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How
to use the site!
The surf forecast page
Located on the top nav bar, middle button,
under "Forecast" will give you a detailed
break down of the swell and weather outlook. The forecast
is updated on a daily basis to ensure we are on top
of even the most subtle of changes.
Below the forecast text you'll find this scrollable
tide table that's relevant for the days that have been
forecasted.
In
the same drop down button you'll see the "Quick
Check Links" you will have instant access to up
to the minute Buoy readings and NOAA swell models. If
you are a dawn patroller this will give you a pretty
good idea of what to expect that morning.
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CDIP
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For
the dawn patrollers-Upon opening the "Quick check
links" The first thing you want to look at is the
CDIP graph. This will tell you what
the Harvest Buoy, (off of Pt. Conception), is doing
and what path the swell is taking down the coast.
*Be advised that the Buoy numbers are not representative
of the size of the breaking waves as they hit shore.
I have, however found that the color key is usually
pretty accurate. This graph is much more useful in the
winter when the majority of our swells move North to
South.
The next thing I look at is the 9 band buoy energy.
This breaks down intervals, swell angles and swell size.
The Harvest comes up first.
but the Santa Monica 9 Band will give you the best info
for the Bay.
just scroll down to get to Santa Monica.
This graph is at the bottom of the "Quick check
links" and in case you're not familiar with swell
angles will give you at least a vague idea of what angle
will get into what beach. There are a number of other
factors involved as well. Namely bottom contour, offshore
canyons, interval of the swell and a host of other variables
that comprise a fairly complicated formula. The longer
you follow the buoys and monitor, swell angles and intervals
the more you'll be able to know where and when to go...or
you can just trust me, I look at all this stuff on a
daily basis.
The Cameras
Our cameras are the best in the business and high resolution
for Huntington, Torrance, El Porto, Manhattan, Santa
Monica and Sunset- These cams are very high end surveillance
cams and you can start to see the surf at the first
hint of light. Definitely a huge asset for the early
riser.
We have 3 more high resolution cameras in the box as
well, and are actively hunting for more spots to put
them up. For your convenience we have provided links
to other cameras for any place we do not currently cover.
* PC users will be prompted to download an "Abacast
Patch" which is harmless and will install "Active
X" on your computer. Just follow the directions
and you should be fine. The stream may take as long
as 30 seconds to load so be patient. If the camera is
down or you have any questions contact
us
* MAC users-It works in Firefox but the page may look
a little funky, Surfari and Explorer are better with
Windows Media Player, but your stream will not be compromised
with Firefox.
If you have any problems with the cams or they are down
please contact
us ASAP.
The Surf Reports
This
is what really separates us from the competition.
Instead of computer generated reports we have real people
watching the waves on a daily basis, taking pictures
and writing a detailed report of what's happening not
only in the water, but on the land as well.
At many spots we offer an audio report as well. This
is for the early riser so we can convey the information
ASAP before the picture and text are uploaded onto the
site. Just look for the box below.
Just click the button to play. *The time stamp will
let you know when it has been updated.
While we try and get the reports posted as early as
possible it's never early enough for the hardcore dawn
patroller, the good news is that I am almost ready to
launch a customized wave height translator that I have
been working on with my programmer. We should have that
up and running in about a month. It will give different
info beach to beach, taking into consideration, swell
size, swell angle, swell interval, bottom contour, offshore
canyons etc, all based off of 9 band buoy information.
Our reporters do the best they can but since there is
a human element involved there may be times when they
have technical difficulties or for one reason or another
the report isn't up right after first light. I feel
strongly that our system of conveying first hand information
is unparalleledand that even though there is the occasional
glitch it is far better than any of our competitors.
We hope you are pleased with the quality of our service
and the direction the site is moving. Your feedback,
whether positive or negative is always welcome. contact
us
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