What does the "observed" badge mean next to surf heights or wind data?
The “Observed” badge indicates that the data was directly measured in real time, not modeled or predicted. These observations are sourced from:
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Surfline Smart Cams (surf height)
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Live Wind Stations (wind)
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Surfline Forecasters (surf height and condition ratings)
The badge appears in:
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The spot carousel and favorites list
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Current conditions on the spot page
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Forecast graph
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Table view (when toggle is enabled)
This helps clearly differentiate recently measured conditions from forecasts made hours or days earlier—especially useful when conditions change rapidly or swells arrive ahead of schedule.
How does the new surf height graph work?
We’ve made a big change here.
Previously, Surfline would assimilate observed surf height data into the forecast, which sometimes led to confusing or changing numbers in the app.
Now, we’ve separated them:
- The bar graph still shows the forecasted surf height.
- A line graph with white dots shows observed surf height (from cams or forecasters) at specific times.
This side-by-side display lets you:
- Compare the forecast vs. reality
- See how well the swell lined up
- Make better calls on where and when to surf next
Note: Sometimes Smart cameras lose the ability to track waves (from blockage, fog, or flat conditions). In these instances, observed line will drop off and the LOTUS forecast bars will persist.
What does the “Show Observed Surf Height” toggle in Table View do?
In Table View, we’ve added a toggle: “Show Observed Surf Heights.”
- When ON, the surf height column will show observations from Smart Cams or forecasters (if available) instead of forecast data.
- When OFF, only the model forecast (LOTUS) will show.
📌 Note: Table View updates in 3-hour blocks. If an observation happens in between (e.g., at 2pm), it may appear in the current conditions or graph view, but not in the table.
This allows for more flexibility to see actual conditions vs. forecasted ones in the format you prefer.
What does the ratings scale mean?
We’ve redesigned the condition rating UI for clarity and context.
Model Ratings (LOTUS):
- Scale: 1–5 bars, with a color and word label
- Factors: Wind speed, wind direction, and breaking wave height
- Does not include tide or wave shape
- Helps you compare surf quality across days, not across spots
- E.g., “Fair” at Pipeline is very different from “Fair” at South Beach, Miami.
| Rating | Bars |
| Very Poor | 1 |
| Poor | 2 |
| Poor to Fair | 3 |
| Fair | 4 |
| Fair to Good | 5 |
Forecaster Ratings (Observed):
- Forecasters can override the model with their own rating based on live surf checks
- Factors: Full ocean state, including: size, shape, ocean surface, tide, wind
- Can go beyond 5 bars with Good or Epic ratings (shown in purple with animation)
- These ratings carry more weight and context — they are the gold standard when available
Why does this change matter?
People have told us they want more transparency about where our data comes from, along with more accurate real-time information they can trust when making beach plans.
With Observation Clarity, it’s now easier to tell the difference between observed conditions and model generated forecasts. This helps set more accurate expectations around surf quality and makes it clearer why a forecast might not have matched reality.
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