Swell Characteristics

Learn how swell height, period, direction, angle, power, and consistency influence wave size, shape, speed, and surfability at the coast.

  • Wind Swells and Ground Swells Explained

    Wind Swells and Ground Swells Explained

    Every surfable wave begins with wind blowing over water, but not every swell arrives at the beach in the same form. Some swells are short-period, choppy, and produced…