How To Find Your Local Surf Forcast

Knowing how to find out your local surf forecast is the typical way any surfer starts his morning. This nugget of knowledge plots the course of the whole day. If there is surf, many things will be put off or cancelled. Knowing where to gain the power of prediction is key.

1. The Phone. Though this one is fading fast in the glare of modern technology, some lifeguards still use local surf hotlines for forecast information. These recorded announcements are usually produced by a local government agency and used for marine safety. Since these guys get their information from NOAA (National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration), it is usually pretty accurate. The surf hotline was the number one way to keep in touch with the waves in the past. 
2. Internet. The easiest way to find your local surf forecast is online. For the casual observer who just needs a quick snapshot of what is going on, sites like Surfline or Magic Seaweed are great. They even have surf cams for the more popular spots so you can look before you go. For those of us who enjoy making our own predictions, sites like NOAA, Swell Info or Stormsurf are a wealth of information. Watch the storms rage from half way across the world to bring surf to a town near you.
3. Word of Mouth. Word of mouth still works. Your shiny, cool phone won’t work in the sea but yelling still does. The talk in lineup will always include the surf forecast. There is always a weather loving, buoy reading, swell forecasting guru somewhere in the lineup. From this fount of wisdom, the word of surf is spread. The lifeguards are also quite knowledgeable. Not only is it their job to know, but they like to know if tomorrow will be an easy day of flat calm or a busy days of rescuing tourists.

Tip:

• To keep in tune with the rhythm of the ocean you should get a tide calendar. Knowing how an incoming or outgoing tide affects your local spot is the key to happiness.

Warning:

• The surf forecast is never the last word in ocean safety. Look for yourself and make the call. Swells can come up quick so always stay alert out there.