WindSwellTide is a surf forecasting tool built around open weather and marine model data. It is designed to give a clear regional read on wind, swell, tide and likely surf windows without pretending that a single model point can fully describe a specific surf break.

The site uses open-source weather data to predict surf conditions for general coastal regions. The intention is not to provide a final call for individual breaks. Surf spots are shaped by local bathymetry, exposure, shelter, wind bends, reefs, banks, tide windows and crowd knowledge. Our philosophy is that the best spot-level forecasting still comes from the surfer applying raw model data to those local variables.

Forecast Models

GFS

Strengths: long forecast range, frequent updates, broad global coverage and a reliable baseline for regional surf trends.

Limitations: lower resolution than some regional models, so it can smooth out local wind effects and smaller coastal features.

ECMWF

Strengths: often strong for broad-scale weather patterns, pressure systems and wind trends, with high-quality global modelling.

Limitations: the freely available data is not partitioned in the same way as some dedicated marine products, so swell-component detail can be less complete or less transparent for surf-specific use.

MeteoFrance

Strengths: useful higher-resolution wave guidance in many areas, often helpful for comparing swell components against GFS.

Limitations: shorter usable range in some locations and coverage can vary by region.

DWD

Strengths: useful independent comparison model, especially when checking whether another model is over- or under-calling a swell event.

Limitations: can be less familiar to surfers than GFS or ECMWF and may not always align with local coastal observations.

For questions or suggestions, please reach out to admin@windswelltide.com.