How to interpret surf swell charts?

[Mahigeer]

I would appreciate if any guidance given on how to interpret the chart below:
http://www.spitcast.com/surf-report/spot/san-clemente-pier-san-clemente-ca/?dcat=day&dval=20130420

If you move the pointer to the swell chart at the noon, a black window appears.

On the top is states “4ft, 12PM”, but below the line it reads “1ft@14s from SW...1ft@13s from S....etc.

So, which one should be considered? 1ft@14s is a dry launch. Right?
Yet 4ft is not an easy launch.

Also if there is an eight MPH wind, shouldn’t that provide more surf action.

Thanks for your help.

[dos ballenas]

Good question.

where is states “4ft, 12PM”

This is the predicted COMBINED swell height of all the swells you see "below " ...... in the ocean it is quite common to have multiple swells from multiple directions all occurring at the same time.... there might be a swell from New Zealand and a swell from Alaska.

Individually the swells might be only two feet, but when they COMBINE the observed swell will be bigger than two feet....

"but below the line it reads “1ft@14s from SW...1ft@13s from S....etc."

These swells that you are seeing "below" are all separate swells. This website uses data from the swells listed here and some kind of computer model to determine the combined swell height which is displayed at the top (4ft at 12 pm)


This is what they are talking about when people say mixed seas.... this means different swells from different angles are mixing together. These conditions are often the most dangerous and least enjoyable to fish in.


Swell height is important, but the period of the swell usually gives you the most useful info.....
This is a better site.... you can look at lots of different buoys and figure out the waves and wind for your local area... this is for La Jolla.

waves

http://cdip.ucsd.edu/?nav=recent&sub...oy_ww3&stn=073

wind

http://cdip.ucsd.edu/?nav=recent&sub...73&xitem=dwind

http://cdip.ucsd.edu/?nav=recent&sub...oy_ww3&stn=073


And yes if it's blowing then waves will build. The important thing to think about is sustained wind. This refers to is how long has it been blowing for. The first day of a wind event usually doesn't have much affect.... but two or three days of sustained wind will create a good wind swell.... and if it's windy all night you can expect the next day will not be fun.... hope this helps.

[dorado50]

The conditions above are more commonly refered to as "A JACKASS OCEAN".

[Mahigeer]

Thanks for all of the information.

If you move the cursor in the swell chart a black window appears. Inside of the black window it indicates the swell at that time, i.e. 4ft/12PM. Under the line in the black window, the 1ft@12s SSW appears as well.

[dos ballenas]

Originally Posted by Mahigeer

Thanks for all of the information.

If you move the cursor in the swell chart a black window appears. Inside of the black window it indicates the swell at that time, i.e. 4ft/12PM. Under the line in the black window, the 1ft@12s SSW appears as well.

yeah EXACTLY.....

Inside of the black window is the COMBINED swell height (4ft/12PM)of ALL the swells listed Under the line in the black window....... 1ft@12s SSW..... there are multiple swells all happening right now. They combine to make the 4 ft swell that is being observed. Get it?

[lambadmin]

Peace people...