Teach yourself how to forecast

If you have the patience and motivation to wrap your head around a couple swell models and weather forecasts, you'll be able to figure out when and where to catch some surf, and maybe even avoid the crowds. Surfline's one and only female surf forecaster, Katie Jackson, gives us the lowdown on how to create your own surf itinerary for anywhere on this big blue ball of water called Earth.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: WHAT'S GOING ON RIGHT NOW?
1. CHECK THE SURF
Visual observations are the absolute BEST way to know what the surf is doing. Check the webcams and local reports. Even better, go look at the beach if it's easily accessible.


2. CHECK THE BUOYS AND LOLA NEARSHORES

You MUST learn how to read these! It is important to differentiate swells and know the difference between varying swell heights, periods, and direction. Often times a long period groundswell will be underlying a dominant local windswell. Be sure to look at the swell Period and Direction on the buoys...not just combined wave height! You will have to be able to decipher waves coming from different sources on the buoy readings (be sure to check the "Swell Only" tab too). Once you know how to pin point the various swells, you can learn which kind of direction and period waves are most favorable for your spot. Local knowledge is KEY in order for you to nail it down and where to go.

"If you were to start from scratch, you need a good amount of knowledge in weather prediction and oceanography. But that's why Surfline has made it easy for te average surfer to learn how to surf forecast themselves."

--Katie Jackson, Surfline's only female forecaster

3. CHECK THE WEATHER AND TIDE REPORT FOR THE REGION
This will help you gauge what the conditions will be doing. It may be clear skies and medium tide now, but will it be howling onshore winds and low tide in the afternoon? Know what the tide and wind trend is for the day. These are two variables that will very strongly affect your session. Every spot is different so know your break. When do the best tides and winds occur for your spot?

Good Luck!

NOTE: IF YOU WANT A FORECAST HANDED TO YOU, SIMPLY READ THE WRITTEN FORECASTS.

Article by Katie Jackson, Surfline August 13th 2008 

12 Good Reasons Why Women Should Learn to Surf

Article by Bev Sanders on June 12, 2011

Balance is Bliss

Balancing on a board on top of a wave teaches you to balance in life. You’ll find yourself intuitively knowing how to bend with the breeze and go with the flow.

Inner GPS

Surfing stirs intuition. It helps you connect with things you were born knowing… like how to have fun. Being in the moment teaches you to pay attention and course correct to get to the most out of your ride, and your reality!

Patience

Surfing teaches patience. While waiting for a wave in the line-up, you’ll learn to relax and share. In a culture of instant gratitude, watching the swell with your fellow surfers gives you a chance to savor the thrill of anticipation.

Better Than Chocolate

Surfing is a healthy addiction. Surfers are so hooked on the stoke that they instinctively take care of their bodies. They look for optimal fuel to get them through the next surf session. That’s why they order smoothies instead of coffee, water instead of wine, and look amazing!

Sense of Style

After learning the basics from a professional, everyone develops their unique surfing style. When you’re sitting on the beach, you can spot a good friend just by the way they move. Every surfer’s style is unique.

Cool Factor

Yes, kids and boyfriends will think you’re cool because you surf. What they don’t know is that the real reason you are larger than life is that surfing gives you a better self image. Now that’s attractive!

The Fashion

Surfer girls wear great clothes. All the gear – from bathing suits to boards, come in happy colors, not just shades of grey and black. Add a tan, let your hair go, and you’re officially hot!

Forever Young

Attitude plays a big part in how you look and feel. The thrill of surfing keeps you young at heart and shines through everything you do.

Lighten Up

Yes, surfing is great exercise that will drop pounds, but it’s also the weight of your thoughts that can hold you down. Surfing helps you focus and stay in the moment. It’s like taking a long, hot shower that washes away the weight of the world.

Connection

Surfing connects you to a tribe, and surf buddies last forever. It also connects you to something greater  – the ocean and nature. It’s out in the water that you realize we’re all interconnected and that planet earth is a really, really incredible place to be.

Girl Power

Riding a wave is empowering. As women, we are instinctive caretakers, and if we are empowered, the whole world benefits. We each have the potential to make a positive, lasting impression on our world, no matter how uncertain it may be.

Fun

Remember the little girl who loved to play until the streetlights came on? She’s out there in the lineup waiting for you to join her!

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