Long-period groundswell
Height
1.0m
Hs
Period
13s
Tp
Direction
SW
207°
Water
20.1°C
Last update: 12 Nov, 05:56
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Avila Beach Nearshore, CA (285) Buoy records
Since September 2026, over 51 days of measurements.
- Highest sea (Hs)
- 1.6 m
- Last big swell
- 1.6 m
- Above 1.5 m: the roughest 10% of days here.
Biggest days
- 1.Hs 1.6 m
- 2.Hs 1.1 m
- 3.Hs 1.1 m
- 4.Hs 1.0 m
- 5.Hs 0.9 m
Hs, the significant wave height, is the mean height of the highest third of the waves: the “wave height” of forecasts. Hmax is the highest single wave measured.
About the Avila Beach Nearshore, CA (285) Buoy
Avila Beach Nearshore, CA (285) is a wave buoy in the NDBC network (station 46286). It is moored 1.4 km offshore (California, United States of America).
Geographic location
California, United States of America · 1.4 km offshore
Position: 35.1640° N, 120.7370° W
Its history
Its records go back to September 2026. The swell comes mostly from the south (52% of days).
Nearby surf spots
- Surf Beach · 54.7 km
Latest reading
On 12 November 2026 at 05:56 GMT-8: 1.0 m significant wave height, 13 s period, from the SW (207°), water at 20.1 °C.
Measured data
It measures wave height, period, direction and water temperature.
How to read buoy data
Significant Height (Hs)
The average of the highest third of waves. This is the most representative measure of the wave size you'll see on the water.
Maximum Height (Hmax)
The highest wave recorded during the measurement period. Generally 1.5 to 2 times the significant height.
Period (Tp)
The time in seconds between two wave crests. A long period (>12s) indicates more powerful and consistent groundswell.
Direction
The direction the swell is coming from. The impact on the coast depends on the shoreline orientation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between significant and maximum height?▼
Significant height (Hs) is the average of the highest third of waves, representing what you typically observe. Maximum height (Hmax) is the largest wave measured, often 1.5 to 2 times higher than Hs. A set of large waves can occasionally exceed Hs.
Why is the period important?▼
A long period (>12s) means waves have traveled far and carry more energy (groundswell). A short period (<8s) indicates local wind-generated swell, more disorganized. For surfing, longer periods produce more powerful and better-shaped waves.
How often is the data updated?▼
Buoys typically transmit their data every 30 minutes to 1 hour. The delay between measurement and display depends on the transmission network and our collection system.
Why doesn't the direction match the waves on the beach?▼
The buoy measures direction offshore. Waves change direction as they approach the coast due to refraction (seabed effect). Beach orientation and coastal obstacles also influence the final wave direction.