Magic seaweed is a popular online platform that provides surfers with forecasts and reports on surf conditions at various locations around the world. One particular surf spot that is often mentioned on Magic seaweed is "The Wall." The Wall is a renowned surf break located in a specific area, which attracts surfers from all over. The name "The Wall" comes from the natural rock formation that creates a distinctive wave pattern at this spot. The wave at The Wall is known for its power and consistency, making it a favorite among experienced surfers. The energy of the wave can be intense, providing an exhilarating ride for those who dare to ride it.
Magicseaweed uses a colour coding system to indicate whether or not that is favourable for the given location. In the case of Cox Bay, although the wind is offshore , it is very strong with gusts at 40 mph. This will make catching and riding waves more challenging, though the wave face will still be smooth.
Here is an example of a chart of part of the PNW that shows areas of low pressure storms as Red and areas of High pressure clear skies and low wind as Blue. Here is an example of a chart of part of the PNW that shows areas of low pressure storms as Red and areas of High pressure clear skies and low wind as Blue.
The energy of the wave can be intense, providing an exhilarating ride for those who dare to ride it. Magic seaweed provides detailed information about The Wall, including wave height, direction, and wind conditions. This allows surfers to plan their sessions and make the most of their time in the water.
Reading the Surf Forecast
The ocean is in a constant state of change. Understanding the online surf report and forecast will help you be in the right place at the right time when it comes alive.
I’ve broken it down into four elements to get you started:
1. Swell - Waves as they move through the water before breaking on a beach or reef.
2. Wind - Local wind conditions that affect the surface and shape of the wave.
3. Tide - Fluctuations in water level due to the moon’s orbit of the earth, and earth’s orbit of the sun.
4. Local Knowledge - The details and nuances of the local beaches that ties all the data together to form a clear picture.
I have used screenshot excerpts from the Cox Bay forecast on Magicseaweed to help you navigate the site on your own. We've also included other sites we use, linked at the bottom.
Let's dive into each element to consider when reading the surf report. SWELLSwell is generated by wind blowing over the surface of the ocean during storms. This wind energy transfers into swells that travel away from the storm source and towards our coastline. Here is an example of a chart of part of the PNW that shows areas of low pressure (storms) as Red and areas of High pressure (clear skies and low wind) as Blue.
Our forecasting models describe swell in three components: Wave height , interval , and direction.
Wave height describes the height of each wave from the ‘peak’, to the ‘trough’, measured in feet or meters.
Interval or period is the wavelength, measured in seconds. Think of it as the distance in time between the peak of each wave as it passes a fixed point. The power of a wave increases as the interval does.
Direction describes the point of origin of the swell. This is measured by the degrees of a compass.
Combining this on a chart will look like this:
This tells us that a 3ft Swell with a 10 second interval and coming from the west will be breaking at Cox bay. The surfing quality of these breaking waves will depend on the following factors of local wind and tide.
LOCAL WIND
We’ve mentioned that wind is responsible for the creation of swell. It also plays a key role in the quality of that swell as it breaks on our beaches. Local wind is measured by its speed and direction. We use terms to describe wind in relation to the coastline:
Offshore - towards the sea, grooming the face of the wave into a smooth wall. We love offshore wind! A telltale sign is the spray blowing off the crest of the wave and out to sea.
Onshore: towards shore. This wind will cause the waves to crumble and break in a disorganised way. When it is onshore we will often describe the surf as ”messy”.
Cross off-shore: across the waves in an angle towards the sea, creating small ripples on the surface.
Cross on-shore: across the waves in an angle towards the shore, creating “crumbling” sections on a breaking wave.
Glass: No wind. This can make for exceptionally smooth and picturesque waves.
The large numbers describe average wind speed, whilst the smaller number describes the gust. The arrow shows us the wind direction.
Magicseaweed uses a colour coding system to indicate whether or not that is favourable for the given location. In the case of Cox Bay, although the wind is offshore , it is very strong with gusts at 40 mph. This will make catching and riding waves more challenging, though the wave face will still be smooth.
I use Windy to cross reference for accuracy and for a good visual representation of local winds on the coast.
TIDE
Remember that tides are fluctuations in water level due to the moon’s orbit of the earth, and earth’s orbit of the sun.
Tides move on a ~12 hour cycle: 6 hours Ebb (out), 6 hours Flood (in). This change in depth affects the quality of waves in different ways depending on the unique aspects of the given surf break.
Some breaks work best on an ebb, and some on a flow. For some it doesnt matter and you’ll find good waves on all tides. Cox bay as an example is not a tide dependant surf spot, and can have fun surf conditions on virtually all tides. Beware of seasonal fluctuations in tide range and phenomena such as king tides that can cause hazardous high tides and strong current.
Once you have an understanding of these three components: Swell, Local Wind, and Tide , you might be able to make more sense of a complete magicseaweed chart:
*Note: Often there are multiple swells occurring at once. For simplicity, I have only chosen to view the primary swell that will produce the most prominent waves at Cox bay. Secondary swells are typically smaller swells that do affect surfing conditions.
Finally, don’t trust the “swell rating” column. The star rating system is a subjective and arbitrary measure that often misses the mark. I would suggest you record the surf forecast for your sessions in a journal and describe the quality of the surf in your own terms. As you get to know spots you will start to gain knowledge of the conditions needed to toast your surf bagel.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
How is it that when the waves get good, surfers emerge as if out of nowhere? The answer is that surf forecasts only tell a small part of the story. Seasoned surfers are attuned to the subtle changes in ocean and weather conditions, and to the combination of variables needed to make magic happen.
I use Windy to cross reference for accuracy and for a good visual representation of local winds on the coast.
The forecasts on Magic seaweed are updated regularly, ensuring that surfers have access to the most accurate information available. Surfers who visit The Wall often have to deal with crowded lineups due to its popularity. However, the quality of the wave makes it worth the wait and competition for waves. The Wall attracts surfers of all skill levels, ranging from beginners looking to improve their skills to professionals seeking a challenging ride. Apart from wave conditions, Magic seaweed also provides information about the local amenities and accommodations near The Wall. This helps surfers plan their trips and find suitable options for their stay. The platform also offers a community forum where surfers can share their experiences, ask questions, and connect with other like-minded individuals. Overall, The Wall is a coveted surf spot that offers an exciting and challenging wave for surfers. Magic seaweed serves as a valuable resource for those looking to ride this wave, providing them with reliable forecasts and other essential information. With its comprehensive coverage and user-friendly interface, Magic seaweed continues to be a go-to platform for surfers seeking information about The Wall and other surf spots around the world..
Reviews for "The Ultimate Surfing Destination: "Magic Seaweed Thd Wall"
1. Jane - 1 star
The Magic Seaweed app was a complete disappointment for me. I downloaded it hoping to get accurate information and updates about surfing conditions. However, the app was constantly glitchy and would often crash, making it nearly impossible to use. Additionally, the forecast provided by Magic Seaweed was often inaccurate, leaving me frustrated and wasting precious hours driving to the beach only to find flat waves. Overall, I would not recommend this app to any serious surfer looking for reliable information.
2. Mark - 2 stars
While the Magic Seaweed app does have a nice layout and user-friendly interface, I found the forecasting to be subpar. The app often predicted ideal surfing conditions when the reality was far from it. I frequently found myself disappointed and let down after relying on the app's forecast only to find choppy and unrideable waves at the beach. It's unfortunate because the potential is there, but the accuracy of the forecasts needs improvement to make it worthwhile.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I was really excited to try out the Magic Seaweed app based on the positive reviews I read online. However, I was quickly let down by the accuracy of the surf forecasts. Many times, the app would predict great waves, but when I arrived at the beach, I was met with poor conditions. Furthermore, the app can be a bit complicated to navigate, and it sometimes takes a while to load. Overall, I was disappointed with the app's performance and would not recommend it for serious surfers in search of accurate forecasts.
4. John - 1 star
My experience with the Magic Seaweed app was far from magical. The forecasts were often completely incorrect and left me frustrated after making the effort to go surfing. It's incredibly frustrating to waste time and energy going to the beach based on the app's predictions, only to find unfavorable conditions. I would strongly advise against relying on this app if you're serious about surfing and want reliable and accurate information.