Surfing guides
Understand the conditions before you paddle out.
Practical, source-backed guides to swell, wind, tides, rip currents, lineup etiquette, surf equipment and reviewing footage from shore.
Start with conditions
A forecast is only the first part of the decision.
Swell, wind and tide interact with the shape and exposure of each break. Check official warnings, observe the water and match the session to your ability and local knowledge.
These guides are general education, not a substitute for local lifeguard advice, qualified coaching or current weather and beach warnings.
Library
Surfing knowledge and video guides
Surfing Knowledge
Surf Conditions Explained: Swell, Period, Wind and Tide
Learn how swell height, period, direction, local wind, tide and the shape of the seabed combine to produce surf conditions at a beach.
Surfing Knowledge
Onshore vs Offshore Wind for Surfing
Understand how onshore, offshore and cross-shore winds change wave shape, surface texture, paddling and safety at the beach.
Surfing Knowledge
What Is the Best Tide for Surfing?
There is no universal best tide. Learn how changing water depth affects sandbanks, reefs, currents, wave shape and safe access.
Surfing Knowledge
Surfing Etiquette and Wave Priority Explained
Understand right of way, dropping in, snaking, paddling routes and how formal competition priority differs from an everyday recreational lineup.
Surfing Knowledge
How Are Surfing Competitions Scored?
Learn the 0–10 ride scale, two-wave heat totals, judging criteria, priority and interference under modern competition surfing rules.
Surfing Knowledge
Rip Currents for Surfers: How to Identify and Respond
Learn common rip-current signs, why rips can change quickly and the official Australian safety guidance for conserving energy and seeking help.
Surfing Knowledge
Surfboard Size Guide: Length, Width, Thickness and Volume
Understand how surfboard dimensions and litres affect paddling, stability, turning and wave suitability—and why height alone cannot choose a board.
Surfing Filming
How to Film Surfing from Shore
Choose a safe camera position, focal length, tripod, frame rate and tracking method for useful surfing footage from the beach or headland.
Surfing Coaching
How to Analyse Surfing Video: A Simple Review Framework
Review paddling, take-off, stance, line choice, speed generation and manoeuvre completion using a repeatable video-analysis process.