GNM____Fall 2010
David.Werner@stockton.edu
GNM Surfing: The Science of Surf Forecasting
Fall 2010
David L. Werner
David.Werner@stockton.edu
Room ____
Course Description:
This course includes the science/math/technology associated with surf forecasting. Students are introduced to waves,
surfing equipment, tracking swell, buoy models, hurricanes, weather, bathymetry, tides, wind, & coastal erosion
processes. Using actual, re-enacted, and staged events students will examine the relationships between wave models,
storms, and related science principles.
Required Texts/Sources:
Online materials will be distributed throughout the course.
Online sources include:
 Surfline.com
 Buoyweather.com
 Weathunderground.com
 Swellinfo.com
 Noaa.gov
Essential Questions:
 How are waves created and altered?
 How do surfers predict waves?
 What types of surf forecasting tools are available and how do you understand them?
 What types of careers are available in the surf industry?
Participants in this course will:
 Understand how waves are created
 Understand how bottom contour, tides, and wind affect waves
 Design a swell forecast model using various online sources
 Research and present on various surf forecasting topics
 Understand the surf culture
Students will demonstrate:
 presentation and communication skills;
 general written communication at professionally expected levels, and
 effectiveness in working with peers in a collegial setting.
Course Outline:
During each class session, students will develop an understanding of a major area within surfing and surf forecasting.
This is meant as a guide and may be adjusted based on students' previous experiences and current needs. These topics
include but are not limited to:
 Wave models
 Buoy Recordings
 Bathymetry
 Wind & Tides
 Surfing etiquette and culture
 Surfing equipment based on wave type
 Ocean currents
 Computer Science
 Coastal Erosion
 Tsunamis/Hurricane Tracking
 Weather Patterns
 Global Processes
-The Richard Stockton College1
GNM____Fall 2010

David.Werner@stockton.edu
Careers in the industry
Assessments: (Points for assignments TBD)
Written Reflection from guest speaker – Students will write a one page reflection form the guest speakers
Global Surf Project - Students will design a PowerPoint presentation on a surf break of their choice. The presentation
must include the location, type of break (reef, rock, sand, etc…), culture, access, cost, and equipment needed.
Swell Predictions - Students will use buoyweather and other various sources to predict real-time swell patterns.
Essay on surf culture – Students will research and write a 5 page essay on the history of surfing, surf forecasting, and
surf culture.
Surf Forecast Portfolio - Students will spend the semester developing their own surf forecasting portfolio for their local
surf break. The portfolio will be all electronic including sources. More details will be given in class.
Policies
Tardiness: Attendance is taken at the start of each class. For each time you are marked tardy, your final grade will be
lowered by half a letter grade.
Absences: Missing class will adversely affect your grade, as you will miss content, the team projects, discussions, and
presentations. Missing one class will bring your final grade down one full letter grade. Missing two classes will bring your
final grade down two full letter grades. Missing three classes will bring your final grade down three full letter grades.
Missing four classes will bring your final grade down four full letter grades.
Accommodations for students with Special Needs
Richard Stockton College complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Students with disabilities who seek accommodations should make their requests through the Learning Access Program in
WQ110—609-652-4988. More information is available at http://www2.stockton.edu/wellness.
Course Evaluation
A student’s grade is a mathematical representation of her or his demonstrated mastery of the course objective and
expectations. Students should monitor their own progress and consult with their instructor if they have specific concerns.
Stockton Grading Scale
A
AB+
93-100
90-92
87-89
B
83-86
B80-82
C+
77-79
C
73-76
Breakdown of Grades: TBD
-The Richard Stockton College2
C70-72
D
60-69
F
0-59
GNM____Fall 2010
Week
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Session 4
Session 5
Session 6
Session 7
Session 8
Session 9
Session 10
Session 11
Session 12
Session 13
Session 14
Session 15
Session 16
David.Werner@stockton.edu
Topics
Introduction to the Class/What
are waves? How do we forecast
them?
Understanding the different types
of waves – wave calculations
Predicting tides and weather
patterns locally & globally
Understanding bathymetry – How
bottom contour affects waves
Guest Speakers – NJ Professional
Surfers
Student Research on Global Surf
Breaks
Viewing and Observing waves in
action – Atlantic City Boardwalk
Readings and Assignments Due
TBD
Student Presentations on Global
Surf Breaks
Student Presentations on Global
Surf Breaks
Using Buoys to track swell
Global Surf Project Due
Guest Speaker Kurt Korte of
Surfline.com
Using online sources to track
and predict swell
Understanding surfing equipment
Venturing into the surfing world:
etiquette and culture
Careers in the Industry
Present Portfolios
Final Class Meeting/Wrap Up Class Discussion and Feedback
Start researching for global surf
breaks
TBD
TBD
Written Reflection from guest
speaker
Reflections Due
TBD
Use buoy readings to predict
swell
Swell Predictions due
Research surf culture
Essay on surf culture Due
Surf Forecast Portfolio Due
This is a tentative schedule. Due dates and topics may change throughout the course of the semester.
-The Richard Stockton College3