New Swell Classification Guidelines (Winter)
Significant: Winter - Swell 8 ft @ 14 secs or greater (11+ ft faces) for 8+ hours (greater than double overhead). Summer - Head high or better.
Advanced: Winter - Swell and period combination capable of generating faces 1.5 times overhead to double overhead (7-10 ft) Summer - Chest to head high.
Intermediate: Winter - Swell and period combination generating faces at head high to 1.5 times overhead (4-7 ft). Summer - Waist to chest high.
Impulse/Windswell: Winter - Swell and period combination generating faces up to head high (1-4 ft) or anything with a period less than 11 secs. Summer - up to waist high swell. Also called 'Background' swell.
PACIFIC OVERVIEW
On Saturday (11/21) North and Central California was getting more raw chunky and generally ugly northwest locally generated swell with waves up to double overhead and effectively blown out. Southern California was getting a much cleaner dose of this swell with waves in the waist to maybe chest high range up north early and clean though definitely kinda warbled and weak, with a little less size down south. Hawaii's North Shore was still getting a tiny pulse of north swell with waves occasionally in the waist to chest high range at the small wave spots and clean. The East Shore was still getting east windswell with waves head high and chopped with hard east winds in effect. The South Shore was knee to thigh high east trade wind wrap around swell with east trades in control and pretty clean early.
The forecast for North and Central CA is for northwest local swell to slowly fade through Monday with waves dropping from 3-4 ft overhead on Sunday (likely less) and then 2 ft overhead on Monday with longer period swell from across the dateline starting to build late pushing 4 ft overhead on Tuesday at it's peak and then down to 3 ft overhead for Wednesday. Southern California is to see the same basic trend with swell fading slowly Sunday at shoulder high dropping to waist high or so Monday then new swell from across the dateline arrives for Tuesday at shoulder to head high at top spots later and continuing into Wednesday. The North Shore of Hawaii is see start seeing swell from across the dateline on Sunday reaching 10 ft on the faces late and holding at double overhead early Monday then dropping from 3-4 ft overhead Tuesday. Decent swell compared to everywhere else. The East Shore is to have more east-northeast local windswell but dropping as compared to day previous, down to head high Sunday and chest high Monday and holding there well into the week. The South Shore is expecting no southern hemi swell of interest for the foreseeable future with winter time rules now in effect.
Longterm the Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) continues moving into the Active Phase with perhaps a building gale pattern taking over the North Pacific. A solid but small storm built off the Kuril Islands with 55 kt west winds tracking northeast, reaching the northern dateline region Friday with up to 40 ft seas, pushing longer period swell towards Hawaii initially (see above) and then the US West Coast early next week. And the models continue to tease suggesting some sort of a storm forming in the Western Gulf pushing east Mon-Wed (11/25) with decent seas projected. But that is only a projection with no winds actually blowing on the oceans surface yet.
SHORT- TERM FORECAST
Current marine weather and wave analysis.cgius forecast conditions for the next 72 hours
North Pacific
Overview
On Saturday (11/21) the North Pacific jetstream had a good consolidated flow of 160 kts winds pushing off Japan reaching to the dateline, then .cgiit slightly there with the northern branch pushing on into Washington and the southern branch with only 80 kt winds in it pushing into Baja. Something that was almost the start of a trough as beginning to develop on the dateline, but not capable of support gale development just yet. Over the next 72 hrs the .cgiit point is to push east to a point just 600 nmiles off Central CA on Tuesday (11/24) while the pool of wind energy currently over Japan tracks east to a point north of Hawaii at 37N with a bit of a trough developing there, though winds are to be down to the 150 kts range and covering a smaller area. Decent support for gale development there. Beyond 72 hours the .cgiit point is to push up to Central CA on Thurs (11/26) with the Gulf trough lifting northeast to the NOrtheastern Gulf. An other pocket of energy is to be building on the dateline perhaps forming into another not so well organized trough in the Central Gulf on Sat (11/28) perhaps holding some promise to support gale development. In all, not too bad a pattern, but nothing over the top either.
At the surface on Saturday (11/21) the gale that was off California had dissipated. Swell was hitting the coast (see Second Gulf Gale below). The remnants of a storm that pushed to the dateline was fading now mostly in the Bering Sea (see Dateline Storm below). Swell from that system was pushing east initially towards Hawaii and then the US West Coast beyond. Weak high pressure northeast of Hawaii at 1024 mbs was continuing to generate easterly trades at 20 kts there and easterly windswell along east facing shores, also generating north winds down the Central CA coast. Over the next 72 hours remnants of the dateline system are to push east into the Gulf of Alaska generating more 30-35 kt west winds targeting mostly the PAcific Northwest up into British Columbia, with seas in the 20-22 ft range making for more background swell mainly north of California. Otherwise a new storm is to start forming in the Western Gulf (See West Gulf Storm below).
Second Gulf Gale
Another gale was starting to build in the Eastern Gulf on Tuesday PM (11/17) with an elongated fetch of 35 kt northwest winds at 45N 150W originating almost from the dateline with seas on the increase. By Wed AM (11/18) 30-35 kt west winds were consolidating off the Pacific Northwest at 42N 145W with 21 ft seas at 42N 138W pushing southeast fast. In the evening more 30 kt west winds were out at 42N 135W with 23 ft seas modeled at 42N 135W. Thursday AM (11/19) more 30-35 kt fetch is forecast at 40N 135W with 20 ft seas south of the 296 degree path into Central CA at 40N 140W. More 30 kt fetch is to follow in the evening out at 40N 142W with 20 ft seas pushing southeast from 40N 130W. Friday AM (11/20) residual 30 kt northwest winds are forecast at 37N 130W with 20 ft seas fading offshore at 38N 135W down to 19 ft in the evening at 38N 130W. This still remains a mix of projected and actual data, so some degree of fetch is actually occurring. But in all this looks weaker than what was projected a few days ago. And with winds on 30 kts, and located so close tot he Northern CA and Oregon coast, whatever swell results will be rather raw, with a fairly short period too (13 secs) given the rather meager wind (30 kts). Still another decent push of rideable jet raw swell is likely, along with alot of rain and winds for the Pacific Northwest and Central CA coast on Friday, clearing out for Saturday.
Rough data suggest for Central CA pure swell of 8.0 ft @ 13 secs is to start arriving Friday (11/20) and getting a little more consistent through the day, then building to 8.0-8.5 ft @ 13 secs with seas 11.5 ft @ 13 secs resulting in 11-12 ft faces early evening and holding into early Saturday. Swell slowly settling down from there. Swell dropping to 7.3 ft @ 12 secs Sunday AM (8-9 ft faces) and heading down. Given the real local nature of this system, exact details with a clean start and end of the swell are not possible. Swell is to be raw and jumbled. Swell Direction: 288-298 degrees
Expect swell to arrive in Southern CA starting about 10 PM Friday and peaking about 10 AM Saturday (11/21) with pure swell at 4 ft @ 13 secs and seas to 5 ft @ 13 secs inside the Channel Islands resulting in surf of 5.0-5.5 ft (faces) . Swell to hold through the day dropping some overnight , but still 3.0-3.5 ft @ 12 secs with seas to 4 ft @ 12 secs on Sunday (11/22) resulting in surf of 3.5-4.0 ft (faces). Swell Direction: 292-302 degrees
Dateline Storm
A decent storm started building off the Kuril Islands on Wednesday AM (11/18) with winds confirmed at 55-60 kts at 476N 164E aimed due east or right up the 304 degree path to North Ca and 30 degrees east of the 319 degree path to Hawaii. Seas were on the increase. Wednesday PM those winds held, confirmed at 55-60 kts at 48N 170E and lifting northeast pushing energy directly down the 305 degree path to Central California and 30 degrees east of the 325 degree path to Hawaii. Seas building. This system reached just west of the intersection of the dateline and the Aleutians Thursday AM (11/19) with a solid fetch of 50-55 kt west winds modeled at 50N 170E pushing directly down the 308 degree path to Central CA and down the 327 degree path to Hawaii. Seas were modeled at 37 ft at 50N 172E. The core of this gale was moving into the Bering Sea. In the evening 45-50 kt west winds were holding stationary at 51N 173E pushing 45 degrees east of the 330 degree path to Hawaii and barely clear of Aleutian interference down the 306 degree path to Central CA. Seas were modeled at 43 ft at 50N 174E. Friday AM (11/20) 45 kt west winds held just barely south of the Aleutians at 51N 175E with 38 ft seas at 50N 180W barely reaching clear down the great circle path to Central CA and shadowed by the Aleutians for any break north of say Pt Reyes. Remnant 30 ft seas and 40 kt west winds continued from this system Friday PM at 49N 173W then dissipating. Longer period moderate size swell is likely already pushing towards Hawaii for Sunday (11/22) with small to moderate sized northwesterly swell for the US West Coast early to the middle of the following week.
Hawaii: Expect swell arrival on Sunday (11/22) with swell 6.9 ft @ 17 secs at sunset (11-12 ft faces) and holding pretty well overnight as period eases down some. Swell 7.8 ft @ 15 secs (11-12 ft faces) sunrise Monday (11/23) and slowly settling down through the day. Leftovers at 6.9 ft @ 13-14 secs early Tuesday (9 ft faces) and slowly fading. Swell Direction: 325-330 degrees.
North CA: Expect swell arrival on Monday (11/23) near sunrise with period 20 secs and size tiny, but building reaching near 5 ft @ 18 secs late ( 8 ft faces). Swell up a little more overnight peaking near sunrise Tuesday (11/24) with pure swell 6 ft @ 16 secs (9 ft faces) and inconsistent. Long lines though when sets arrive. Period down to 13-14 secs Wed AM. Swell Direction: 305-308 degrees
Western Gulf Gale
A new gale is forecast starting to organize Sunday PM (11/22) from fetch tracking southeast off Kamchatka reaching to the dateline with pressure 992 mbs generating 45 kt northwest winds over a small area at 40N 178W aimed well down the 319 degree path to Hawaii and 25 degrees south of the 292 degree path to Central CA. 28 ft seas are forecast over a small area at 45N 170E. This system is to get better organized Monday AM (11/23) as it moves into the Western Gulf with 55 kt west winds at 41N 167W aimed a bit south of the 287 degree path into Central CA and about 40 degrees east of the 335 degree path into Hawaii. 30 ft seas are forecast at 42N 180W. In the evening it is to consolidate with 45-50 kt west winds at 40N 160W aimed directly down the 286 degree path to Central CA and with sideband energy pushing down the 357 degree path to Hawaii. 35-36 ft seas building at 40N 173W for Hawaii and 40N 162W for the US mainland. On Tuesday AM (11/24) this system is to be fading with 40-45 kt fetch at 40N 153W aimed well up the 285 degree path to NCal and the 294 degree path to SCal while the storm starts lifting north. No fetch is to be aimed at Hawaii. 38 ft seas are forecast at 40N 155W. 40 kt west winds to hold in the evening at 43N 150W aimed due east (same headings for CA) with 36 ft seas from previous fetch hanging on at 41N 149W. This system is to be rapidly deteriorating by Wednesday AM.
If this system develops as forecast some degree of solid longer period swell is likely for both Hawaii and the entire US West Coast. Will monitor.
North Pacific Animations: Jetstream - Surface Pressure/Wind - Sea Height - Surf Height
California Nearshore Forecast
On Saturday (11/21) a ridge of high pressure was pushing into the Central CA coast producing north winds at 15 kts early and chop from Pt Reyes southward over the Channel Islands. But another small gale is to quickly build just off Oregon early Sunday with rain pushing as far south as maybe Monterey Bay mid-day Sunday, with south winds ahead of the front and north winds behind the front at 15 kts. Some degree of modest high pressure is to hold off the coast resulting in 15 kt north winds for Central CA Mon/Tues (11/24) though probably limited nearshore, then dissolving Wednesday and Thursday as a storm pushes east into the Gulf. Another small gale to follow right behind pushing into Oregon on early Friday, with light winds continuing for CA into the weekend (11/28).
Tropics
With the MJO moving into the Active Phase, net tropical activity is expected to head up some starting 11/20, though it is late in the season. This will be a true test of this El Ninos strength.
As of now no tropical systems of interest are being monitored.
South Pacific
Overview
At the surface no swell producing fetch was occurring. A series of weak gale are to pass under New Zealand, but all fetch is to be aimed east to southeast, with nothing pushing up the great circle tracks to Hawaii or the US West Coast. It's over for the season.
South Pacific Animations: Jetstream - Surface Pressure/Wind - Sea Height - Surf Height
LONG-TERM FORECAST
Marine weather and forecast conditions 3-10 days into the future
North Pacific
Beyond 72 the models suggest another gale is forecast building off the Northern Kuril Islands on Tuesday (11/24) with 40-45 kt west winds pushing east just south of the Aleutians Islands, making it to the dateline Wednesday then dissipating. A small area of 35 ft seas are forecast Wed AM at 48N 175E perhaps offering limited swell potential for mostly the US West Coast from California southward.
Beyond and typically of the Active Phase of the MJO during an El Nino year, tropical energy is forecast pushing northeast out of the West Pacific reaching the dateline on Friday and starting to build, with a solid fetch of 45-50 kt winds forecast in the Western Gulf by Sat (11/28) offering good swell generation potential with yet another tropical system right behind that. Will see what really occurs.
MJO/ENSO Update (reference): As of Thursday (11/19) the Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) was in the Active Phase, right where it needs to be to support the continued development of El Nino. The ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation) index continued in the negative range with the Daily SOI index down at -21.76 (7 days positive over the whole length of the Inactive Phase and now back negative for 10 days in a row). The 30 day average was up to -10.65 (the effects of the Inactive Phase) while the 90 average was down some to -5.60. This continues almost looking like a legitimate El Nino based solely on the SOI.
Wind anomalies at the 850 mb level (approx 5000 ft up) as defined by models indicated a fading and weak area of easterly anomalies associated with the Inactive Phase still pretty much filling the equatorial Pacific from the dateline east to Central America. But westerly anomalies associated with the Active Phase had entering the far West Pacific and reached as far east as New Guinea. The Inactive Phase is expected to slowly fade while pushing east, almost gone by 11/25. All the while a weakly building version of a new Active Phase is to be pushing east from the Indian Ocean into the West Pacific reaching almost to the dateline on 11/30, then holding there and easing over into the East Pacific on 12/5 before slowly dissipating into 12/10. This episode is looking about like the last run of the models (generally weak) , which is to be expected given that we are in an El Nino configuration. In short, the Inactive Phase is on it's last legs and the Active Phase is moving in helping to build El Nino. Net storm actively is likely to start being enhanced by 11/23, and on the upswing from there from 3-4 weeks with north winds subsiding along the US West Coast.
Sea Surface Temp anomaly data (11/19) indicates no real change from the last update with warm anomalies holding, extending the length of the equator from Ecuador to the dateline at 1.5 degs C higher than normal or more. This remains good news . In short, the Kelvin wave that hit Central America a month ago has manifest itself at the surface in warmer waters across the length of the tropical Pacific, exactly what is required for a legitimate El Nino to develop. The expanse of the warmer waters continues to hold north of the equator, solidifying it's grip up the coast of Mexico and Baja (though still retreated from Southern and Northern CA), and extending west almost to Hawaii then southwest to the dateline. This overall warmer water signature remains not anything exceptional, but clearly is a moderate El Nino. In reviewing surface water temp anomalies over the past decade and more, this is in no way similar to the monumental ENSO event of '97/98. But as previously stated, it still surpasses any event since then (over the last 12 years) in terms of water temps and areal coverage and is only building on that position.
Of interest, the water temp anomaly data provided by NOAA/NESDIS (satellite based) versus the TAO/TRITON buoy array, present different depictations of the same event. The TAO array suggests max heating is occurring on the dateline, with temps easing as one tracks east, while the satellite based data from NOAA presents an analysis of continuous warm waters over the length of the equator from Ecuador to the dateline. The difference is in how the data is collected (buoys at fixed points versus a satellite view of the entire.cgiaying field). We're siding with the satellite view not because it is more favorable, but because we believe it more accurately represents reality. The buoy arrays strength is in waters temps at depth (i.e. for detecting Kelvin Waves). This is exactly what the array was built to detect. The satellite view cannot do that. Likewise, the satellite has far superior coverage.
Below the surface on the equator things continue to look favorable. A steady flow of warmer than normal subsurface water continues tracking from the West Pacific (150 m below the surface) under the dateline and breaking the surface near Central America as it has for months now. As of 11/21 a core of 5+ deg warmer than normal sub-surface water is currently tracking east located at 120W, a Kelvin Wave that first appeared under the dateline on 9/17 and has been tracking steadily east since then. This remains a very solid Kelvin Wave, and large in areal coverage too, extending 3600 nmiles miles long. This sub-surface temperature wave is the result of a prolonged persistent westerly surface wind flow that had been in.cgiace west of the dateline from 9/8 and continued into 11/5. It is expected to reach the coast of Ecuador possibly late November (previous forecast for December). This should have a significant positive impact enhancing the existing warm pool when it hits Central America.
Over the Equatorial Pacific surface winds were normal, but had not turned towards easterly anomalies as was feared with the advent of the Inactive Phase of the MJO. With the Active Phase now taking control, it is entirely possible more westerly anomalies could develop helping to form yet another Kelvin Wave. The Kelvin Wave currently tracking east was formed from a prolonged bout and mult.cgie pulses of westerly winds and westerly anomalies that occurred from 9/8 through 11/2. At one point towards it's end the anomalies reached the whole way from the West Pacific to almost Ecuador. Embedded in that run were Typhoons Dujuan, Choi-Wan, Parma, Melor and Nepartak. All this helped to deepen the surface warm pool in the tropical Eastern Pacific.
El Nino is expected to affect the global atmospheric weather pattern at least through Spring of next year if not into the middle of summer. All data suggests this will not be a strong El Nino, more likely a moderate one. NOAA's last update (11/5) forecasts the same outcome, though hints at some uncertainty. In short, all the best models aren't exactly sure how this is going to.cgiay out. Regardless a solid accumulation of warm water in the equatorial East Pacific is evidence in-favor of continued development. As long as there continues to be WWB's (as there obviously is), then warm water will be migrating east, and the warm water pattern will hold if not build, and the atmosphere above it will respond in-kind to the change (towards El Nino). At this point there is no evidence to suggest this El Nino will stall or dissipate. The only remaining question is whether it will hold, or grow. And current data indicates that the warm pool will hold if not slowly build. And historically it is already larger and strong than any other in the past 12 years.
The current El Nino is gaining strength, with a 2 degree water temp anomaly in the tropical East Pacific the likely outcome. Coverage is pretty solid for this event, but the lack of really high water temp anomalies will likely limit it's strength. Strong El Ninos bring lot's of bad weather to the US West Coast, along with the potential for storm and swell enhancement. A moderate El Nino provides storm and swell enhancement, a gentle but steady push/momentum in-favor of storm development rather than the manic frenzy of a strong El Nino, but without all the weather associated with a strong event. So in many ways a moderate El Nino is more favorable from a surf perspective. As of right now things remain better than anything the Pacific has seen in the past 12 years regarding anomalous sea surface temperatures, besting anything since the big El Nino of 1997. That is very good news. But the lack of anomalous water temps exceeding 3 degrees and an unremarkable SOI suggests a modest El Nino at best. Still, it should be enough to provide storm enhancement, and a better than average winter surf season for the North Pacific, and still likely better than anything in the past 10 years. Better yet, if it's not too strong (as this event appears to be) perhaps it will not degrade into La Nina the year after (which typically happens after stronger El Ninos), but hold in some mild El Nino like state for several years in a row. This would be an even better outcome.
See more details in the new El Nino update.
South Pacific
Beyond 72 hours the models suggest no swell producing fetch is to develop.
Details to follow...
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External Reference Material: El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), Kelvin Wave
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Then open your Google homepage, hit 'edit' button (top right near graph), and select your location
Local Interest
Interview With Stormsurf: The crew at SurfScience.com worked with Stormsurf on a feature about why surfers should be able to read wave charts themselves. They are firm believers that a little learning can go a long way to help your surfing. This is a great article to help convince your friends that they can benefit from being able to read the data themsleves rather than just relying on the forecasts of others. See the full thing here: Create Your Own Surf Forecast with Stormsurf
Mavericks - Everest of the Sea & Longboard Vineyards: Come late October Sonoma County will not only welcome a new crop of world class wines, but the award winning photography of some of Action Sports best lensmen. “ Mavericks – Everest of the Seas” comes alive again just in time to set the stage for another epic Big Wave Season. Mix two of Northern California's finest institutions – big wave surfing and the wine country – and you have what promises to be an amazing weekend at the Longboard Vineyards Tasting Room in Healdsburg
October 23 – 25.
Relive heroic battles between man and wave as seen through the eyes of the cutting-edge photojournalists who risk life and limb to document the wave's intense man-against-the-sea drama and obsessive lifestyle of Maverick's elite riders. Oded Shakked, a longtime surfer who founded Longboard Vineyards, will be unveiling his latest release, The Peter Mel/Mavericks Cabernet Sauvignon. This signature wine will be blended by not only Shakked but guest vintner, Peter Mel. Mel, one of the most respected names in Big Wave Surfing is known as perhaps the most skillful surfer ever to ride Mavericks. The famed spot off the Half Moon Bay. In October of 1998 he was whipped into to what is now considered the biggest wave ever ridden… Mel along with the featured photographers, surfboard shapers and wine makers will be on hand for the Friday night reception. The reception will begin at 5pm and run until roughly 9pm.
Longboard Vineyard has always had a soft spot for surfers. It's a.cgiace where you can hangout at a redwood-surfboard bar, or sa.cgie one
of its award winning wines while kicking back on a comfortable sofa watching surf movies. For this harvest weekend event Shakked has
enlisted “Mavericks: Everest of the Seas,” the heralded collection of Mavericks surf photography from Frank Quirarte, Doug Acton, Seth
Migdail and Ed Grant.
“Everest of the Seas” first made its debut recently at the Coastal Arts League Gallery in Half Moon Bay, drawing large crowds and an
enthusiastic response. It just finished a one-month highly successful run at San Francisco's world class Museum and Gallery, SFMOMA.“Everyone who sees the exhibit is just blown away,” said Grant, the curator of the Coastal Arts League Gallery. “Both surfers and non-surfers can't help but get caught up in the energy and stoke that surrounds Maverick's, the surfers and photographers who put it on the
line every time they go out there.”
The event also represents a high point in the career of Oded Shakked, who was born in Israel and grew up near a beach just north of Tel
Aviv. Immersed in surfing from the start, he made several trips around Europe's Atlantic coast while discovering, to his delight, that “it
was easier, cheaper and safer to drink good red wine than bottled water.” His twin loves of surfing and wine brought him to California,
where he studied winemaking at UC Davis and became enamored with the pe.cgie, climate and rich soil of Sonoma County. He founded Longboard Vineyards with the motto “Wine, waves and soul,” making it a highly unique fixture in wine country.
The October 23-25 weekend will also feature the sale of surfboards and memorabilia, along with Acton's acclaimed book, “Inside Maverick's.”
Admission is free. Opening reception sponsored by Maverick Events and Longboard Vineyards
The Kelly Slater Project - A fundraiser is scheduled for Aug 29th at the Cocoa Beach Country Club to help raise funds for both the Kelly Slater Project and the Central Florida Animal Reserve. A Casino night is.cgianned including a silent auction and raffle. Sponsors are also needed. Learn more about these projects at : http://www.thekellyslaterproject.com/
Rebuild Jeff Clark: Jeff Clark the first pioneer of Mavericks, recently underwent hip resurfacing surgery due to severe pain from deterioration of his hip. Needless to say the procedure is very expensive and his insurance only covers tiny portion of the bill. If you're interested in learning about the procedure or would like to donate to help Jeff out,.cgiease take a look here: http://www.rebuildjeffclark.blogspot.com/
North California Surf Report Works Again: After an extended downtime we finally got the North California Surf Report working again. Thanks for your patience. See it here: http://www.stormsurf.com/page2/report/ncal.html
Shark Video: Our friend Curt Myers of Powerlines productions shot this footage of 2 great whites munching on a whale carcass off Devils Slide (south of San Francisco) on Thursday. Kind of interesting to watch. Check it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I4rZYEZMWQ (Fixed link)
Wave Model Upgrade Status Report: At this point we believe the installation of the new wave models is complete, with no problems being reported, the server stabilizing and the much requested return of the old style hemispheric Surf Height models now operational (again) and running side-by-side along the new ones. We thank you for your patience and input as we went though this process. Your feedback helps guide our efforts and ultimately results in a better product for everyone. Now we're off to start providing better menus to some wave model products most of you probably haven't uncovered yet (site specific graph and text forecasts), updateing the wave model FAQs and then upgrading the Weather Models.
New Wave Model Facts: Click HERE to read more about the new wave models. Important info.
Stormsurf Wave Models Updated: On Friday (2/6) we installed the latest upgrade to our wavemodels. A year in the works, this upgrade essentially is a total re-write of every wave model product we produce. They now take advantage of the new Version 3 of the Wavewatch wavemodel. This version runs at a much higher resolution, specifically 0.0 X 0.5 degrees for the global grib with local products at 0.1667 X 0.1667 degrees, and it uses the hi-res GFS model for wind speeds. And of even more interest, the model now identifies primary swell and windwave variables. As such we now have new model images which displays this data. Also we've included out special 3D topographic land masks into all models. In all it makes for a radical step forward in wave model technology. We'll be upgrading minor components (FAQ, new menu pages etc) for a few weeks to come, but all the basics are available for your use now. Check it out here: http://www.stormsurf.com/mdls/menu_wam.html
Story About Stormsurf: The folks at SurfPulse (and specifically author Mike Wallace) have written up a really nice article about Stormsurf, complete with some good pics. Learn about how we came to be and a little of where we are going. Check it out here: http://www.surfpulse.com/2009/01/visceral-surf-forecasting-with-mark-sponsler/
Stormsurf Video: Just for fun - here's a clip about Stormsurf that ran on Bay Area TV a while back. Thought you might enjoy it: http://vimeo.com/2319455
Time Zone Converter By popular demand we've built and easy to use time convert that transposes GMT time to whatever time zone you are located. It's ion left hand column on every page on the site near the link to the swell calculator.
Need Chiropractic Help? Visit our friends at Darrow Chiropractic. Not only will Dr. Darrow fix you up, he might give you some big wave surfing tips too! See more here: http://www.darrowchiropractic.com/
Stormsurf Google Gadget - Want Stormsurf content on your Google Homepage? It's si.cgie and free. If you have Google set as your default Internet E.cgiorer Homepage, just click the link below and a buoy forecast will be added to your Google homepage. Defaults to Half Moon Bay CA. If you want to select a different location, just click on the word 'edit', and a list of alternate available locations appears. Pick the one of your choice. Content updates 4 times daily. A great way to see what waves are coming your way!
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Surf Height-Swell Height Correlation Table
