09/15/2025
Understanding actual buoy readings is critical in deciphering where to surf, what the surf will be like, paddling out strategy, wave catching strategy and for overall safety.
In this reading, there are three swells highlighted- the orange is a NW mid to long period swell, the yellow which looks like it might also be a part of the same orange storm (as determined by direction and period), and a purple SW long period building in.
Based on these actual readings and the forecasted buoy, a surfer can also get a possible trend of the swell over the few hours they are about to surf, so they are prepared for any changes, or can better confirm when changes might occur and why - such as having more confidence the waves dropping are due to a tide change than swell change. This provides an advantage to change their wave catching strategy before other surfers notice these changes.
In other words, learn to be the shepherd, not the sheep.
And learn this and more in the Level 2 Paddling Technique course, covering Getting Out (Strategy and Techniques), Wave Catching (Positioning, Timing, Drop In), and the Pop Up. Due to the granularity of this course, it is only available in person, and completion of Level 1 is a prerequisite.
Come learn how to get the MOST waves with the LEAST amount of effort.
