other
comprehensive insurance.
Please note that any storm chasing tour, tornado adventures, storm chasing holidays, storm
adventures, tornado tours, tornado alley tours, tornado vacations, storm vacations, chaser tours,
storm tours or similar activities are inherently risky, as there is no way to conduct this adventure
without some level of risk, especially since weather events are inherently uncontrollable and can
change with little or no advanced warning. There are many tornado chasing tours and storm chase
tours companies offering services.