Dawn Patrol

Dawn patrol is the surfer tradition of paddling out at or just after sunrise, usually to beat the crowds and catch the cleanest conditions of the day. Morning sessions are prized because the ocean has had all night to settle: thermal winds are still light, the water is glassy, and offshore breezes from cooler inland air groom the face of every wave. Once the sun warms the coast, the sea breeze kicks in and conditions usually deteriorate. Checking a dawn patrol forecast the night before is a core part of planning a good session — and Swell Intel's hourly breakdowns make it easy to spot exactly when the sweet window opens and closes.