Surf basics · SOUTH LOMBOK
How to read a surf forecast: swell, wind and wave direction
A surf forecast is a starting point for a conversation, not a green light to paddle out. Learn what the numbers mean so you can ask better questions before your Lombok session.
South Lombok Surf · Published September 10, 2026
- Swell direction
- Where the swell comes from
- Period
- Seconds between wave crests
- Left or right
- The surfer’s riding direction
Swell height is not breaking-wave height
Swell describes waves travelling through the ocean. The surf at a particular beach depends on how that swell interacts with the coastline and underwater shape. A single offshore height does not tell you what will break in every Lombok bay.
Reference: Surfline: swell versus surf ↗Period adds information that height misses
Period is the time in seconds between successive wave crests passing a fixed point. Longer-period swells can carry more energy and interact with the seabed farther offshore. Two forecasts with a similar height but different periods can produce very different sessions.
Reference: Surfline: wave period explained ↗Compass direction versus riding direction
A southwesterly swell comes from the southwest. A right-hand wave is named from the surfer’s perspective while riding toward shore, not from a person watching on the beach. These describe different things: where the energy comes from and which way the wave opens up for a ride.
Reference: Surfline: swell direction ↗Add wind, tide and an actual look at the water
Offshore wind blows from land toward the sea; onshore wind blows toward land. The same compass wind can affect differently oriented beaches differently. Check the named spot rather than assuming one direction suits the whole island. Ask Adel how the forecast relates to the actual session, including water depth, current, entry and exit. If the forecast and the water disagree, the water wins.
General planning guidance, not a live surf report. Confirm the break and conditions locally before entering the water.