This is a legend that describes technique, features, abbreviations and terminology used within the surf forecast.

Last Update: August 25th 2010.

Wind Terminology:

During times of strong weather patterns (cold offshore flow, warm onshore flow) the winds in New England are usually the same across the entire region, however as weather systems approach or stall in our vicinity, it usually is the case that local winds change on an hourly basis. This is also true during the non-winter time of the year when atmospheric heating causes light winds to shift to seabreezes.

Shifting winds is a term used to describe a complete rotation of winds within a short period of time, a common example would be ESE/SE winds in the morning with a storm system moving right over the region and winds shift to the S, then SW and then WNW and eventually NW. Rather than listing that out, the forecst will just say "shifting winds".

Three ranges are used for winds. Light winds are exactly that, anything from 5mph to 15mph. Moderate Winds start in the high-teens and approach 30mph. Usually surf can be good with light or moderate winds. Strong winds are in excess of 35mph and usually this is a little too much intensity and can compromise a swell.

Daily Forecasts Size Ranges:

Tiny: Ankle to Knee High.
Small: Knee to Chest.
Medium: Waist to Head.
Large: Head to Well Overhead.
Extra Large: Well Overhead to Double Overhead.
Giant: Double Overhead Plus.

It is very important to keep in mind that the NESURF forecast is for a zone as opposed to a spot. On a day that the surf is forecasted to be medium (Waist to Head) you may find some spots are actually waist to chest, other spots are chest to head and there is also the chance that some spots are knee to chest, and others are actually chest to a little overhead. This type of surgical precision would only be possible if the forecast were for 'spots' rather than 'zones' so the forecast tends to generalize and remain in the middle of the road in terms as opposed to being pessimistic (calling it based on the smallest spot) or optimistic (calling it based on the biggest spot). For inquiries or suggestions, pleaes open a thread within the forecast discussion section of the forums.

Color Index:

Yellow - Surf with less than ideal conditions.
Green - Surf with good conditions

Swell Angle:

Swell angle is provided in terms of increments of where the swell is coming from.

Forecast Discussions:

This section will contain a wide range of simple and complex explanations, however the format is such that you should be able to read the entire section, skipping the sections that are complicated and still result in a common understanding of what is happening.

Long Term Outlook:

When available, a brief overview is usually spelled out in the introduction or closing sentence, however this tries to explain a little more details as to the thinking of what might happen. This isn't really relevant to daily forecasts but it gives you a sense of what might be coming along.

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