Our new nearshore data is produced by running a complex local model that takes into account many local factors to give a good idea of the swell height at the beach. You'll see we don't call this 'breaking wave height' because this will change from minute to minute, bank to bank with the tide and you'll need to plan your session with this in mind.
Our 'summary' and 'detailed' surf forecasts are for offshore swell. It's very important to realise that the swell heights given will not necessarily be the same as the breaking wave heights on the beach. Our surf forecasts are based primarily on the NWW3 model and are most usefully interpreted with local knowledge to estimate the actual conditions on the beach. To find out more click the info buttons on the forecast page or read our tutorials. Current conditions reports are based on the latest forecast conditions. Our swell rating is a guide to significant swells likely to create surfable waves. They take into account swell height, period and wind direction, however actual surfing conditions are very variable and even a change in sandbars from one day to the next can change the size or quality of breaking waves.
Tide times and heights are approximate and should not be used to make important decisions! We automatically select the nearest port for which we have data based on distance. Data quality varies by port, large ports are likely to be more accurate than small ones. If you spot any that are wildly innacurate please let us know.
If you use this surf forecast regularly please keep an eye here - we do occasionally improve the way it works and you'll need to keep this in mind:
[23rd April 2006] N.B. The swell rating
doesn't take into account the swell direction. Particularly this is an issue where swell shadowing is poor in the model (eg. swell can
arrive from the other side of a headland or island) - It's very apparent in Hawaii at the moment with, for example, swells from the east showing with good ratings for Pipeline. Check
the swell direction and adjust the surf forecast according.
Read More.
