Where our forecasts come from

Surf Trip Wave forecasts are built from public scientific data. We turn offshore model output into spot-level surf heights and ratings using each break's exposure to swell direction, its preferred wind and tide, and wave shoaling physics.

NOAA GFS-Wave (WAVEWATCH III)

Offshore swell forecast: three swell trains plus wind-sea, hourly to 5 days then 3-hourly to 16 days, on the 0.16° US West Coast grid.

Credit: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Prediction, via the NOAA Open Data Dissemination program. Source

National Weather Service

Hourly wind forecast for the first ~7 days. GFS model wind is used beyond that.

Credit: NOAA National Weather Service. Source

NOAA Tides & Currents (CO-OPS)

Tide predictions at the nearest official tide station to each break.

Credit: NOAA Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services. Source

NOAA shoreline (CUSP)

Coastline used to position each break, work out which way it faces and which swell directions reach it past points and islands.

Credit: NOAA National Geodetic Survey, Continually Updated Shoreline Product (public domain). Source

Natural Earth

Baja California coastline south of the border, for swell shadowing.

Credit: Made with Natural Earth (public domain). Source

EPA UV Index

Hourly UV index forecast by ZIP code.

Credit: US Environmental Protection Agency, Envirofacts. Source

Buoys: NDBC and CDIP

Live wave height, period, direction and water temperature, shown as reported.

Credit: NOAA National Data Buoy Center; Coastal Data Information Program, Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Source

NOAA does not endorse Surf Trip Wave. Our surf heights and ratings are our own estimates derived from this data, not official forecasts. Never rely on them for safety; check conditions and lifeguard advice at the beach.