The polar plot maps the wave energy arriving at the selected surf spot for one forecast hour. It shows not only how much energy is present, but also how that energy is distributed by direction and wave period.
Read the axes
- Direction runs around the compass: north is at the top, east is on the right, south is at the bottom, and west is on the left. Directions use the coming-from convention, so a lobe near W represents wave energy arriving from the west.
- Concentric rings show wave period in seconds. Short-period energy sits farther from the centre, while longer-period energy sits closer to the centre.
Read the colours
Colour represents energy density, measured in m²/Hz/deg. The legend runs from transparent and blue for little energy through yellow for higher energy to red for the highest energy. The darkest end is capped at 5+, meaning it represents 5 or more rather than an exact value above 5.
What the shape tells you
- A compact, bright lobe indicates energy concentrated in one direction and period — typically a more organised swell.
- Several lobes or a broad patch indicate energy arriving from multiple directions or across a wider range of periods.
- The grey hatched sector marks the land and shoreline orientation. It provides spot context when judging which incoming directions can reach the beach.
Compare forecast hours
Use the hour slider below the plot to move through the forecast. The time shown above it is local to the spot. Compare changes in the energy direction, period, and colour with the main forecast's Hs, wave period, wind, and rating.