Judging Wave Heights
Keep in mind that everyone’s wave scale differs a bit. Depending on who you ask, the same wave can be anywhere from 1 foot to 12 foot. Hawaiian wave scale is usually measured from the back of the wave and then cut down a little more. So a chest high wave is said to be 1-2 feet. It varies by area, but most people from the west coast of the US mainland measure waves by the face.
Keep in mind that everyone’s wave scale differs a bit. Depending on who you ask, the same wave can be anywhere from 1 foot to 12 foot. Hawaiian wave scale is usually measured from the back of the wave and then cut down a little more. So a chest high wave is said to be 1-2 feet. It varies by area, but most people from the west coast of the US mainland measure waves by the face.
Should've Been Here Yesterday
Another equation that lends understanding to the psychology of a surfer is the “You Should’ve Been There Yesterday” scale. With this scale, the wave conditions and size move in the other direction in order to make the receiver jealous. Our equation:
(Actual quality of surf) x (days until surfer is able to surf again) x (distance of next swell window) x (days since last good swell) x (level of dislike of receiver + amount of times surfer has had receive make surf feel jealous in the past) = Quality of Size and Condition of Waves (Includes crowd factor, water temp, and attractive people on the beach afterwards with beers and fresh seafood being BBQ’d)
Should've Been Here Yesterday
Another equation that lends understanding to the psychology of a surfer is the “You Should’ve Been There Yesterday” scale. With this scale, the wave conditions and size move in the other direction in order to make the receiver jealous. Our equation:
(Actual quality of surf) x (days until surfer is able to surf again) x (distance of next swell window) x (days since last good swell) x (level of dislike of receiver + amount of times surfer has had receive make surf feel jealous in the past) = Quality of Size and Condition of Waves (Includes crowd factor, water temp, and attractive people on the beach afterwards with beers and fresh seafood being BBQ’d)