What does it mean when surfers talk about a blowing "offshore wind" and why is this always good?

Question

What does it mean when surfers talk about a blowing "offshore wind" and why is this always good?

Answer 1

Offshore winds actually hold the waves up which make the waves stand up taller and longer, making it less choppy, which is great for surfers.

Wow John F, that's a long time to be surfin, you must be hellagood!  =P

Answer 2

Holy cr*p you've been surfing for a long time, John

Offshore breezes are self explanitory, the wind is blowing from inland, creating taller waves

Answer 3

Wind blowing "off shore" is coming from the land out across the water. It can be good at times. If there is a good Strong swell, and a decent off shore wind, the wind will actually help hold the waves up, and give you nice glassy walls and a depending on the type of swell and bottom configuration can make for great tubes. However, on a weaker swell, if the off shore wind is hitting the lines at oblique angles, it can actually hold down the waves and flatten out the break. There is a lot more to it than just an on shore or off shore wind. There is wind direction, swell//wave type, wind velocity, swell period et al.

So, in short, I have been surfing since '66, and in the right set of circumstances, I can get really excited by an off shore wind. However, there are some days it stinks. It is not "always good."

Answer 4

When the wind is blowing from the land to the sea.

It makes the ocean cleaner i.e. less bumpy and choppy. also makes the wave face steper and more holow..

If it is too windy offshore it can create problems too.

Answer 5

it refers to the wind blowing from the inland, toward offshore. the resistance it gives against the waves allows the wave's energy to peak more, and in its orbital motion becomes more hollow as it breaks. that's a basic explanation, i don't wanna write a whole essay write now.

Answer 6

To make it easier to understand there is the beach which is considered the shore, when the wind blows towards the water it is going offshore and blowing towards the ocean, Offshore winds tend to make waves stand up taller, longer and hollower.  This makes it better for a good surfer a beginner will have a harder time getting into the waves because the wind is blowing against you causing resistance.