The “onshore” wind
Onshore wind blows from the sea toward the coast. This means that the waves get wind “from behind.” The result: waves become flatter, break faster, and generate more white water—less than ideal for surfers.
The “onshore” wind
Offshore wind blows from land out to sea. This wind acts against the waves—they pile up, become steeper and cleaner, creating good wave conditions (e.g., barrels).
When you have this wind direction, you can tell in advance what kind of waves await you at the beach.
How are onshore and offshore winds generated?
Wind direction depends largely on high- and low-pressure areas, which arise and are influenced in different ways.
The most important wind and pressure factors for surfing
Large-scale weather patterns
The most important factor determines the basic direction (onshore, offshore, sideshore).
High-pressure areas = often stable, constant wind
Low-pressure areas = changeable, stronger wind
Thermals – local land and sea breezes
During the day: The sun warms the land faster than the sea. Warm air rises above the land, forming a low-pressure area. Cooler air from the sea therefore moves inland → onshore.
At night: Land and sea cool down, with the sea retaining heat longer. Warm air rises above the sea, creating an area of low pressure. Air flows from land to sea → offshore.
seasons
Shift pressure areas because continents and oceans react differently.
Sommer: mehr Thermik, leichter Onshore
Winter: weniger Thermik, mehr Einfluss großer Drucksysteme → oft Offshore/Sideshore)
Topography (mountains, coasts, plateaus)
Mountains deflect air, forcing it to rise (→ low pressure) or descend (→ high pressure).
Fronts & weather changes
When a low-pressure system moves in or a front passes through, the wind changes direction quickly → important for choosing a spot, especially in changeable conditions.
Here’s how to find out which way the wind is blowing:
Use wind and weather forecast sites to check wind direction and wind strength. A tried and tested tool is Windfinder or apps such as Surfline, which give you a comprehensive surf forecast.
