SAN FRANCISCO - 18NM West of San Francisco, CA - Live Wave Heights & Surf Conditions

About SAN FRANCISCO - 18NM West of San Francisco, CA Buoy

The SAN FRANCISCO - 18NM West of San Francisco, CA buoy is part of the NOAA National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) network. It continuously measures swell height, wave period, direction, and marine weather for mariners near California. This data supports safe navigation, surf forecasting, weather modeling, and coastal research around California.

NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center manages this platform to deliver marine weather and sea-state measurements for forecasts and maritime safety.

Data Applications

• Surfers: Track swell height, period, and direction to time sessions and compare nearby breaks.
• Mariners: Monitor sea state and wave energy for safer transits and offshore operations.
• Weather forecasters: Analyze storm-driven waves and ocean-atmosphere interactions for regional forecasts.
• Researchers: Study long-term wave climate trends, coastal erosion, and renewable energy potential.