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(Previous) 03/14/2006 (Next)
LOLA Forecast Points.
LOLA Forecast point locations – Why are these so important?
Continued below...
Just as Kevin Wallis pointed out in the last LOLA Hotspot, the forecast point for LOLA needs to be taken into consideration when interpreting the model.

We saw how the surf on the West Coast can be vastly different from what is shown at the LOLA output point west of Point Conception compared to what is expected along the SoCal beaches. Well on the East Coast we sometimes have similar situations.

Notice the LOLA graphic does not pick up on the N/NE windswell in Florida that will build in for Wednesday. This is because the specific forecast point is located offshore. LOLA does not pick this up until overnight Wednesday/Thursday when the cold front passes by and the N winds pick up at this particular location.

This is when the nearshore swell model comes in handy – they pick up the nearshore windswell and you can see what to expect at your local break. This same scenario often happens at the LOLA forecast point located off of the OBX during the winter.

So the LOLA output points act as the first tool in the ‘tuning’ of forecasts giving a heads up of what to expect. From there the LOLA nearshore model then becomes the next and best tool for fine tuning your forecasts and knowing what to expect along your beach. – Watson

Like what you see here? Want to get this type of detailed forecast information on a daily basis, for every major surf region on earth? Then SIGN UP NOW for a Surfline Premium Membership. (First month's free.)

WHAT IS LOLA?

LOLA is the world's only automated global surf forecasting tool. LOLA can forecast waves right down the street, or it can predict surf conditions at the top spots around the globe - breaks like Tavarua, Tahiti and Jeffrey's Bay.

LOLA uses the NOAA Wavewatch III engine (running on our own computers) with Surfline-modified data from various wind models (AVN, GFS, MRF). Then LOLA combines this information with empirical data we've programmed into her gained from over 30 years of surf and weather analysis here at Surfline.

LOLA also gathers real-time data from offshore buoys to measure wave pulses from storms around the world every hour. She taps into orbiting satellites to measure hurricane-force winds and tremendous wave heights in the heart of raging storms when huge ships are running for cover. She computes near-shore wave animations measuring detailed wave heights along the coast, taking into account how swells are distorted by offshore islands and the continental shelf.

When you add it all up, LOLA is the ultimate forecasting tool for surfers looking for timely, accurate and comprehensive information about waves.

Initially, we created LOLA as a proprietary tool for Surfline forecasters. But we decided to share the knowledge and give Surfline's Premium Members the chance to use LOLA themselves, to give them the best chance to score more good surf more often.

Not a Premium Member? Then CLICK HERE for a free LOLA demo.

If you are already a Premium Member, please proceed straight to the LOLA home page.