Surf Forecast, what it is and how to interpret it

• Sebas


• 26 Oct 2022

Nowadays, having the assistance of websites and apps like Windguru or Surf Forecast is essential when choosing the right place and time to practice surfing. Whether you are just starting out in this sport or are already a veteran, it’s necessary to understand the variables that translate into ideal waves, which will help you interpret surf wave forecasts. With this information, you have half the work done.

Surf Forecast, all the information at your fingertips

If you’re looking for a tool that provides you with maximum information about surfing and its forecast for over 7000 beaches worldwide, and is also easy to use, Surf Forecast is the best option. In fact, it was a pioneering app in providing this type of predictions.

Overview of Surf Forecast on a computer

One of its most prominent features is that it allows you to know the forecast for sea conditions and weather. You simply choose a region to obtain data about the surf spots in that area, compare them, and choose when and where to surf.

Another benefit that Surf Forecast offers is the activation of a free alert system (which you can receive via email or SMS) that notifies you when your favorite spots have the best conditions.

Factors at play

It’s often thought that the only important factor for enjoying good surfing waves is their height. However, there are many other factors to consider, such as wind speed and direction, wave period, tides, and ocean energy.

Wave height

The size of the waves is one of the most relevant factors to take into account. This distance is measured from the average sea level as seen from the shore to the crest, which is the highest part of the wave.

On the other hand, keep in mind that this data is collected from open sea waves and, therefore, may not match the height of the waves at the beach.

Period

The period of a wave refers to the seconds it takes for the crest of one wave and the following one to pass the same point. Why is this indicator relevant for wave forecasting? Because a shorter period means smaller wave height, while a longer period means more time between waves. This allows more water to be gathered by each wave, resulting in larger waves.

A high period means that more than 10 seconds pass between waves. In this sense, the wave that forms in the open sea and travels a long distance to the shore grows along the way, concentrating a significant amount of energy. This translates into larger waves that break with more force on the coast.

Wind speed and direction

Undoubtedly, wind is a determining factor in wave production along the coast. Surf Forecast provides detailed information about the speed, direction, and how that wind affects each spot, making it a great aid in choosing the best option.

Based on how the wind blows, we can distinguish the following types:

• Offshore: Winds that blow from land to the sea. They often create beautiful and clean waves.
• Onshore: Winds that blow from the sea to the land. It is the worst wind for surfing, as it tends to flatten the waves and make them of poorer quality.
• Cross-shore: Lateral winds blowing towards the coast. This type of wind also worsens the quality of the waves, although less than an onshore wind.
• Crossoff-shore: Lateral winds blowing from land. This type of wind usually improves the quality of the waves, making them cleaner and more organized.
• Glass: No wind on the sea. This is ideal, as the sea appears calm like oil, and the wind does not affect the waves.

Sebas, founder of Mundo-Surf, enjoying offshore waves and wind in Tarifa

In the information provided by Surf Forecast, each type of wind is graded for each spot. With a color scale, it indicates how well each spot performs with a particular type of wind based on its position.

Tides

Tides are another factor that affects wave conditions. In this case, it’s not only important to know whether it’s low tide or high tide but also the so-called tidal coefficient. This indicator informs whether the tide is lower or higher than on a normal day. The tide affects each spot in one way or another. Consult with the locals to find out which type of tide works best for the break.

In the Surf Forecast app, all these data are analyzed for each spot and rated with stars ranging from 1 to 10. With higher waves, longer periods, and offshore winds, the spot will receive a higher rating.

Therefore, at a glance, you can know the conditions of each location and when is the best time to go there. Additionally, it provides detailed information by the hour for the same day and up to a 12-day period.

As you have seen, Surf Forecast allows you to make the most of your time and enjoy the waves. And if our explanations haven’t convinced you, try Windguru, another useful tool for wave and wind forecasts for surfers. Here we explain how to interpret Windguru easily and quickly. And remember that at Mundo-Surf, we have the best equipment for you to practice your favorite sport with top-quality gear.

What sets Surf Forecast apart from other websites is its easy breakdown of ocean energy based on the waves. This means that if there’s a forecast of 1 meter with a period of 12 seconds and 500 units of energy, those waves will be much larger and more powerful than another forecast with the same measurements but only 200 units of energy. It definitely indicates the energy carried by the ocean according to wave forecasts.

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