both touring and surfing Posted by: jcbikeski on Apr-16-12 3:59 PM (EST)
on wide open water a longer period is gentle and depending on wave height barely noticeable, but very short periods especially with bigger height make for an exciting trip. Closer to shore a longer period is associated with bigger surf for some given height. I also find that longer period swells tend to result in longer lulls between sets which is important because you can get fooled into thinking an area is safer than it really is.