How SurfSeer measures wave height
Many surf reports give a smaller number than the wave you see breaking. SurfSeer predicts the breaking height.
Why reported heights vary
Many surf reports measure the back of the wave, or the swell height in open water before the wave reaches the shore. Both can be about half the height of the breaking wave.
Reports also use different conventions in different countries, so the same number can mean different things.
SurfSeer predicts the height of the wave as it breaks, measured from bottom to top on the side facing the shore.
Why "on you" matters
A height in metres is still hard to picture. Head high on a 195 cm person is a different wave from head high on a 160 cm person.
SurfSeer uses your height and your surfboard, so you can picture the wave before you leave home.
Same wave, two numbers
| Conditions | Typical report | SurfSeer |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 2 ft | About head high on you |
| Medium | 3-4 ft | Overhead on you |
| Large | 6 ft | Well overhead on you |
| Very small | 1 ft | Waist high on you |
Approximate only. The exact conversion varies. The point is that one number needs converting and the other doesn't.
Other differences
- Each spot is predicted separately
- Regional forecasts give one number for many spots. SurfSeer uses each spot's own coastline, sea floor and notes.
- Shape as well as height
- SurfSeer predicts whether waves will spill, plunge, surge or collapse.
- Improves with your sessions
- Each session you log adjusts predictions for that spot. Your adjustments apply only to your spots.
- Shows how confident it is
- A spot with few logged sessions is marked as still learning.
- Private
- No social features and no public spot directory.
What other forecasts do better
Established forecasts cover more regions, show live buoy data, and have surf cameras at many spots. Many people will use both.
SurfSeer answers a different question: how big the waves will be at your spot, compared with you.