Swell device tested at Bells
Buoy could provide real-time wave data
A DEVICE capable of streaming wave movement data in real time has been trialled at Bells Beach during the Rip Curl Pro.
The Surf Sense buoy able to measure wave sets, and how often and how high they form is currently in a testing phase but its creator hopes to have one stationed in each state within a year.
Surf Sense creator Nathan Adler said the device, which is about a metre high, will be capable of reporting surf conditions in real time to recreational water users, lifesavers, fishermen and the Coast Guard when rolled out.
“Forecasting isn’t really that accurate and this provides an extra degree of certainty,” Mr Adler said.
He said Surf Sense is able to measure swells with centimetre-level accuracy and will be further developed during Beta testing.
“The device is connected to the internet and we process information in the cloud d and (could one day) provide (data) feeds for local beaches.”
Mr Adler, an engineering ring graduate, said the device ice was deployed about 600m off the coast at Bells Beach for a week.
“It can measure the consistency of swells. When they moved the competition to Winki- pop at Bells (we didn’t ’t need to move the buoy as) it can cover a 1km stretch h of coastline.”
Mr Adler said the Bells Beach deployment showed ed the swell direction consistently came from the south.
He said the device could one day provide surfers with real-time data in the water so they know when the biggest wave sets are approaching.
Torquay Marine Rescue chairman Adam Stephens, who helped retrieve the device at the weekend, said information from the device would better prepare water users for dangerous situations.
“Any technology that ena- bles a greater understanding of what the immediate local conditio ditions are, and what they are go going to be, improves safety ty,” Mr Stephens said. “If the current technology tells you there is going to be an increase in swell ... that doesn’t necessarily guarantee a t true reflection of local c conditions. “Having an understanding of current conditions allows y you to be better prepared durin during launching and (returning in a boat). “If you have the information on what’s actually happening in a local area then you may make a decision that it’s beyond the capabilities of your vessel. “A better informed public is a safer public.”