Reading a surf forecast
Top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Surf Watch (Tide & Surf) | Tide, swell and surf-tracking watch for the water. | Check price → |
| Option | Surf Forecasting Book | Understand swell, wind, tide and how to read conditions. | Check price → |
| Option | Waterproof Phone Pouch | Check forecasts and stay reachable at the beach. | Check price → |
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices shown on Amazon at time of click.
Frequently asked questions
What is swell period and why does it matter?
Swell period is the time in seconds between successive swell lines. It indicates how much energy the swell carries: long-period swell (12+ seconds) produces powerful, well-organised, surfable waves, while short-period swell (under 8 seconds) is weak and choppy. A 1.5m swell at 14 seconds will produce far better waves than 1.5m at 6 seconds — which is why experienced surfers check period before height.
What does offshore wind mean in surfing?
Offshore wind blows from the land out to sea, into the face of the incoming waves. It grooms the wave surface clean and holds the waves up, making them steeper and better to ride — it's the ideal wind for surfing. Onshore wind (sea to land) does the opposite, making waves messy, crumbly and harder to surf.