Generated Surf Report
Ocean Beach — San Francisco, CA — 2026-10-13 10:57
| Overall surf quality | Good (7.7/10) | Safety rating | 10.0/10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary swell | 4 ft @ 12 sec W | Secondary swell | 2 ft @ 8 sec NW |
| Wind | 7 / gust 11 mph, E, Offshore | Tide | Rising, 3.2 ft |
| Weather | Partly Cloudy, air 64°F | Water | 58°F — 4/3mm full suit |
| Wave energy index | 192 | Swell power index | 48 |
Recommended board: Shortboard / Fish. Best session window: Around mid-to-high incoming tide.
Notes: Clean morning conditions expected before afternoon winds increase.
Access: Use designated beach access points and respect posted closures.
Equipment: Leash, wax, and a suitable wetsuit are recommended.
Active hazards: None selected.
Forecast Snapshot
| Time | Wave | Period | Direction | Wind | Tide | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00 | 3-4 ft | 12 sec | W | 5 mph E | Rising | 61°F |
| 09:00 | 4-5 ft | 13 sec | W | 7 mph E | High | 64°F |
| 12:00 | 3-4 ft | 11 sec | WNW | 11 mph W | Falling | 66°F |
| 15:00 | 2-3 ft | 9 sec | NW | 15 mph W | Low | 65°F |
Understanding a Surf Report
What a Surf Report Tells You
A surf report combines wave size, swell period, swell direction, wind, tide, and local weather into one practical snapshot. Wave height gives the expected breaking range, while swell period describes the time between incoming swell lines. Longer periods usually carry more organized energy and can create stronger surf. Direction matters because every beach faces a different angle, so the same swell may produce excellent waves at one spot and weak waves nearby.
How Wind and Tide Change Conditions
Wind can improve or damage wave shape quickly. Light offshore wind often holds wave faces open and creates cleaner conditions. Strong onshore wind can make the surface rough and reduce wave quality. Tides also reshape the break by changing water depth over sand, rock, or reef. Some locations work best near low tide, while others need more water. The generator compares entered tide quality with wave and wind scores to create a balanced overall rating.
Using the Generator for Session Planning
Start with reliable marine or local observations, then enter the current wave, wind, tide, and weather values. Select hazards carefully because safety conditions should influence every session decision. The calculated surf rating is a planning aid, not a guarantee. Compare the suggested board and wetsuit with your own experience, fitness, and equipment. Beginners should choose smaller, forgiving conditions with lifeguard supervision. Advanced surfers may handle larger surf, but changing currents, reefs, lightning, poor visibility, and strong winds can still create serious risk.
Forecast trends are often more useful than a single number. Compare several time slots to see whether swell is building, wind is rotating, or tide is approaching a preferred level. A rising rating can identify a better session window, while a falling rating may suggest leaving earlier. Local knowledge remains important because sandbars, reefs, headlands, and seasonal patterns can change how forecast values translate into real breaking waves.
Common Surf Factors
| Factor | Typical Meaning | Useful Range |
|---|---|---|
| Swell period | Time between swell lines | 10–16 seconds often provides stronger organized surf |
| Offshore wind | Wind blowing from land toward sea | Light to moderate wind often improves wave faces |
| Onshore wind | Wind blowing toward land | Stronger wind usually creates choppy conditions |
| Rising tide | Water level increasing | Can improve many beach and reef breaks |
| UV index | Sun exposure risk | Use stronger sun protection as values increase |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes good surfing conditions?
Good conditions usually combine suitable wave height, organized swell, favorable wind, workable tide, and manageable hazards for the surfer's ability.
What swell period is best for surfing?
Longer periods often produce more powerful and organized waves, but the ideal period depends on the beach, swell direction, and local bathymetry.
Is offshore wind good for surfing?
Light offshore wind is commonly favorable because it can smooth the surface and hold breaking wave faces open.
How does tide affect waves?
Tide changes water depth over the seabed. That can alter wave shape, breaking location, current strength, and overall surf quality.
What wave height is suitable for beginners?
Small, gentle waves are usually best. Beginners should also consider currents, crowding, water depth, supervision, and local hazards.
How accurate is the surf rating?
The rating is an estimate based on entered values. Accuracy depends on input quality and cannot replace real-time observation or official warnings.
What is the difference between swell height and wave height?
Swell height describes offshore swell energy. Breaking wave height describes the surf that reaches and breaks at the selected location.
How is the overall surf score calculated?
The tool weights wave quality, swell period, wave size, wind quality, and tide quality, then applies a modest penalty for selected hazards.