Although large wind patterns out to sea contribute to the generation of swell, local winds affect the ocean surface conditions in the surf zone and how the waves break. Local winds (measured in km/h or knots) are generally described in two ways:
- Offshore winds — blow from the land towards the ocean. They generally result in a smoother ocean surface.
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- Onshore winds — blow towards the land from the ocean. They generally result in turbulent (‘choppy’) conditions and spilling waves. These are commonly called ‘sea breezes’.
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