How to use the surf webcams
Webcams show you a live image or video of the beach, and are the perfect complement to the forecast and buoy data before deciding whether to paddle out.
What to look for
Pay attention to the size and shape of the waves, whether they break cleanly, how many people are in the water, and the state of the wind (whether the sea surface looks rippled or glassy).
Limitations
Image quality, camera distance or the time of day (at night or in fog) can make it harder to judge conditions. Always combine the webcam with the forecast and buoy data for the full picture.
When to check them
They're especially useful right before you leave home, to confirm at the last minute that the forecast conditions are actually happening.