Offshore 🆚 Onshore Winds
What's "Offshore"?
Offshore wind blows from the land out to sea. It's blowing in the opposite direction of the incoming waves.
What's "Onshore"?
Onshore wind blows from the ocean toward the land. It's blowing in the same direction as the incoming waves.
What you need to remember
- OFFshore, GOOD ✅
- ... except when an offshore wind is very strong (more than about 32kph or about 20mph) it's BAD because it makes it really hard to catch waves.
- ONshore, BAD ❌
- ... except when an onshore wind is very light (less than 6kph or 4mph), it's usually not a problem because it doesn't affect the surf that much.
Why is Offshore Good?
Offshore winds are good because they hold the wave up until it's ready to break, resulting in smoother wave faces and longer, faster rides.
Why is Onshore Bad?
- Onshore winds cause the wave to break sooner than it normally would, resulting in shorter rides and mushy conditions
- Onshore winds can cause "chop" on the surface of the wave, resulting in a bumpy ride that can make you fall
What if There's NO Wind?
Like offshore, this is also GOOD! ✅ No wind means smooth waves that are easier to surf. A gentle offshore might be slightly preferable, because it holds up the waves for longer but no wind results in glassy conditions, which are very fun to surf.
Examples of Surfing in Offshore Winds ✅
Notice how the waves look smoother and cleaner?
Examples of Surfing in Onshore Winds ❌
Notice how the waves look like they're breaking to the surfer's left and right, causing a shorter ride?
👉 Remember, Swellify knows what direction each surf spot is facing and calculates whether the wind is offshore or onshore so you don't have to!
Now that you have a better understanding of wind direction, you'll know a lot more about what to expect when you are looking at any surf forecast 😀