Surf Forecast for Riley's
type: Dataset
description: 10-day surf forecast with Strike Scores for Riley's, Ballard Bay, Co. Clare, Ireland
about: Riley's
  type: TouristAttraction
  geo: GeoCoordinates
    latitude: 52.9
    longitude: -9.5
  description: Riley's is the proving ground for Ireland's big wave chargers—a shallow, heavy slab that serves as training for the more serious Aileens nearby. The wave breaks over a dangerously shallow reef in Ballard Bay and requires a treacherous cliff trek to access. Often too shallow to surf safely, Riley's demands precise conditions and serious commitment. The cold Atlantic water and hostile Irish weather add to the challenge. This is where aspiring Irish big wave surfers cut their teeth.
summary:
  best day:
    date: 2026-08-10
    score: 13
    category: Poor
    explanation: Best day in the forecast: 2026-08-10 with a score of 13/100 (Poor)
  firing days count: 0
  overall recommendation: Poor conditions overall: Average score 2/100. Look for spots with better forecasts.
forecasts:
  date: 2026-08-05
  day index: 0
  strike score:
    final score: 0
    category: Poor
    category emoji: 💤
    confidence: 1
    confidence explanation: Very high confidence (0-1 day forecast)
    breakdown:
      swell direction:
        score: 6
        out of: 25
        explanation: Poor alignment: Swell from 326° is 41° off optimal 285°, barely within workable range 250°-320°.
      swell size:
        score: 2
        out of: 25
        explanation: Too small: 1.0m is below minimum 1.5m. Waves will be weak/mushy.
      swell period:
        score: 1
        out of: 25
        explanation: Short period: 7s is below minimum 12s. Windswell-dominated (choppy, weak waves).
      wind:
        score: 0
        out of: 25
        explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 37 km/h from 306° (NW). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 45°-135°.
    adjustments:
      wind history:
        adjustment: -10
        groomed: false
        morning sickness: true
        explanation: -10 points: Previous days of onshore wind left residual chop ("morning sickness"), reducing wave quality.
      windswell penalty:
        adjustment: -7
        windswell degraded: true
        explanation: -7 points: Short-period windswell is present, creating choppy, disorganized conditions.
      secondary swell bonus:
        adjustment: 0
        explanation: No secondary swell bonus.
    summary: Poor conditions at Riley's. Either swell direction (326°), size (1.0m), or wind (37 km/h from 306°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
  conditions:
    swell:
      height m: 1
      height ft: 3.3
      direction degrees: 326
      direction cardinal: NW
      period s: 7
      peak period s: 7.1
      explanation: 1.0m (3.3ft) swell from 326° (NW) at 7.1s period
    wind:
      speed kmh: 37
      speed mph: 23.0
      direction degrees: 306
      direction cardinal: NW
      explanation: 37 km/h (23 mph) from 306° (NW)
    windswell:
      height m: 1.5
      period s: 5
      explanation: Local wind-generated waves (choppy, short-period)
forecasts:
  date: 2026-08-06
  day index: 1
  strike score:
    final score: 0
    category: Poor
    category emoji: 💤
    confidence: 1
    confidence explanation: Very high confidence (0-1 day forecast)
    breakdown:
      swell direction:
        score: 19
        out of: 25
        explanation: Moderate alignment: Swell from 293° is 8° off optimal 285°, workable but not ideal.
      swell size:
        score: 2
        out of: 25
        explanation: Too small: 1.0m is below minimum 1.5m. Waves will be weak/mushy.
      swell period:
        score: 2
        out of: 25
        explanation: Short period: 10s is below minimum 12s. Windswell-dominated (choppy, weak waves).
      wind:
        score: 0
        out of: 25
        explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 17 km/h from 282° (WNW). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 45°-135°.
    adjustments:
      wind history:
        adjustment: -17
        groomed: false
        morning sickness: true
        explanation: -17 points: Previous days of onshore wind left residual chop ("morning sickness"), reducing wave quality.
      windswell penalty:
        adjustment: 0
        windswell degraded: false
        explanation: Groundswell-dominant conditions (clean, long-period waves).
      secondary swell bonus:
        adjustment: 0
        explanation: No secondary swell bonus.
    summary: Poor conditions at Riley's. Either swell direction (293°), size (1.0m), or wind (17 km/h from 282°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
  conditions:
    swell:
      height m: 1
      height ft: 3.3
      direction degrees: 293
      direction cardinal: WNW
      period s: 9
      peak period s: 9.5
      explanation: 1.0m (3.3ft) swell from 293° (WNW) at 9.5s period
    wind:
      speed kmh: 17
      speed mph: 10.6
      direction degrees: 282
      direction cardinal: WNW
      explanation: 17 km/h (11 mph) from 282° (WNW)
forecasts:
  date: 2026-08-07
  day index: 2
  strike score:
    final score: 0
    category: Poor
    category emoji: 💤
    confidence: 0.95
    confidence explanation: High confidence (2-3 day forecast)
    breakdown:
      swell direction:
        score: 15
        out of: 25
        explanation: Moderate alignment: Swell from 300° is 15° off optimal 285°, workable but not ideal.
      swell size:
        score: 5
        out of: 25
        explanation: Too small: 1.3m is below minimum 1.5m. Waves will be weak/mushy.
      swell period:
        score: 2
        out of: 25
        explanation: Short period: 9s is below minimum 12s. Windswell-dominated (choppy, weak waves).
      wind:
        score: 0
        out of: 25
        explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 21 km/h from 233° (SW). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 45°-135°.
    adjustments:
      wind history:
        adjustment: -11
        groomed: false
        morning sickness: true
        explanation: -11 points: Previous days of onshore wind left residual chop ("morning sickness"), reducing wave quality.
      windswell penalty:
        adjustment: 0
        windswell degraded: false
        explanation: Groundswell-dominant conditions (clean, long-period waves).
      secondary swell bonus:
        adjustment: 0
        explanation: No secondary swell bonus.
    summary: Poor conditions at Riley's. Either swell direction (300°), size (1.3m), or wind (21 km/h from 233°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
  conditions:
    swell:
      height m: 1.3
      height ft: 4.3
      direction degrees: 300
      direction cardinal: WNW
      period s: 9
      peak period s: 8.8
      explanation: 1.3m (4.3ft) swell from 300° (WNW) at 8.8s period
    wind:
      speed kmh: 21
      speed mph: 13.0
      direction degrees: 233
      direction cardinal: SW
      explanation: 21 km/h (13 mph) from 233° (SW)
    windswell:
      height m: 0.3
      period s: 2
      explanation: Local wind-generated waves (choppy, short-period)
forecasts:
  date: 2026-08-08
  day index: 3
  strike score:
    final score: 0
    category: Poor
    category emoji: 💤
    confidence: 0.92
    confidence explanation: High confidence (2-3 day forecast)
    breakdown:
      swell direction:
        score: 19
        out of: 25
        explanation: Moderate alignment: Swell from 293° is 8° off optimal 285°, workable but not ideal.
    summary: Poor conditions at Riley's. Either swell direction (293°), size (1.5m), or wind (26 km/h from 223°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
provider: Strike Mission
date published: 2026-08-05T00:30:30.184Z
temporal coverage: 2026-08-05/2026-08-14
data sources: Open-Meteo Marine API (swell/wave data)
data sources: Open-Meteo Weather API (wind/weather data)

score: 8
out of: 25
explanation: Marginal size: 1.5m is 1.3m from ideal 2.8m.

score: 2
out of: 25
explanation: Short period: 9s is below minimum 12s. Windswell-dominated (choppy, weak waves).

score: 0
out of: 25
explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 26 km/h from 223° (SW). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 45°-135°.

wind history:
  adjustment: -14
  groomed: false
  morning sickness: true
  explanation: -14 points: Previous days of onshore wind left residual chop ("morning sickness"), reducing wave quality.
windswell penalty:
  adjustment: 0
  windswell degraded: false
  explanation: Groundswell-dominant conditions (clean, long-period waves).
secondary swell bonus:
  adjustment: 0
  explanation: No secondary swell bonus.

swell:
  height m: 1.5
  height ft: 4.9
  direction degrees: 293
  direction cardinal: WNW
  period s: 9
  explanation: 1.5m (4.9ft) swell from 293° (WNW) at 9s period
wind:
  speed kmh: 26
  speed mph: 16.2
  direction degrees: 223
  direction cardinal: SW
  explanation: 26 km/h (16 mph) from 223° (SW)
secondary swell:
  height m: 0.6
  direction degrees: 225
  direction cardinal: SW
  period s: 6
windswell:
  height m: 0.5
  period s: 3
  explanation: Local wind-generated waves (choppy, short-period)

date: 2026-08-09
day index: 4
strike score:
  final score: 0
  category: Poor
  category emoji: 💤
  confidence: 0.89
  confidence explanation: Moderate confidence (4-5 day forecast)
  breakdown:
    swell direction:
      score: 20
      out of: 25
      explanation: Good alignment: Swell from 291° is 6° off optimal 285°, still within prime range.
    swell size:
      score: 10
      out of: 25
      explanation: Marginal size: 1.9m is 0.9m from ideal 2.8m.
    swell period:
      score: 2
      out of: 25
      explanation: Short period: 9s is below minimum 12s. Windswell-dominated (choppy, weak waves).
    wind:
      score: 0
      out of: 25
      explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 19 km/h from 274° (W). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 45°-135°.
  adjustments:
    wind history:
      adjustment: -17
      groomed: false
      morning sickness: true
      explanation: -17 points: Previous days of onshore wind left residual chop ("morning sickness"), reducing wave quality.
    windswell penalty:
      adjustment: -3
      windswell degraded: false
      explanation: Groundswell-dominant conditions (clean, long-period waves).
    secondary swell bonus:
      adjustment: 0
      explanation: No secondary swell bonus.
  summary: Poor conditions at Riley's. Either swell direction (291°), size (1.9m), or wind (19 km/h from 274°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
conditions:
  swell:
    height m: 1.9
    height ft: 6.2
    direction degrees: 291
    direction cardinal: WNW
    period s: 9
    explanation: 1.9m (6.2ft) swell from 291° (WNW) at 9s period
  wind:
    speed kmh: 19
    speed mph: 11.8
    direction degrees: 274
    direction cardinal: W
    explanation: 19 km/h (12 mph) from 274° (W)
  windswell:
    height m: 1.2
    period s: 4
    explanation: Local wind-generated waves (choppy, short-period)

date: 2026-08-10
day index: 5
strike score:
  final score: 13
  category: Poor
  category emoji: 💤
  confidence: 0.86
  confidence explanation: Moderate confidence (4-5 day forecast)
  breakdown:
    swell direction:
      score: 19
      out of: 25
      explanation: Moderate alignment: Swell from 294° is 9° off optimal 285°, workable but not ideal.
    swell size:
      score: 14
      out of: 25
      explanation: Marginal size: 2.4m is 0.4m from ideal 2.8m.
    swell period:
      score: 1
      out of: 25
      explanation: Short period: 8s is below minimum 12s. Windswell-dominated (choppy, weak waves).
    wind:
      score: 0
      out of: 25
      explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 21 km/h from 263° (W). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 45°-135°.
  adjustments:
    wind history:
      adjustment: -11
      groomed: false
      morning sickness: true
      explanation: -11 points: Previous days of onshore wind left residual chop ("morning sickness"), reducing wave quality.
    windswell penalty:
      adjustment: 0
      windswell degraded: false
      explanation: Groundswell-dominant conditions (clean, long-period waves).
    secondary swell bonus:
      adjustment: 0
      explanation: No secondary swell bonus.
  summary: Poor conditions at Riley's. Either swell direction (294°), size (2.4m), or wind (21 km/h from 263°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
conditions:
  swell:
    height m: 2.4
    height ft: 7.9
    direction degrees: 294
    direction cardinal: WNW
    period s: 8
    explanation: 2.4m (7.9ft) swell from 294° (WNW) at 8s period
  wind:
    speed kmh: 21
    speed mph: 13.0
    direction degrees: 263
    direction cardinal: W
    explanation: 21 km/h (13 mph) from 263° (W)
  windswell:
    height m: 0.5
    period s: 3
    explanation: Local wind-generated waves (choppy, short-period)

date: 2026-08-11
day index: 6
strike score:
  final score: 0
  category: Poor
  category emoji: 💤
  confidence: 0.83
  confidence explanation: Low confidence (6-7 day forecast)
  breakdown:
    swell direction:
      score: 16
      out of: 25
      explanation: Moderate alignment: Swell from 272° is 13° off optimal 285°, workable but not ideal.
    swell size:
      score: 3
      out of: 25
      explanation: Too small: 1.2m is below minimum 1.5m. Waves will be weak/mushy.
    swell period:
      score: 1
      out of: 25
      explanation: Short period: 8s is below minimum 12s. Windswell-dominated (choppy, weak waves).
    wind:
      score: 1
      out of: 25
      explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 29 km/h from 162° (SSE). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 45°-135°.
  adjustments:
    wind history:
      adjustment: -14
      groomed: false
      morning sickness: true
      explanation: -14 points: Previous days of onshore wind left residual chop ("morning sickness"), reducing wave quality.
    windswell penalty:
      adjustment: -3
      windswell degraded: false
      explanation: Groundswell-dominant conditions (clean, long-period waves).
    secondary swell bonus:
      adjustment: 0
      explanation: No secondary swell bonus.
  summary: Poor conditions at Riley's. Either swell direction (272°), size (1.2m), or wind (29 km/h from 162°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
conditions:
  swell:
    height m: 1.2
    height ft: 3.9
    direction degrees: 272
    direction cardinal: W
    period s: 8
    explanation: 1.2m (3.9ft) swell from 272° (W) at 8s period
  wind:
    speed kmh: 29
    speed mph: 18.0
    direction degrees: 162
    direction cardinal: SSE
    explanation: 29 km/h (18 mph) from 162° (SSE)
  secondary swell:
    height m: 0.6
    direction degrees: 262
    direction cardinal: W
    period s: 6
  windswell:
    height m: 0.7
    period s: 3
    explanation: Local wind-generated waves (choppy, short-period)

date: 2026-08-12
day index: 7
strike score:
  final score: 0
  category: Poor
  category emoji: 💤
  confidence: 0.8
  confidence explanation: Low confidence (6-7 day forecast)
  breakdown:
    swell direction:
      score: 8
      out of: 25
      explanation: Poor alignment: Swell from 249° is 36° off optimal 285°, barely within workable range 250°-320°.
    swell size:
      score: 8
      out of: 25
      explanation: Marginal size: 1.5m is 1.3m from ideal 2.8m.
    swell period:
      score: 2
      out of: 25
      explanation: Short period: 10s is below minimum 12s. Windswell-dominated (choppy, weak waves).
    wind:
      score: 0
      out of: 25
      explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 42 km/h from 240° (WSW). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 45°-135°.
  adjustments:
    wind history:
      adjustment: -17
      groomed: false
      morning sickness: true
      explanation: -17 points: Previous days of onshore wind left residual chop ("morning sickness"), reducing wave quality.
    windswell penalty:
      adjustment: -10
      windswell degraded: true
      explanation: -10 points: Short-period windswell is present, creating choppy, disorganized conditions.
    secondary swell bonus:
      adjustment: 0
      explanation: No secondary swell bonus.
  summary: Poor conditions at Riley's. Either swell direction (249°), size (1.5m), or wind (42 km/h from 240°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
conditions:
  swell:
    height m: 1.5
    height ft: 4.9
    direction degrees: 249
    direction cardinal: WSW
    period s: 10
    explanation: 1.5m (4.9ft) swell from 249° (WSW) at 10s period
  wind:
    speed kmh: 42
    speed mph: 26.1
    direction degrees: 240
    direction cardinal: WSW
    explanation: 42 km/h (26 mph) from 240° (WSW)
  secondary swell:
    height m: 0.4
    direction degrees: 274
    direction cardinal: W
    period s: 9
  windswell:
    height m: 2.4
    period s: 6
    explanation: Local wind-generated waves (choppy, short-period)

date: 2026-08-13
day index: 8
strike score:
  final score: 10
  category: Poor
  category emoji: 💤
  confidence: 0.8
  confidence explanation: Very low confidence (8-10 day forecast, conditions may change)
  breakdown:
    swell direction:
      score: 23
      out of: 25
      explanation: Good alignment: Swell from 288° is 3° off optimal 285°, still within prime range.
    swell size:
      score: 13
      out of: 25
      explanation: Marginal size: 2.3m is 0.5m from ideal 2.8m.
    swell period:
      score: 2
      out of: 25
      explanation: Short period: 9s is below minimum 12s. Windswell-dominated (choppy, weak waves).
    wind:
      score: 1
      out of: 25
      explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 19 km/h from 207° (SSW). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 45°-135°.
  adjustments:
    wind history:
      adjustment: -21
      groomed: false
      morning sickness: true
      explanation: -21 points: Previous days of onshore wind left residual chop ("morning sickness"), reducing wave quality.
    windswell penalty:
      adjustment: 0
      windswell degraded: false
      explanation: Groundswell-dominant conditions (clean, long-period waves).
    secondary swell bonus:
      adjustment: 0
      explanation: No secondary swell bonus.
  summary: Poor conditions at Riley's. Either swell direction (288°), size (2.3m), or wind (19 km/h from 207°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
conditions:
  swell:
    height m: 2.3
    height ft: 7.5
    direction degrees: 288
    direction cardinal: WNW
    period s: 9
    explanation: 2.3m (7.5ft) swell from 288° (WNW) at 9s period
  wind:
    speed kmh: 19
    speed mph: 11.8
    direction degrees: 207
    direction cardinal: SSW
    explanation: 19 km/h (12 mph) from 207° (SSW)
  secondary swell:
    height m: 0.4
    direction degrees: 216
    direction cardinal: SW
    period s: 8
  windswell:
    height m: 0.4
    period s: 2
    explanation: Local wind-generated waves (choppy, short-period)

date: 2026-08-14
day index: 9
strike score:
  final score: 0
  category: Poor
  category emoji: 💤
  confidence: 0.8
  confidence explanation: Very low confidence (8-10 day forecast, conditions may change)
  breakdown:
    swell direction:
      score: 7
      out of: 25
      explanation: Poor alignment: Swell from 247° is 38° off optimal 285°, barely within workable range 250°-320°.
    swell size:
      score: 1
      out of: 25
      explanation: Too small: 0.6m is below minimum 1.5m. Waves will be weak/mushy.
    swell period:
      score: 2
      out of: 25
      explanation: Short period: 9s is below minimum 12s. Windswell-dominated (choppy, weak waves).
    wind:
      score: 0
      out of: 25
      explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 20 km/h from 262° (W). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 45°-135°.
  adjustments:
    wind history:
      adjustment: -11
      groomed: false
      morning sickness: true
      explanation: -11 points: Previous days of onshore wind left residual chop ("morning sickness"), reducing wave quality.
    windswell penalty:
      adjustment: 0
      windswell degraded: false
      explanation: Groundswell-dominant conditions (clean, long-period waves).
    secondary swell bonus:
      adjustment: 0
      explanation: No secondary swell bonus.
  summary: Poor conditions at Riley's. Either swell direction (247°), size (0.6m), or wind (20 km/h from 262°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
conditions:
  swell:
    height m: 0.6
    height ft: 2.0
    direction degrees: 247
    direction cardinal: WSW
    period s: 9
    explanation: 0.6m (2.0ft) swell from 247° (WSW) at 9s period
  wind:
    speed kmh: 20
    speed mph: 12.4
    direction degrees: 262
    direction cardinal: W
    explanation: 20 km/h (12 mph) from 262° (W)

Strike Mission
type: Organization