There are a variety of Surf reports and Camera’s that you can use to check the surf conditions. They’re not always accurate and sometimes it’s best just to head to the beach and check it yourself.
Surf Cam’s
There are several surf cameras around Christchurch. They’re great because you can get a live visual. Waves often look smaller in the image and if the photos taken at the wrong time it can look flat, check several image loads to get a better idea.
Sumner Surf Cam
View of Scarborough looking toward Cave Rock.
Sumner Surf Watch
HD video of Scarborough.
Taylors Cam
With streaming video.
Weather Forecast
In New Zealand the weather is changing by the hour, conditions can go from really good to really bad and back again very quickly. Which is great and keeps life interesting. Keep on top of the weather and wind forecast and watch out for strong sudden wind changes.
Metservice is the best weather forecast for Christchurch and New Zealand. Good for winds, weather and tides. Swell forecast not so good.
Awesome graphical weather and swell forecast for the whole world.
Surf Forecasts
Wondering what the surfs going to be like in a few days time. You can use these sites to check the forecast. Again they’re not always acurate especially with our changeable weather. Some sites are a little basic, we like the more detail the better. They take a while to learn to read them and work out what they mean in terms of waves at the beach but once you get them sussed they’re a great tool. Note : Most of the forecasts miss the little wind swells that create fun waves on Christchurch beaches. Their rating systems can be misleading.
Surfline , the worlds dominant surf forecasting site. Pretty good with lots of detail. Premium services available. Use the New Brighton forecast even for Sumner as its more accurate and don’t always believe their rating system especially if you are a beginner. It’s often better than they forecast.
Good Surf Now ! , kiwi based, great free alternative, again use the New Brighton forecast for more accurate size estimates.