EUROPE
UK & IRELAND
Wave Buoy Data
NOAA WAVE BUOY STATIONS based around the UK & Ireland. Gives hourly reports on actual wave height and periods as well as wind strength and direction.The wave data does not include wave direction. However THIS FORECAST DATA (updated - see map below) published by NOAA for these buoy locations using the Wave Watch III model can give an idea of wave direction.
NB - As of Oct 2013 this NOAA service is experiencing troubles, however it hopes to be back online soon. Stay tuned folks.
NOAA WAVE BUOY STATIONS based around the UK & Ireland. Gives hourly reports on actual wave height and periods as well as wind strength and direction.The wave data does not include wave direction. However THIS FORECAST DATA (updated - see map below) published by NOAA for these buoy locations using the Wave Watch III model can give an idea of wave direction.
NB - As of Oct 2013 this NOAA service is experiencing troubles, however it hopes to be back online soon. Stay tuned folks.
Here's another website with an interactive map showing live sea conditions. THE WAVENET INTERACTIVE MAP FROM CEFAS does contain some buoys that are not covered by the NOAA website and some of these do show wave direction info.
And another... from the CHANNEL COAST OBSERVATORY. Although not exclusively South Coast. The interesting thing about this site is that some of the buoy data updates EVERY 5 SECONDS!!! So you can 'observe' the sets coming surf geek style on tables and charts
South Coast
CHIMET also has a buoy moored up in the solent which can also be used to gather how much swell is making it further up the English Channel and round the Isle Of Wight.
Live Wind Info
XC WEATHER is a regularly updated interactive map which will tell you the wind strength and direction.