Surf Risk Rating
Low
2
⚙
Clear
Activity
Patrol — public
Training — qualified lifesavers / surf sports
Nippers
Training — non-qualified Bronze
IRB training — new crew / drivers
IRB surf sports — experienced
Adjusts the rating for who is in the water.
Surf
Rip / current
None
Weak
Moderate
Strong
Severe
Wave height
m
ft
<0.5 m
0.5–1 m
1–1.5 m
1.5–2.5 m
>2.5 m
Swell period
Short
<8s
Medium
8–12s
Long
>12s
Break severity
Spilling
Surging
Plunging
Dumping
heavy / closeout
Wind
Direction
Offshore
Cross
Onshore
Strength
Light
<15 km/h
Moderate
15–30
Strong
>30
Tide
Tide
Low
Mid
falling
Mid
rising
High
Visibility & hazards
Detection conditions
Good
Reduced
glare, chop, fog, dirty water
Environmental hazards
Marine life
Pollution
Debris
Cold water
View rating
Low