How do you predict the waves?


We’ve even had head high waves! Sometimes we get stumped and there’s no waves (note disclaimer on our site). But this happens on the coast too!Where else do these waves break?
All throughout the Puget Sound where there’s fast container ship traffic or high winds. I look at beaches that resemble what breaks on the coast. Usually beaches that are shallow a ways out even at high tides.
Strong wind can create nice surfable waves at these beaches as well.
A friend has been scouting beaches south of Alki and have found good results at Dash Point, Saltwater State Park and the Cove park by 3 Tree Point.
These other locations do get freighter waves and wind waves: Marrowstone Point, Richmond Beach, Pt Robinson, Rolling Bay, Eglon Beach, Pt Roberts, Double Bluff, Blake Island, 4 Mile Rock and Point Hudson in PT.
Freighter Wave Classes
I offer Freighter Wave classes in Seattle March to Sept for daytime low tides. Wednesday and Fridays are the best days for the biggest boats, but we get good rides all week.
I also offer Tug Surfing but freighters are easier to catch with more options to become a better surfer as tugs are one wave set and require long fast boards (12-4+) to drop-in. Tugs are Wed and Fridays only, midday.
Go as often as possible. My coastal surfing classes will also help becoming a more confident skilled surfer. Freighters allow us to stay local and keep our skills up for bigger days on the coast.
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Rob surfing in Seattle (courtesy standuppaddlesurf.net) |
Watch my interview with Evan of Standuppaddlesurf.net on Freighter Wave Surfing in Seattle!
Tips for safer surfing
- Always fall flat to avoid injury.
- Use a leashto prevent a loose board which can be a hazard. If you’re not a solid surfer, keep your distance from others.
- Surf often to keep your skills up. Live near a lake? Surf wakes from boats and wind waves, everything produces a ride even if small.
Learn More
Learn Freighter Wave Surfing in Seattle
Take my Deception Pass Tidal Rapids Class
