Read a forecast in 60 seconds
Five things to check, in order, on any spot page. Made for beginners.
1. Size at the shore
Where to look: The big number on the page: the estimated height of the waves as they break at the shore, not the swell out at sea.
Beginner tip: Up to about 1 m (waist to chest high) is reasonable on a foam board. Above that, stay where you can stand and inside the lifeguarded area.
In the glossary: Breaking height
2. The period
Where to look: The number of seconds between two waves. The longer it is, the more powerful the swell, arriving in sets.
Beginner tip: Around 8 s or less: short, softer waves. From 10 s: groundswell, more power for the same size.
In the glossary: Period
3. The wind
Where to look: Its strength and where it blows from relative to the beach. Offshore wind: smooth, hollow waves. Onshore wind: choppy waves.
Beginner tip: Strong onshore wind: not much fun. Strong offshore wind: clean waves, but it pushes you out and makes coming back harder.
In the glossary: Offshore wind
4. The tide
Where to look: High and low tide times, and the stage of the tide when the spot works best (shown on the page). The coefficient tells how big the movement is.
Beginner tip: High coefficient: the water rises and falls fast and currents are stronger. On beaches with baïnes, mid-tide on the ebb needs the most care.
In the glossary: Tide
5. The risks
Where to look: The quality score does not say whether it is safe: risks (currents, shorebreak, rocks, wind…) are shown separately, with the forecast confidence.
Beginner tip: At the slightest marked risk: lifeguarded beach, never alone, and follow the flags.
In the glossary: Rip currents
And always: watch the sea for ten minutes before going in. A forecast is an estimate; on the beach, the sea, the flags and the lifeguards decide.