Surf Forecasting 101: How to Use Windy & Surfline for Bali
In Bali, the difference between a perfect surf session and a frustrating paddle battle often comes down to one thing — timing. Knowing how to read the swell, wind, and tide before heading out can save you hours of guesswork and get you on the best waves of the day.
Whether you’re a beginner watching your first Magicseaweed report or an intermediate surfer trying to fine-tune your sessions around the Bukit, this guide will show you exactly how to forecast Bali’s surf conditions using three essential tools: Windy, Magicseaweed, and Surfline.
🌊 1. Understanding Bali’s Surf Conditions
Before diving into the apps, it helps to understand what you’re actually looking at. Every Bali surf report revolves around three key factors:
Swell
The height tells you how big the waves will be.
The period (in seconds) shows the power — longer periods mean more energy and longer rides.
The direction determines which side of the island gets the best waves.
SW (Southwest) swells hit Bukit’s west coast — Balangan, Dreamland, Bingin, Uluwatu.
SE (Southeast) swells light up Nusa Dua and east coast spots.
Wind
Offshore wind = glassy, clean waves.
Onshore wind = choppy, messy surf.
The Bukit’s dry season (Apr–Oct) brings steady E/SE trades, which are offshore for west-facing breaks.
Tide
Many Bukit reefs are tide-sensitive.
Mid to high tide = safe for most reefs (Balangan, Bingin, Dreamland).
Low tide = shallow, sharp reef — better for experts only.
🌬️ 2. How to Use Windy to Track Wind & Swell Movement
Windy (windy.com or the app) is more visual and detailed — great for understanding weather patterns and seeing real-time wind maps.
Step-by-step:
Open Windy and set your map to Bali.
Select the “Wind” layer to see direction and speed.
Tap “Waves” or “Swell” for an animated map showing swell direction.
Zoom into the Bukit Peninsula to check which coast is getting the cleanest swell.
Best setting combo:
Wind: East or Southeast (offshore)
Waves: 1.5–2.5m from SW direction (220°)
Gusts: Under 10 knots = glassy conditions
Why it’s useful:
Windy lets you predict changing conditions before they hit — for example, when afternoon onshores start creeping in, or when a new swell arrives overnight.
🌐 3. How to Use Surfline for Live Cams & Forecasts
Surfline is perfect for visual learners — it gives live cams, human-verified reports, and spot analysis.
Step-by-step:
Visit surfline.com and search for your spot.
Watch the live cam to check crowd size, wave quality, and tide level in real time.
Compare Surfline’s Premium Forecast with Magicseaweed for consistency.
Scroll to Wind and Tide sections for easy timing.
Local tip:
Dreamland and Bingin both have cams — check which is cleaner before you paddle out.
Surfline tends to slightly overcall wave size, so take 0.5–1ft off for real-world conditions.
🏄 4. Pro Tips for Reading Bali’s Forecast Like a Local
✅ Morning missions win — wind is calm and crowds are smaller.
✅ Always cross-check two sources (Surfline + Windy) for accuracy.
✅ Mind the moon — full and new moons mean stronger tides and faster shifts.
✅ South swells wrap differently into each bay — Balangan often catches slightly bigger sets than Dreamland on the same forecast.
✅ Ask local surfers — nothing beats real-time feedback from people who paddle out daily.
🌅 Example: A Perfect Bukit Surf Day
Let’s say Surfline shows:
Swell: 4ft @ 14s from SW (230°)
Wind: ESE @ 7 knots (offshore)
Tide: Rising from 1.0m → 2.3m mid-morning
➡️ Translation:
Balangan will have clean shoulder-high sets from 7–10am, Bingin will barrel, and Dreamland will be glassy fun around mid tide.
That’s your green light to wax up, grab your board, and get out there.
🌴 Final Thoughts
Learning to read Bali’s surf forecasts is like unlocking a local secret. Once you understand how swell, wind, and tides interact with the Bukit Peninsula’s unique coastline, you’ll know exactly when and where to paddle out.
Next time you’re unsure, check Windy, and peek at Surfline’s cam — soon you’ll be chasing the best waves Bali has to offer like a pro.
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