New Surf App Promises Personalized Forecasts and Community Chat
Onda Launches in Northern California, Aiming to Enhance Surfing Experience
Surfers in Northern California can now access a free application designed to deliver personalized weather forecasts and foster community connections. Onda, named after the Spanish word for wave and vibe, officially rolled out its platform this week.
Tailored Surf Intelligence
Onda’s founder and CEO, Quincy Carroll, stated the app was created out of frustration with existing tools. We built Onda because we were tired of missing good sessions,
Carroll explained in a company release. Most surf apps are just weather data in disguise. Onda makes it personal. It’s like having a surf guide who knows your break, your level, and your performance.
The app draws data from sources including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Coastal Data Information Program to provide detailed, personalized recommendations.
Connecting Surfers
Beyond forecasting, Onda facilitates social interaction among users. Surfers can coordinate early morning sessions, share experiences, and even playfully track each other’s activities. The app also allows users to log their sessions, post current conditions, and share updates with their groups. This feature aims to position Onda as the primary platform for surfers seeking to improve their rides and connect with their local surf communities.
AI-Powered Insights and Local Engagement
Leveraging artificial intelligence, Onda can answer user queries such as the optimal time to paddle out or the expected swell consistency over a weekend. The company plans to engage with the Northern California surf scene through promotional activities, including distributing eco-friendly wax from Treeswax in Santa Cruz, Pacifica, and Ocean Beach. A launch party is scheduled for August 1st at the Steamer Lane Lighthouse in Santa Cruz.
Northern California’s Challenging Surf Scene
Northern California is recognized for its demanding yet rewarding surf conditions. The elements are harsh, the fickle reefs aren’t perfect, the sandbars are temperamental and it’s seemingly 20 feet and unridable all winter,
notes Stormrider, a surf forecasting website. But classic days do exist and NorCal does occasionally serve up a heaping portion of coldwater perfection.
The region, encompassing counties like Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin, boasts 55 distinct surf breaks.
The app is available for download on Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
