Surf Zone (GOLF)
As mentioned earlier, the surf zone is the area from
the water uprush outward to the point at which waves
first show any indication of breaking. The width of the
surf zone is another element reported in a SUROB. This
distance is often estimated by looking up or down the
beach from a high observation point. You should
compare the width of the surf zone to the known width
of the beach area. You must also report the lines of
breaking waves seen within the surf zone
(perpendicular to the beach) at any given time. A
shallow sloped beach tends to have several lines of
breakers, in different stages of breaking, in a wide surf
zone. A steeper beach tends to have fewer lines of
breaking waves in a relatively narrow surf zone. The
width of the surf zone and the number of lines of surf in
the surf zone are reported as element GOLF.
Figure 4-7.—Rip currents, beach cusps, and effect on breakers.
Remarks (HOTEL)
Weather conditions, particularly wind data, are
included as remarks in element HOTEL. In addition to
the other remarks we have mentioned, brief comments
about significant weather that may affect boat
operations, such as low visibility or lightning, should be
included. When weather personnel are assigned as
SUROB observers, tactical surface weather
observations may be taken in addition to the SUROB.
This responsibility is normally assigned well in advance
of an operation and will be described in the operation
order.
When included, comments about the weather
should be brief and in plain language; for example,
HVY TSTRM WITH RAIN 10 NMI SE, CIG 030
BKN. or VSBY 7 NMI SEAWARD 2 NMI INLAND
IN FOG.
4-9
