Surfing Waves

Howdy, some of you may have seen my post and know I am new to surfing. I've searched the internet but really don't understand alot about what I'm finding when it comes to predicting the next days surf. For example here in Ft.Lauderdale we have afront coming thru, the winds are projected to be 18-20 from the NE. Now sometimes the winds lay the surf flat and sometimes it doesn't. What can you experienced wave gliders tell me that might help me learn to read the weather.
Thanks
Tex

OK...

Wind should be either doing nothing or ofshore (i.e. from the land to the sea), to hold the waves up.

But when your learning ofshore wind is hard on you because it takes more to get on the wave.

Waves you want clean long period swells from a distance ofshore. usualy the guides have a quality number which is a good indication. 10-20seconds 1-2meters etc is ok, 4-5 scond period isnt.

www.surfline.com
www.magicseaweed.com

Look at the forecasts. They usually give some idea.

whatever you do though learn to use the data on magic seaweed. its not a cast iron "the waves will be this big" forecast. its just the swell. it can be a long process and you will get it wrong sometimes. but once you know which swells will produce waves in your area then you can often be pretty accurate with the waves. it is sometimes completely wrong though.

forecasts only give you some info. often is enough but i wouldn't put any faith in their ratings. like surfdude says learn your beach pay particular attention to wave direction and wind direction/strength. lucky where i live that there's nearly always somewhere working if you don't mind a bit of a drive.
this should give you a giggle tho if you haven't already found it -
https://surfing-waves.com/forum/view ... hp?t=11212

Some beaches are very tidal so it helps to know what beach works at what tide

Thanks guys lots of good info, anything else anyone would like to add I would appreciate.

Those 4-6 foot waves today were 1-3 feet.