Surfline: Wave & Surf Reports icon
Surfline: Wave & Surf Reports App Review

by Surfline/Wavetrak

4.6
IOSWeather
Surfline delivers comprehensive wave forecasting and live surf conditions through 1000+ global cameras. The app serves surfers seeking accurate swell data, tide information, and real-time visual reports to optimize session timing.

Detailed Review

Surfline: Wave & Surf Reports represents the digital evolution of a surf forecasting institution that began in 1985. The iOS application translates decades of oceanographic expertise into mobile functionality, positioning itself as the definitive resource for surf condition intelligence worldwide. With institutional credibility and extensive global coverage, the app serves as both planning tool and virtual window to breaking waves across continents. The application's core functionality centers on its multi-layered forecasting system, combining NOAA data with proprietary modeling to deliver hour-by-hour predictions for swell height, period, direction, wind conditions, and tide charts. Beyond numerical data, the platform integrates over 1,000 live HD cameras at premier surf breaks, enabling visual verification of conditions. Advanced features include session logging tools that allow users to record wave counts and conditions, while smart notifications alert users when preferred breaks reach optimal parameters. The premium subscription tier unlocks extended forecast ranges, ad-free viewing, and high-resolution camera feeds. User experience reflects thoughtful design for practical field use, with a map-based interface allowing quick navigation between favorite spots and discovery of new breaks. The dashboard efficiently consolidates critical data points—wave height, wind speed/direction, water temperature—into immediately digestible visualizations. Real-world usage patterns show surfers checking conditions both during pre-trip planning and en route to beaches, with particular utility for those traveling significant distances to coastal areas. The interface maintains functionality even in low-signal environments common near remote surf locations. User feedback consistently highlights the application's comprehensive data integration and reliability for trip planning. JeffreyG2023 (August 5, 2025) noted its essential value for landlocked surfers traveling 120+ miles to coasts, while Sterzy34 (August 2, 2025) praised having 'everything I need on one screen.' Some users acknowledge occasional forecasting variances, with Elan Camaret (August 3, 2025) commenting that while 'it do be lyin from time to time,' it remains 'the best in the game.' Multiple reviews specifically mention the value of camera networks for verifying conditions before committing to travel. The application demonstrates particular strength in consolidating disparate ocean data sources into a unified, mobile-optimized platform, though forecasting accuracy can vary with localized conditions and rapidly changing marine environments. While premium features require subscription access, the free tier provides substantial functionality for casual users. The platform serves most effectively as a planning tool rather than absolute prediction system, with optimal utility for surfers who combine its data with personal observation and local knowledge.

Key Features

  • Live HD surf cameras at 1000+ global breaks provide real-time visual verification of wave conditions and crowd levels before traveling
  • Comprehensive forecasting system displays swell height, period, direction, wind speed, and tide charts with hourly precision for planning
  • Smart notifications alert users when specified breaks reach user-defined ideal conditions for timely session opportunities
  • Session logging tools enable recording of wave counts, conditions, and personal notes for tracking surf performance over time
  • Global coverage includes both popular breaks and remote locations with detailed regional forecasts and expert-written reports
  • Multi-source data integration combines NOAA models, proprietary forecasting, and on-the-ground reports from certified forecasters

Why Users Love It

Comprehensive global coverage
Real-time visual verification

Perfect for: Surfers seeking accurate wave forecasts and live break conditions worldwide

Screenshots

Surfline: Wave & Surf Reports screenshot 1Surfline: Wave & Surf Reports screenshot 2Surfline: Wave & Surf Reports screenshot 3Surfline: Wave & Surf Reports screenshot 4Surfline: Wave & Surf Reports screenshot 5Surfline: Wave & Surf Reports screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track Surfline: Wave & Surf Reports's performance in Weather over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#23

3 from last week

Best Rank

#12

All-time high

Average Rank

#20

30-day average

User Reviews

mpetrillo63
Jul 29, 2025

Very helpful very accurate. We use it every day. Surfline helps me get the most out of surfing and definitely avoid wasting time when conditions are poor. Great app Great App Very helpful very accurate. We use it every day. Surfline helps me get the most out of surfing and definitely avoid wasting time when conditions are poor. Great app

RHelly58
Jul 29, 2025

Surfline has become the standard for over a decade and a half for me. It has provided the need to know information as well as details I would not have been interested in before… but now that I have a taste for learning and understanding the information provided. It has expanded my understanding of the land, sea, and air and how they come together to make surfing possible. THANK YOU SURFLINE!!! Fine Dining Surfline has become the standard for over a decade and a half for me. It has provided the need to know information as well as details I would not have been interested in before… but now that I have a taste for learning and understanding the information provided. It has expanded my understanding of the land, sea, and air and how they come together to make surfing possible. THANK YOU SURFLINE!!!

👍Noah’s review
Aug 1, 2025

The app is great because sometimes you go and it bad but you don’t have to worry about that because there are cams everywhere so you can cheat if it’s good and sometimes you can just watch places that are pumping it’s so addicting I highly recommended (I really want a cam at the clock tower at SAN clementine pier so I can watch my barrels) It helps a lot The app is great because sometimes you go and it bad but you don’t have to worry about that because there are cams everywhere so you can cheat if it’s good and sometimes you can just watch places that are pumping it’s so addicting I highly recommended (I really want a cam at the clock tower at SAN clementine pier so I can watch my barrels)

TommyBoy1967
Aug 2, 2025

Hawaii native this is a must have that anyone living here or visiting the Hawaiian islands! Incredible App Hawaii native this is a must have that anyone living here or visiting the Hawaiian islands!

XLdaddyG650
Jul 28, 2025

Surfline has been my go to for years. Ever since we got a boat it’s been essential to check the more obscure spots in SoCal. Love it. The best Surfline has been my go to for years. Ever since we got a boat it’s been essential to check the more obscure spots in SoCal. Love it.

App Details

Developer

Surfline/Wavetrak

Platform

ios

Rating

4.6

Last Updated

10/7/2025