Combining Tides and Wave Data: Unlocking the Power of Surf Forecasting

For surfers, knowing when to head out to catch the best waves is crucial. But beyond predicting swell direction and size, surf forecasters also need to consider the tidal conditions that can make or break a session. When it comes to combining tides and wave data, the right approach can reveal ideal breaks for specific surfing spots.

Let's take a look at an example scenario.

Scenario:

We're heading to a popular surf spot in Hawaii, known for its powerful waves and consistent swells. The forecast shows a high tide tomorrow morning with a predicted range of 3-4 feet, with the peak breaking at around 10 am. We want to know if this will be a good day for surfing.

Tidal Data:

Using our trusty tides tables, we find that the incoming tide will be a strong one, pushing the water level up to an average of 7.5 feet by tomorrow morning. This means that the waves will be entering the break with a high water level and a lot of chop.

Wave Data:

The surf forecast shows a moderate to large wave for the afternoon session, with swells ranging from 4-6 feet. The peak breaking time is around 2 pm, but we're not sure if this will be optimal for our target break.

Combining Tides and Wave Data:

Now, let's combine the tidal data with the wave forecast to get a better understanding of what to expect on the surf session tomorrow. Based on our tides tables, it looks like the incoming tide will create some challenging waves for our target break.

However, if we take a closer look at the wave forecast, we see that the swells are actually smaller than expected, with most of them ranging from 2-4 feet. This means that the water level will still be choppy and tidal-driven, which may make it harder to ride some of the bigger waves.

Ideal Tide Ranges for Specific Breaks:

Based on our analysis, we've identified a few ideal tide ranges for specific breaks in this surf spot:

• North Shore Pipeline: Best with a low tide range of 1-2 feet, when the incoming tide is pushing the water level down and creating some nice waves.
• Kailua Beach: Ideal with a moderate to high tide range of 4-6 feet, when the tidal surge helps to push the waves forward and create bigger swells.
• Hanalei Bay: Best with a low tide range of 0.5-1 foot, when the incoming tide is creating some nice waves and a more consistent surf.

Conclusion:

Combining tides and wave data can help surfers like you unlock the power of surf forecasting and plan your sessions with greater accuracy. By analyzing both tidal conditions and wave patterns, you can identify ideal breaks for specific surfing spots and avoid over-exerting yourself in challenging conditions.

So next time you're planning a surf session, remember to check out our tide tables and wave forecasts together – it's the perfect combination to help you catch some gnarly waves! Combining Tides and Wave Data: Unlocking the Power of Surf Forecasting

Ideal Tide Ranges for Specific Breaks:

• North Shore Pipeline:

• Best with low tide (1-2 ft): 11:45 am - 12:15 pm
• Ideal with moderate to high tide (4-6 ft): 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

• Kailua Beach:

• Best with moderate to high tide (4-6 ft): 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
• Ideal with low tide (0.5-1 ft): 9:30 am - 2:00 pm

• Hanalei Bay:

• Best with low tide (0.5-1 ft): 10:15 am - 12:45 pm
• Ideal with moderate to high tide (4-6 ft): 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

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