https://groundswell.surf/blog Wave science, forecasting tips, and surf stories from around the world. en-us © 2026 Groundswell 60 https://groundswell.surf/blog/best-time-to-surf-southern-california https://groundswell.surf/blog/best-time-to-surf-southern-california Southern California surfs year-round, but knowing which season brings which swells — and which breaks come alive at different times of year — is the difference between a good trip and a great one. Here's the month-by-month breakdown. Kevin McCalley Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMT https://groundswell.surf/blog/best-time-to-surf-north-shore-hawaii https://groundswell.surf/blog/best-time-to-surf-north-shore-hawaii The North Shore of Oahu transforms from a calm summer swimming beach into the most consequential stretch of ocean on earth between November and February. Here's exactly when to go, what to expect month by month, and which spots will be firing. Kevin McCalley Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:41:00 GMT https://groundswell.surf/blog/what-is-swell-period https://groundswell.surf/blog/what-is-swell-period Swell period is the most misunderstood — and most important — number in a surf forecast. A 1.5 m swell at 7 seconds produces mush. The same 1.5 m at 16 seconds produces bombs. Here's the physics behind why, and how to use it to score better surf. Kevin McCalley Tue, 16 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMT Wave ScienceForecasting & Conditions https://groundswell.surf/blog/how-to-read-a-surf-forecast https://groundswell.surf/blog/how-to-read-a-surf-forecast Surf forecasts are packed with numbers — wave height, swell period, direction, wind speed, tides. Here's exactly what each one means and how to combine them to know whether tomorrow is worth calling in sick for. Kevin McCalley Tue, 09 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMT Forecasting & ConditionsForecasting Tips https://groundswell.surf/blog/the-best-magicseaweed-alternative-in-2026 https://groundswell.surf/blog/the-best-magicseaweed-alternative-in-2026 In May 2023, Magicseaweed went dark. Three million surfers lost their forecast tool overnight. Here's an honest look at the best alternatives in 2026. Kevin McCalley Thu, 14 May 2026 13:04:54 GMT Surf Forecast AppsSurf Travel