When you hear the words "technology" and "surfing" in the same sentence, you might think of the internet before you think of the ocean. But those two words go together to help wave riders predict whether worthwhile swells are heading their way. By looking at satellite and climate data that's available on the Web, surfers can follow storms into shore and be there in time to catch the biggest waves.

| REPORTS |

Listen to Rebecca Robert's report on predicting surf
(8/6/2002)
Hear it | Read it

Making Waves: How Wind Whips Up the Perfect Swell
Want to understand how to predict when the good waves are coming to your shore? It helps to start with the basics behind the formation of ocean waves.

The Science of Surfing
A little physics can go a long way on that shortboard.

Dance of the Tides
Tides can effect surf as much as winds. Find out how tides work with these on-the-beach (or in your kitchen) activities.

Forecast surf at your beach!
Want to plan ahead to escape from work early and catch some waves? Try your hand at figuring out when the sweetest swells will hit your shore.

Rain Drain: Choosing a Surf Site After a Storm
Choosing the right day to surf isn't just about the weather. If you paddle out too soon after a storm, you may find yourself floating amidst the runoff from your neighbor's gutter.

Surfing for Life
Surfer Roy Earnest has been surfing since 1979. He's also a longtime social worker, dealing with older people. in 1994, he made the film "Surfing for Life," in which the surfers are "still stoked and surfing in their 70s, 80s, and 90s!"

How Do Scientists Measure and Predict Storms and Climate?
Learn about the earth's hydrosphere from our Global Climate Change site.

Weather and Surf Report Resources
Where to find weather information and more background on wave formation and other stuff surfers care about.

photos on the "Hanging Ten" site by Lily Rodrigez, drawings by Steve Kearsley, video by Liz Spencer