A broad NW swell is the dominant feature today along the Pacific West Coast with consistent ocean energy arriving from the northwest and producing average wave heights that are surfable to moderate for most exposed breaks, while sheltered bays remain smaller and more wind-influenced. Local winds are variable but generally light in the morning, allowing cleaner surf in protected points before onshore breezes increase later in the afternoon.
Nearby NOAA buoys report swell directions from the northwest to west-northwest with primary periods in the 10–14 second range and average wave sizes in the 3–6 ft range at exposed open-coast buoys; sheltered nearshore buoys show lower averages around 1–3 ft. [web:1]
Typical high and low tide swings are in effect today with morning low tides followed by higher afternoon highs at many central coast stations; consult NOAA Tide Predictions for station-specific times and heights for harbors and inlets. [web:4][web:2]
Primary buoy networks (NDBC/NOAA) refresh updated wave height, dominant period, and swell direction every 30–60 minutes — check individual station pages for exact numbers and time stamps. Aggregators and NOAA station tools provide quick lookup for buoy ID readings along the coast. [web:3][web:5]