Conventional wave models are great at predicting large-scale swell patterns, but they often fall short when it comes to the dynamic, complex environment of the nearshore—where most of us actually interact with the ocean.
Our forecast takes a different approach, built from the ground up with coastal users in mind. Whether you're a surfer, a lifeguard, a harbor operator, or a beachgoer, here's why this model provides a more accurate and meaningful view of local wave conditions.
🧭 Built for the Coastline, Not Just the Open Ocean
Most global models use grids that span tens or even hundreds of kilometers between points. This might work offshore, but coastal wave behavior is far more localized—affected by cliffs, headlands, bays, sandbanks, reefs, and harbors.
Our model resolves wave behavior down to a much finer scale, incorporating:
- 🏖️ Detailed shoreline geometry — including coves, estuaries, and man-made structures.
- 🗺 High-resolution bathymetric data — seabed contours that dramatically affect wave shoaling, refraction, and breaking.
- 🌊 Local wave transformation algorithms — customized for the surf zone and harbor environments.
- 🏄 Provides a free 16-day forecast of waves throughout New Zealand.
Here’s an example of how our forecast is different.
Our forecast on the left shows the complex wave shadowing behind Great Barrier Island and even behind smaller islands such as Kauau Island where as in the global model (right), the waves pass directly through these islands due to low model resolution.
You can see this in the image below which compares our model resolution (left) with global model resolution (right).
🔍 The Bottom Line
Our forecast doesn't just tell you what's happening far out to sea—it brings the ocean closer to the coast, where every headland, sandbar, and swell angle matters. If you're someone who lives by the water, works on it, or plays in it, you’ll feel the difference.
🚀 This is Just the Beginning…
This forecast is just the start of this forecast. Over the coming year we will be bringing out lots more upgrades to our forecast, so keep an eye on the site for new features and releases.