Method and limitations
A conservative answer first, with the evidence left visible
ShouldISurf evaluates Taiwan surf spots against a beginner standard by default. It screens for risks it can identify, finds a relatively suitable window, then compares forecast quality. You can adjust your level and region, but the result remains forecast guidance, not a guarantee that it is safe to paddle out.
How the decision is made
The order is fixed so safety comes before scoring. A quality score can rank only the hours that pass the safety gates. It cannot average away dangerous conditions.
- Apply safety gates first for oversized surf, strong wind, thunderstorms, and low-tide reef exposure the engine can identify.
- Look for a continuous surf window in the remaining hourly forecast.
- Compare period, wind, wave height, and tide to select the relatively better spot and window.
- If you choose a level, the system reevaluates with that level's criteria. Without setup, it keeps the conservative beginner standard.
What the safety gates can see
The gates use wave height, wind speed, weather, tide level, and static reef settings. A clear result does not mean rip currents, pollution, temporary closures, crowds, or other on-site hazards have been ruled out.
Where the forecast data comes from
Open-Meteo Marine provides wave height, direction, and period. Open-Meteo Weather provides wind and weather. Taiwan's Central Weather Administration tide forecast provides levels from a nearby station. These inputs enter the same hourly decision process.
What the spot profile does
Facing, seabed, suitable swell direction, preferred wind, tide preference, and level are relatively stable spot settings. A label saying the spot profile was checked on site applies only to these static settings.
Limits of the seven-day forecast
The seven-day view is model output, not an on-site observation or proof of forecast accuracy. Uncertainty generally increases further from departure. The interface does not yet show the true fetch time, stale state, or provider degradation state.
- It cannot guarantee that conditions on arrival will match the forecast.
- It does not yet add live rip current, pollution, closure, or crowd information.
- It cannot replace warnings from lifeguards, the Coast Guard, or local authorities.
Three checks before you leave
- Check a live cam or the conditions on arrival instead of relying on one score.
- Check the latest warnings and closures from the Central Weather Administration, Coast Guard, and local authorities.
- Do not paddle out if the site differs from the forecast, lacks appropriate safety coverage, or exceeds your ability.