What difference does local wind make?

The affect of the wind is huge. A perfect swell with a 20mph onshore wind (wind blowing from the sea onto the land) will be a unridable white foaming mess. This is the kind of surf we associate with big storms on the beach and is rarely ridable and often dangerous.

For proper surf we need at least light winds and preferably blowing gently from the beach out to sea (offshore). This will completely change the way the waves break and help create the perfect shape we need.

Tip: Hold your mouse over the wind arrow to find out if the wind is onshore or offshore at the forecast spot.

Cross shore winds varying by even a few degrees from off to onshore can totally change the experience and having spotted a decent swell getting there with the right winds will make or break a session. We can't stress this enough - if you've spotted a decent swell you want to get to the beach with the right winds or you might as well not bother!

Note also that strong winds in any direction will create ocean currents and be aware and careful of this.