About surf.institute
Real-time ocean conditions from NOAA observation networks, organized around the places you care about.
How It Works
surf.institute aggregates data from federal ocean observation networks and presents it in a unified interface. Instead of checking multiple government websites, you can save locations and see all relevant conditions in one place.
A Location is a geographic point (like a beach, harbor, or surf break) linked to nearby data sources. Each location pulls data from the most relevant buoys, tide stations, and forecast zones. You can use our library of pre-configured locations or create custom ones with your own station assignments.
Data Sources
All data comes from U.S. federal agencies, primarily NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Data is refreshed continuously throughout the day.
National Data Buoy Center
Moored buoys and coastal stations measuring wave height, period, direction, wind, air/water temperature, and barometric pressure. Most buoys report every 10-30 minutes.
Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services
Tide gauges at harbors and coastal stations measuring water level, plus wind and meteorological data at many locations. Also provides tide predictions.
Coastal Data Information Program
High-precision directional wave buoys operated by Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Provides spectral wave data that breaks down swell into component wave trains by period and direction.
National Weather Service
Marine forecasts for coastal waters, surf zones, and offshore areas. Includes wind forecasts, sea state, and hazard warnings. Updated twice daily.
Key Metrics Explained
| Metric | What It Means | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wave Height | Significant wave height (Hs) - average of the highest 1/3 of waves. Actual wave faces may be 1.5-2x this value. | NDBC, CDIP |
| Wave Period | Time between wave crests in seconds. Longer periods (14s+) indicate powerful ground swell; shorter periods (6-10s) indicate local wind swell. | NDBC, CDIP |
| Wave Direction | Where waves are coming FROM, in degrees (0°=North, 90°=East, 180°=South, 270°=West). | NDBC, CDIP |
| Wind Speed | Sustained wind speed, typically averaged over 2-10 minutes. Gusts may be 20-40% higher. | CO-OPS, NDBC |
| Tide Level | Water height relative to MLLW (Mean Lower Low Water). Negative values are below average low tide. | CO-OPS |
| Water Temperature | Sea surface temperature, typically measured at 1 meter depth. | NDBC, CDIP |
| Barometric Pressure | Atmospheric pressure in millibars. Falling pressure often indicates incoming weather; rising pressure indicates clearing. | NDBC |
CDIP buoys measure the full wave spectrum, not just the dominant swell. This lets you see multiple swells arriving simultaneously - for example, a 16-second south swell mixed with 8-second northwest wind waves. The "swell breakdown" shows energy distribution across 9 period bands.
What to Watch By Activity
- Wave Height Size of incoming swell
- Wave Period Longer = more power. 12s+ is quality ground swell
- Direction Must align with your break's swell window
- Wind Offshore or light winds are ideal
- Tide Many breaks work best at specific tides
- Wind Speed Primary factor for sailing; safety for all
- Wind Gusts Plan for the gusts, not just sustained
- Wave Height Combined seas affect comfort & safety
- Forecast Check NWS marine forecast for trends
- Pressure Falling pressure = weather incoming
- Tide Many species feed on tide changes
- Water Temp Fish activity varies with temperature
- Wind Affects casting, drift, and boat control
- Wave Height Bar conditions for offshore access
- Pressure Some anglers track pressure trends
- Wave Height Lower is better for visibility & entry
- Wave Period Long period = less surge underwater
- Wind Affects surface conditions & viz
- Water Temp Wetsuit planning
- Tide Current strength varies with tide
- Wind Primary concern - affects effort & safety
- Wind Direction Headwinds vs tailwinds for route
- Wave Height Surf zone & open water safety
- Tide Current direction in channels
- Forecast Afternoon winds often pick up
- Tide Beach access, tide pools, walking
- Wave Height Swimming safety, beach width
- Water Temp Swimming comfort
- Wind Comfort for beach activities
- Surf Forecast Rip current risk warnings
Terminology
Tips for Getting Started
1. Save a few locations. Start with places you visit regularly. Use "Clone from Library" if we have a nearby pre-configured location, or create a custom one with your own coordinates.
2. Check the station assignments. Each location pulls from specific stations. If data seems off, you might need to assign closer stations - use the "Auto-assign nearest" buttons in the location editor.
3. Learn your local patterns. Wind often picks up in the afternoon. Tides follow a ~6-hour cycle. Swell takes 1-3 days to arrive from distant storms. Over time you'll learn what readings mean for your specific spots.
4. Use spectral data for surf. If available, CDIP spectral data shows you exactly what swells are in the water - invaluable for understanding wave quality beyond just "height."
5. Read the forecast. Current observations tell you now; the NWS marine forecast tells you what's coming. Check both before heading out.
Data Freshness
Observations are pulled from source agencies continuously:
- NDBC buoys: Every 5 minutes (stations report every 10-60 min)
- CO-OPS tide stations: Every 60-90 minutes (rate-limited API)
- CDIP spectral: Every 30 minutes
- NWS forecasts: Twice daily (when NWS updates)
If data appears stale, the station may be offline or experiencing transmission issues - this is common with offshore buoys.