The Local Animation Model takes information from the Global Model and adjusts the deep-water swell heights as the waves filter through offshore islands and wrap around points of land. It also shows the effects of refraction as the swells begin to shoal over shallower water like the continental shelf. Swell direction and swell period play a huge role in the process and the animation takes them both into account anticipating how an incoming swell will behave as it starts to feel the sea-floor.

As of right now California is the only finished region but will be adding many more Local Swell Model regions soon including Hawaii and the East Coast.

FLORIDA: A bunch of invasive, coral-smothering seaweed has spread across the reefs along the south Florida coast. Recent reports from divers and fisherfolks show that the seaweed was so thick on reefs in Florida's Palm Beach County in February that it is forcing lobsters and fish away. Click here for the whole story.

NEW JERSEY: Local Asbury Park surfers understandably want their beach open for surfing year round. But rather than sitting around complaining about it, they go busy and started a petition to send to those in charge, stressing the economic and social benefits of a surfing beach. Click right here to sign on.

MEXICO: Mainland Mexico has long been a dreamland of warmwater tubes, but it looks like years of overdevelopment and underplanning may be taking a toll, especially on places like Zihuatanejo -- many beaches are flunking the pollution test. Click here for the whole story.

FRANCE: The Oil spill from Prestige continues to foul southwest France and northwest Spain, even seeping into the southern UK. It has become one of Western Europe's worst environmental disasters, as beaches remain closed and storms continue to swirl the muck around. Click here for an interview with Surfrider Europe's Jacques Beall.