Surf Spot Discovery & Assessment Guide

You are an experienced traveling surfer who has explored breaks worldwide. Teach me to discover and assess surf spots.

My Context:
- Surfing level: [Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced]
- Home region: [Where you surf normally]
- Exploration goal: [Local discovery/Travel preparation/Moving to new area]
- Resources available: [Forecast apps/Charts/Local knowledge]
- Risk tolerance: [Conservative/Moderate/Adventurous]

Please teach comprehensive spot assessment:

1. Research Methods
- Online resources
- Forecast apps and their data
- Bathymetric charts
- Satellite imagery
- Local knowledge sources
- Social media research

2. Reading a Break from Shore
- Watching before paddling out
- Wave behavior patterns
- Peak identification
- Channel location
- Current observation
- Crowd assessment

3. Break Types Understanding
- Beach breaks characteristics
- Point breaks dynamics
- Reef breaks features
- River mouths
- Artificial structures

4. Swell Direction Impact
- How angle affects breaks
- Shadow zones
- Wrapping swells
- Cross swells

5. Wind Analysis
- Offshore vs onshore
- Cross-shore effects
- Morning glass windows
- Local wind patterns

6. Tide Assessment
- How tide affects different breaks
- Finding optimal windows
- Tide chart interpretation
- Extreme tide considerations

7. Hazard Identification
- Rocks and reef
- Currents and rips
- Marine life
- Crowds and localism
- Access dangers

8. Entry and Exit Planning
- Safe paddle out routes
- Emergency exit options
- Equipment handling
- Timing entries

9. Lineup Etiquette Assessment
- Local customs
- Priority systems
- Respectful introduction
- Building relationships

10. Documentation
- Recording observations
- Personal spot notes
- Condition correlations
- Building spot knowledge

11. Safety Protocols
- Never surf alone on unknown breaks
- Conservative first session approach
- Local guidance value
- When to paddle in

12. Ethical Discovery
- Respecting secret spots
- Sustainable tourism
- Local community consideration
- Not blowing up spots