How to Read the Surf Forecast

Understanding the surf forecast is one of the most important skills for any surfer. It tells you exactly what to expect at your spot and helps you plan the perfect session. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements you’ll find in your forecast.

1️⃣ Surf (m)

This is the actual wave height you’ll experience at your spot. It can be smaller than the swell because local conditions affect the waves.

• Measured in meters

• Shows the real wave size at the beach

Example: Surf 1.2 m → chest-high, fun waves suitable for all levels

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2️⃣ Primary Swell

The primary swell is the main swell shaping the waves at your beach. It gives you an idea of how big and powerful the waves will be.

• Height (m): The wave size — bigger numbers mean bigger waves.

• Period (s): How powerful the waves are. Longer periods usually mean stronger, cleaner sets that push more water.

• Direction (e.g., NW): Shows which way the waves are coming from and how they’ll hit your spot.

Example: 1.3 m @ 12 s from NW → chest-high waves, good push, very surfable ✅

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3️⃣ Wind

Wind direction and strength have a huge impact on wave quality.

• Direction:

  • Offshore → waves are clean and lined-up ✅

  • Onshore → waves become messy and choppy ❌

• Strength:

  • Light (0–10 km/h) → almost perfect conditions 🌊

  • Moderate (10–20 km/h) → some chop, still surfable

  • Strong (20+ km/h) → messy and hard to ride 💨

Tip: Combine direction and strength to decide whether it’s worth hitting the water.

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4️⃣ Tide

The tide is the water level at your spot, and it changes how waves break. In Morocco:

• Low Tide → best for point breaks ✅

• Mid Tide → often the “sweet spot”

• High Tide → better for beach breaks 🌊

Tip: Plan your session according to the tide and your skill level.

Example: Low Tide 9:00 AM → point breaks are most likely peeling nicely

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5️⃣ Wave Energy

Wave energy shows how powerful the waves feel — not just how tall they are.

• High energy → strong push, more challenging, fun for advanced surfers 💪

• Low energy → gentle waves, beginner-friendly 🌊

Tip: Wave energy determines whether a session will be easy or challenging. Even a small wave can have high energy and push you harder than it looks.

Example: Small wave with high energy → more push than expected, exciting to surf

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Reading the forecast correctly will help you choose the right time, spot, and waves for your level. Combine surf height, swell, wind, tide, and wave energy, and you’ll start catching more waves while enjoying safer, smarter sessions.

🌊 Pro tip: Check your local surf forecast every day, and pay attention to patterns. Over time, you’ll learn to predict which days will be perfect for your session!

💡 Curious about more surf tips? Let us know in the comments what you want us to explain next!