Physical observation
A buoy or marine station measures conditions at its instrument location.
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Check the reading before you trust it.
A number is only useful when you know where it came from, how recent it is and what the station actually measures.
Start with the timestamp
A buoy reading is a snapshot, not a promise about the next set. Check when the source observed it and whether the feed is updating normally. An older reading can still be useful for context, but it should not be treated as current conditions.
Know what kind of source you are reading
Marine model
A model estimates conditions for a grid point. It fills coverage gaps but is not a physical instrument.
Reference station
A published location may have useful identity or context even when it has no recent reusable reading.
Use a simple quality checklist
Before comparing two pages, check four things: timestamp, source type, available wave fields, and distance or exposure from the surf spot. If one field is missing, do not invent it or compare it as if both sources measured the same variables.
Recent + measured
Best for confirming what is happening offshore at that station.
Recent + modelled
Useful regional context, especially where no wave buoy is nearby.
Old or incomplete
Keep it as background only and wait for a reusable update.
A practical SwellOracle workflow
Open the station page, read the source and timestamp, compare height with period and direction, then check the regional cluster. Use the app to save the station only when its location and variables match the question you are trying to answer.
Practical takeaway
Trust grows from context: check the time, source, variables and exposure before turning a buoy number into a surf decision.