Reading surf forecasts while baked
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If you’re like me and checking Surfline after a sesh , here’s how to decode the basics:
3–4 ft = wave face height, not Hawaiian scale. Think chest to head-high.
10s = swell period — anything over 10 seconds usually means cleaner, more powerful waves. Under 8s? Wind mush.
WNW = swell direction. West/northwest swells hit different depending on your local spot’s angle. Know your beach.
Fun fact: higher period swells feel punchier even if they’re the same size like the difference between a mellow puff and that one cone that catches you off guard