Last Wave: Reading Surf Reports

Predict the Best Days to Surf

Surfing isn’t just about being in the water, it’s also about knowing when to go. Learning how to read surf reports will give you the power to predict which days will bring clean, surfable waves and which ones are better left for a beach walk.

Introduction to Surf Reports and Their Components

Surf reports pull together data about ocean and weather conditions. The key elements you’ll see include:

• Swell Height – The estimated wave size (e.g., 2–3 ft, 4–6 ft). Beginners usually aim for 1–3 ft.

• Swell Period – The time (in seconds) between waves. Longer periods (10+ seconds) mean more powerful, better-shaped waves.

• Swell Direction – Where the waves are coming from. Each beach works differently depending on swell direction (e.g., Gold Coast point breaks love an easterly swell).

• Wind Speed & Direction – Offshore winds clean up waves, onshore winds make them messy.

• Tide – High, low, rising, or falling tides can make or break a surf session.

• Conditions Summary – Many reports add an overall “good/fair/poor” rating, but learning to read the raw data is far more reliable.

Hands-On Activity: Interpreting Sample Reports

Step 1: Look at the sample surf report from Surfline below.

• Example: Swell 2–3 ft at 12 seconds, ESE direction. Wind W at 5 knots. Tide rising from low at 9:30am.

Step 2: Ask yourself:

• Are the waves small enough to be safe for me?

• Is the swell period long enough for clean, surfable sets?

• Will the wind improve (offshore) or ruin (onshore) the waves?

• What’s the tide doing, and does that suit my chosen beach?

Step 3: Compare two local beaches.

• Which one works best with today’s conditions?

• What time would you choose to surf and why? (You may like to look at a current report and you might even choose a different day to surf!).

Planning Your Next Surf Day

1. Check the report the night before and again in the morning.

2. Match the forecast to your skill level (e.g., 2 ft offshore = perfect beginner conditions).

3. Know your spots - keep notes on which beaches work best in which tides and swells.

4. Look beyond size - a clean 2 ft day with offshore winds can be more enjoyable than messy 4 ft surf.

5. Plan around tides - schedule your surf session for when your local break is at its best tide window.

Key Takeaway

Reading surf reports is like learning the ocean’s language. With practice, you’ll be able to predict the best days and times to paddle out, giving you more confidence, more fun, and more quality waves.