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Features

How does the battery last 6+ months?
SWELLFRAME uses an e-ink display, the same technology found in Kindle e-readers. Unlike LCD or OLED screens, e-ink only draws power when the image changes. Between updates, the screen holds its image with zero energy. Combined with a deep-sleep microcontroller that wakes only to fetch new forecast data over WiFi, the entire system sips power. A single USB-C charge keeps it running for over six months of normal use (multiple daily refreshes). When it's finally time to recharge, a quick top-up gets you another half year.
How does WiFi work on SWELLFRAME?
SWELLFRAME connects to your home WiFi network during initial setup. No hub, no Bluetooth pairing, no extra hardware. Once connected, it automatically wakes at scheduled intervals, pulls the latest forecast data from our servers, renders a fresh display, and goes back to sleep. The entire WiFi session takes only a few seconds each time, which is a big reason the battery lasts so long. If your network goes down temporarily, the last forecast stays on screen until connectivity returns.
What does "always on" mean?
Unlike a phone or tablet that goes dark after a few seconds, SWELLFRAME's e-ink display holds its image permanently with no power draw. That means your surf forecast is visible 24/7. On the wall, on your desk, wherever you put it. There's no wake button, no screen timeout, no loading spinner. It's always showing the latest conditions, day or night, even in direct sunlight. Think of it like a picture frame that happens to show live surf data.
What forecast data does SWELLFRAME show?
SWELLFRAME gives you everything you need to decide whether to paddle out:

• Wave height: swell size in feet or meters
• Swell period: interval between waves (longer = more power)
• Wind speed & direction: offshore, onshore, or cross-shore
• Tide data: current level plus high/low times
• Session rating: our at-a-glance quality score (stars or verbal)
• Best windows: the optimal times to surf today
• 7-day outlook: so you can plan your week

All of this is updated multiple times per day, automatically.
How is the display readable in all conditions?
E-ink works by reflecting ambient light, just like paper. In bright sunlight, exactly where you'd normally struggle to read a phone, SWELLFRAME gets easier to read. There's no glare, no backlight washing out. It's equally sharp from across the room or up close, and the high-contrast black-on-white rendering means you can read conditions at a glance from 10 feet away. It looks like a printed page that updates itself.

Getting Started

How does SWELLFRAME work?
SWELLFRAME connects to your WiFi and pulls live surf forecast data for your chosen spot. It renders a clean, optimized forecast on its e-ink screen so you can glance at conditions without opening an app.
Does it need WiFi?
Yes, SWELLFRAME needs a WiFi connection to pull forecast data. It connects to your home network during setup and refreshes automatically.
Does it need to stay plugged in?
SWELLFRAME uses a low-power e-ink display that draws very little energy. It comes with a USB-C cable for power and is designed to stay on 24/7.
What comes in the box?
Your SWELLFRAME arrives with the display in its natural frame, a USB-C power cable, a quick-start card, and a wall mount kit.
What is the pairing token and where do I find it?
When your Swellframe connects to WiFi for the first time, it displays a pairing token on the screen along with a QR code. This short code links your physical device to your account.

How to get your pairing token:
  • Plug in your Swellframe and complete the WiFi setup.
  • Once connected, the screen will show a QR code and a pairing token.
  • Scan the QR code with your phone to go straight to account setup, or visit swellframe.co and enter the token manually.
The pairing token is active for a limited time. If it expires, simply press the reset button on the back of the device to generate a new one.
How do I set up my SWELLFRAME?
Setup takes about two minutes. Here is exactly what happens at each step and what your Swellframe screen will show along the way.

Step 1: Plug it in
Connect the USB-C cable. The screen will show a boot splash with the SWELLFRAME logo and firmware version.

Step 2: Connect to WiFi
The screen changes to a setup slide that reads:
Let's get started.
Find this Wi-Fi network on your phone or PC:
SWELLFRAME-Setup
Connect, then follow the on-screen steps.
On your phone or computer, connect to the SWELLFRAME-Setup WiFi network. A setup page will open automatically (or browse to the device's IP). Pick your home WiFi network, enter the password, and save.

Step 3: Pairing token appears
Once connected, the screen changes to the pairing slide. You will see a surf photo on the left and on the right:
Wi-Fi connected.
Scan the QR code to get started, or visit swellframe.co and enter this pairing token to link the device to your account:
A1B2C3
Either scan the QR code with your phone camera (it takes you straight to signup) or go to swellframe.co and enter the token manually. The token is active for about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Create your account and claim
Follow the signup flow: enter your name and email, then pick your first surf spot. Once you complete signup, the device detects the claim automatically within seconds.

Step 5: Welcome screen
The display updates to a welcome message:
Amazing! You've added your Swellframe to your account. You can now set it to your favorite surf spot on our website.

Welcome to the family. Enjoy the waves.
Step 6: Your first forecast
The device fetches your forecast and renders it on screen. From here on, it refreshes automatically every 3 hours. You can manage your slides, spots, and settings anytime at portal.swellframe.co.

Token expired? If you see "Your Claim Token Has Expired" on the screen, just press the reset button on the back. A fresh token will appear within seconds.
What is the SWELLFRAME portal?
The portal at portal.swellframe.co is your home base for managing everything. From the portal you can:

• View and configure your slides (add, remove, reorder, change format)
• Pick surf spots for each slide
• Switch between star and verbal ratings
• Adjust your refresh interval and monitor battery life
• See your device status and last check-in
• Request new surf spots and contact support

Changes you make in the portal are pushed to your device on the next refresh.
Can I mount it on the wall?
Yes. Every SWELLFRAME ships with a wall mount kit. You can also lean it on a desk, shelf, or nightstand. It looks great anywhere you'd glance at it on the way out the door.
Can I move it to a different WiFi network?
Yes. Hold the reset button on the back of the device for 5 seconds to re-enter WiFi setup mode. It will create the SWELLFRAME-Setup hotspot again so you can connect it to a new network. All your settings, slides, and spot selections are saved in the cloud, so nothing is lost.
My screen says "Wi-Fi cleared." What does that mean?
You (or someone) held the reset button on the back of your Swellframe for about 5 seconds. This puts the device into WiFi setup mode so you can connect it to a new network.

What was preserved:
  • Your account
  • Your surf spots
  • Your slide selections and layout
What you need to do:
  1. On your phone or computer, connect to the SWELLFRAME-Setup WiFi network.
  2. A setup page will open automatically. Pick your WiFi network, enter the password, and save.
  3. Your Swellframe will reconnect and start showing your forecast again within seconds.
If you triggered this by accident, just connect to the SWELLFRAME-Setup network and re-enter your WiFi password. It takes about a minute.
What does the reset button do?
The small button on the back of your Swellframe does different things depending on how you press it:

Quick press
  • Forces an instant refresh: the device wakes up, connects to WiFi, pulls your latest settings and forecast data, and updates the screen.
  • Use this any time you change a slide or spot in the portal and want to see the result immediately instead of waiting for the next 3-hour cycle.
  • Also generates a new pairing token if the device hasn't been claimed yet (or if the previous token expired).
Long press (hold for 5 seconds)
  • Enters WiFi setup mode: the device creates the SWELLFRAME-Setup hotspot so you can connect it to a new network.
  • Your account, slides, and spot selections are saved in the cloud and stay intact.
Extra-long press (hold for 15 seconds or longer)
  • Triggers a factory reset: wipes WiFi credentials and account pairing, returning the device to its out-of-the-box state.
  • Use this when transferring the device to a new owner. See "How do I factory reset my Swellframe?" in the Support section for details.
The reset button never erases your cloud data (account, spots, slides). It is always safe to press.
I changed my slide but the display didn't update right away. Is that normal?
Yes, totally normal. Here's how the refresh cycle works:

The 3-hour cycle
  • New forecast data is published every 3 hours.
  • Your Swellframe wakes up on the same schedule, pulls fresh data, renders the display, and goes back to sleep.
  • This is by design: it keeps battery life at 6+ months on a single charge.
Want to see your change right now?
  • Press the reset button on the back of the device.
  • This triggers an instant pull: the device wakes up, grabs your latest settings and forecast, and updates the screen within seconds.
  • Any time you change a slide, switch a spot, or just want a fresh render, one press is all it takes.
Multiple slides and the 5-minute refresh
  • If you have more than one slide, the device rotates through them every ~30 seconds.
  • To support this rotation the refresh interval drops to 5 minutes, but that does not mean new forecast data arrives every 5 minutes.
  • Forecast data still updates every 3 hours. The shorter interval simply keeps the slide rotation running smoothly.
In short: 3-hour data cycle = fresh forecasts, reset button = instant update, 5-minute multi-slide refresh = rotation only, not new data.
I ordered more than one Swellframe. How do I set them up?
Your activation email has one claim button per Swellframe, and each one can go to a different person or all to you. If your order included a subscription, it is attached to Swellframe #1 (the email marks which button includes it).

Keeping both for yourself?
  1. Click Claim Swellframe #1 and create your account. Any included subscription lands here.
  2. Open the Swellframe #2 link and choose Log in and claim it to add it to the same account.
One subscription can cover both: Plus covers 1 device, Pro covers up to 5, and Unlimited covers as many as you like. So with Pro or Unlimited there is nothing extra to buy for the second frame.

Gifting one?
Open that Swellframe's claim button and choose It's a gift, send it to them. We email the lucky recipient their own activation link, and they set it up under their own account. The included subscription stays with the Swellframe it is marked on, so gifting the second frame never gives away your subscription.

Your Forecast

How often does the forecast update?
New forecast data is published every 3 hours from our weather sources. Your device wakes on the same schedule, pulls the latest data, renders the display, and goes back to sleep. This 3-hour cycle is what keeps battery life at 6+ months.

If you have multiple slides, the refresh interval automatically shortens to 5 minutes so the device can rotate between them, but that does not mean new forecast data arrives more often. The underlying data still updates every 3 hours.

Want an immediate update? Press the reset button on the back of the device to trigger an instant pull.
Can I choose my surf spot?
Absolutely. SWELLFRAME supports hundreds of curated surf spots, organized by region. Pick your local break during setup using the searchable spot picker, and you can change it anytime from the portal.
Can I show different spots on different slides?
Yes! Each slide on your SWELLFRAME can be set to a different surf spot. For example, you could have Slide 1 showing your local break's 7-day outlook, Slide 2 showing a nearby point break's 2-day detail, and Slide 3 showing an AI briefing for a third spot. Mix and match however you like from the portal.
What if I want to change my surf spot later?
You can change your surf spot at any time through the SWELLFRAME portal. Your display will update with the new spot's forecast on the next refresh.
What slide types can I choose from?
SWELLFRAME offers several slide formats you can mix and match:

2-Day Detail: Hourly breakdown for the next 2 days. Wave height, wind, tide, session ratings, sunrise/sunset, water temp, and a "Days to Watch" section flagging upcoming good sessions.

7-Day Outlook: A full week at a glance with morning and afternoon conditions for each day, plus the best 3 sessions ranked by quality.

Local Insights (AI Briefing): A personalized, editorial-style forecast written by our AI in natural surf language. Covers today, tomorrow, and the rest of the week with specific insights about conditions. Greets you by name.

You can add, remove, and reorder slides from the portal. Each slide can show a different spot and a different format.
What is Local Insights?
Local Insights is our AI-powered surf briefing. Think of it as having a local surfer who checks the forecast every morning and writes you a quick breakdown in plain language. It covers three sections:

Today: what to expect right now, the best window to paddle out, and specific conditions (wave size, wind direction, tide timing).

Tomorrow: whether conditions are building, holding, or fading, and when to go.

Rest of the Week: the bigger picture trend so you can plan ahead.

It greets you by your first name and is written in real surf language, not generic weather copy. Every insight is specific to your spot and the actual forecast data.
How does the slide rotation work?
If you have multiple slides, your SWELLFRAME cycles through them automatically. Each slide displays for about 30 seconds before advancing to the next one. The rotation runs continuously so you always get a fresh view. You can reorder your slides in the portal to control which one shows first.
How does multi-slide mode affect battery life?
With a single slide, SWELLFRAME can run 6 to 10+ months on one charge because it only wakes to fetch data every few hours. When you add a second slide, the device needs to wake frequently to rotate between them, which uses more power. The portal will show you a battery estimate so you can make the right trade-off. If battery life is your priority, a single slide is the way to go.
What does the 2-Day Detail slide show?
The 2-Day Detail is your deep dive into the next 48 hours. It includes:

• Hourly wave height and swell period
• Wind speed and direction for each time block
• Tide times (high and low)
• Session quality ratings (stars or verbal)
• Sunrise and sunset times
• Water temperature and wetsuit recommendation
• "Days to Watch" section highlighting upcoming sessions worth planning for

It's designed to answer "should I surf today or tomorrow, and when?"
What does the 7-Day Outlook slide show?
The 7-Day Outlook gives you the full week in one frame. For each day, it shows morning and afternoon conditions: wave height, wind, and a quality rating. It also lists the best 3 upcoming sessions ranked by quality, so you can see at a glance which days are worth clearing your schedule for.
Can I request a new surf spot?
Yes! If your local break isn't listed, you can request it directly from the portal. Just fill out the spot request form with the location details and we'll work on adding it. We're constantly expanding our coverage.
What if my surf spot isn't listed?
We're adding new spots all the time. If you don't see your local break in the spot picker, submit a spot request through the portal. Tell us the name, approximate location, and any details about the break (point break, beach break, reef, best swell direction). Most requested spots are added within a few days. You'll get a notification in the portal when your spot goes live.
Is AI forecasting included?

Every Swellframe ships with the forecast you need built in, free forever.

Local Insights, our AI written daily briefing, and multi-slide rotation are premium features, included with any of the three annual subscriptions.

  • 1-Year Plus, $9.99 a year. One device, one sport, switch your sport once a year.
  • 1-Year Pro, $19.99 a year. Up to two devices, two sports, locked for 12 months.
  • 1-Year Unlimited, $29.99 a year. Unlimited devices, every sport, switch any time.

Every paid tier includes all premium features. The tiers differ in how many devices and sports you can run, not in what they unlock.

How Our Forecast Works

Where does Swellframe get its surf data?
We use commercially available forecast APIs that aggregate data from ocean buoys, satellite observations, and multiple global weather models. These sources provide hourly forecasts for each surf spot, including swell height, swell period, swell direction, wind speed, wind direction, tide predictions, air temperature, water temperature, and cloud cover.

Each spot's forecast is refreshed every three hours and cached so your device always has the latest conditions. Currently, 752 surf spots across 15 countries are active in the system, spanning the US East and West Coasts, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Western Europe, and Morocco.
How does Swellframe turn raw ocean data into wave heights?
Raw ocean data represents swell height in the open ocean, far from shore. But waves change as they travel toward the beach. We apply four physics-based correction factors to convert that raw reading into an estimated breaking wave height at your specific spot:

1. Shelf Attenuation: wide continental shelves absorb swell energy through friction. New Jersey's 80-mile shelf eats about 25% of incoming swell before it reaches shore, while Hawaii has no shelf so swells arrive at full power.

2. Period Shoaling: long-period swells break bigger than short-period swells at the same height. A 14-second groundswell produces roughly 14% taller breaking waves than a 10-second swell.

3. Break Amplification: reef breaks amplify waves more than beach breaks because the seafloor rises abruptly, causing waves to jack up.

4. Spot Calibration: a fine-tuning factor for each spot to match what surfers actually see in the water.

The result: Display Height = Raw Swell x Shelf x Shoaling x Break Amp x Spot Cal
Why does the same buoy reading show different heights at different spots?
Because the ocean between the buoy and the beach is different at every spot. Three main factors cause this:

Continental shelf width is the biggest variable. A 5 ft reading on an offshore buoy loses about 25% crossing New Jersey's wide shelf (showing as 3-4 ft at the beach), but arrives nearly intact in Hawaii (showing as 4-5 ft).

Break type matters too. A reef break amplifies incoming swell more than a beach break because waves shoal abruptly over shallow reef. The same raw swell produces taller waves at Pipeline (reef) than at a gentle sandy beach.

Swell period affects how much waves grow as they approach shore. A 14-second groundswell breaks bigger than a 7-second windswell at the same height.

This is why Swellframe applies spot-specific corrections rather than just showing the raw buoy number.
Why does a long-period swell produce bigger waves than a short-period swell at the same height?
Wave period (the time between waves) determines how much energy each wave carries and how much it grows as it approaches shore.

A long-period swell (14+ seconds) was generated by a distant storm thousands of miles away. These waves travel deep beneath the surface, interact with the seafloor earlier, and undergo more shoaling amplification as they approach the coast. The result: they break taller, more powerfully, and more organized than the raw height suggests.

A short-period swell (under 8 seconds) was generated by local wind. These waves are steep, choppy, and carry less energy per wave. They don't grow much as they approach shore.

In practice, a 3 ft swell at 16 seconds can produce breaking waves nearly as tall as a 4 ft swell at 8 seconds, but with significantly more power behind each wave. That's why experienced surfers get excited about period, not just height.
How do the star ratings work?
Our scoring engine evaluates five factors for each hour of the forecast and combines them into a quality score from 0 to 100:

Wave Energy (biggest factor): computed from wave height and period. Bigger waves with longer periods score higher.
Swell Period: bonus points for long-period groundswell, which produces better-shaped waves.
Swell Direction: how well the swell direction matches the spot's ideal angle.
Tide: whether the tide stage favors the break (most spots prefer low tide).
Wind: offshore wind boosts the score; onshore wind caps or reduces it.

StarsLabelWhat it means
1SucksNot worth paddling out
2RideableMarginal conditions
3FunGood session, worth the paddle
4PumpingGreat conditions
5LegendaryBest it gets
How does Local Insights explain conditions?
Local Insights is our AI-powered surf briefing that translates the numbers into natural language. The AI receives all the scored forecast data plus two extra context signals:

Energy labels (soft, moderate, punchy, powerful, heavy) that capture both wave size and period in a single word.
Swell character descriptions like "short-period windswell" or "long-period groundswell" that explain where the swell came from.

The AI uses these to write copy that helps beginners understand what the conditions actually mean. Instead of just "3-4 ft @ 14s," a beginner reads something like: "A punchy long-period groundswell fills in this morning with clean offshore conditions. Best window is 6-8am before the wind shifts."

Three briefings are generated per day (morning, afternoon, evening), each tailored to the time of day and what's ahead.
How accurate is Swellframe?
Swellframe uses a physics-based correction model rather than per-spot bathymetric simulation (which would require detailed seafloor mapping data for every spot). Our approach applies four independently validated correction factors (shelf attenuation from satellite altimetry research, period-dependent shoaling from established oceanographic formulas, break-type amplification, and per-spot calibration).

This achieves roughly 80% of the accuracy of premium bathymetric models at a fraction of the complexity. Our scoring engine also considers more variables (tide conditions, precise swell direction matching, wind direction classification) than most other services' automated rating systems.

We periodically validate our forecasts against other major surf forecast services and refine our regional calibration factors based on those comparisons. If you notice a consistent mismatch at your local spot, let us know: that feedback helps us tune the model.

Virtual SWELLFRAME

What is a Virtual SWELLFRAME?
When you place an order, we create a Virtual SWELLFRAME for you right away. It's a digital version of your device that shows live surf forecasts in your online portal, even before your physical SWELLFRAME arrives. Your settings and surf spot selections are saved and transfer automatically when you connect your physical device.
How do I claim my SWELLFRAME?
After placing an order, you'll receive an email with a claim link. Click the link, create an account (or log in), pick your surf spot, and your Virtual SWELLFRAME starts showing live forecasts immediately. When your physical device arrives, just connect it and your settings transfer over.
What if I lost my claim email?
No worries. Go to sign up and use the "Order Number or Device Token" field. Enter your order number and we'll activate your device when you've created your account.
Do I need the physical device before creating an account?
Nope! You can set up your account and Virtual SWELLFRAME as soon as you place your order. The claim email arrives right after purchase, so you can start exploring forecasts immediately.
What happens when my physical SWELLFRAME arrives?
Plug it in and follow the setup steps on the quick-start card:

  1. Connect to the SWELLFRAME-Setup WiFi network on your phone and enter your home WiFi password.
  2. The device connects and displays a pairing token and QR code on screen.
  3. Scan the QR code (or enter the token at swellframe.co) and log in to your existing account.
Swellframe automatically detects that you already have a Virtual SWELLFRAME and transfers all your settings (surf spots, slide order, display preferences) to the physical device.
Will I lose my settings when I connect the physical device?
Not at all. When you connect your physical SWELLFRAME, we automatically copy your surf spot selections, slide order, display mode, and other preferences from your Virtual SWELLFRAME. It's seamless.
Why do support records show my order number instead of a device ID?
Before your physical device arrives, your Virtual SWELLFRAME uses your order number as its display ID. Once the physical device is connected, the display switches to the physical device's ID (like SF-XXXX-XXXX).
I already created my account before the device shipped. Is that okay?
That's exactly what we recommend! Creating your account early means you can start viewing forecasts through your Virtual SWELLFRAME right away. When the physical device arrives, just register it and everything transfers over.

Rating Systems

What are SWELLFRAME's two rating modes?
SWELLFRAME offers two ways to display ratings on your forecast slide:

Stars: a quick visual scale from ★ (worst) to ★★★★★ (best).
Verbal: plain-language labels: Sucks · Rideable · Fun · Pumping · Legendary.

Both modes show the exact same underlying rating. They're just different ways to display it. You can switch anytime in the portal below the slide preview.
How do the star and verbal ratings line up?
StarsVerbalWhat it means
★SucksNot worth paddling out. Small, wind-blown, or generally poor.
★★RideableYou can get waves, but don't cancel plans for it.
★★★FunSolid session. Decent swell with manageable wind. Go surf.
★★★★PumpingReally good. Clean conditions, solid swell, offshore or light winds.
★★★★★LegendaryBest of the best. Epic swell, perfect wind, long period. Don't miss it.
★★★★★Pro OnlyExtremely large or powerful surf. Experienced surfers only.
How does SWELLFRAME actually calculate its ratings?
We combine swell height, swell period, wind speed, and wind direction into a single score for each session window. The score then maps to a rating tier. Offshore or light wind boosts a session; strong onshore wind caps it. Very large swells with long period and clean wind can unlock the top tiers. Each surf spot has its own scoring profile tuned to the break. A point break and a beach break don't rate the same way.
What does "Pro Only" mean?
"Pro Only" appears when the forecast shows exceptionally large or powerful surf, typically double overhead or bigger with long-period swell. It's not a quality judgment; the conditions might be world-class, but they're dangerous for most surfers. It's our way of saying: unless you're experienced in heavy surf, this isn't your session.
Can I switch between star and verbal ratings?
Yes. Log in to the SWELLFRAME portal and use the rating toggle below the slide preview to switch between Stars and Verbal. Your display updates on the next forecast refresh.

Orders & Shipping

Can I cancel or refund a subscription?
It depends on which kind of subscription you have:

A subscription bought together with your Swellframe (for example 1 year of Pro on your order) is prepaid for its full term. It cannot be refunded, and there is nothing to cancel: it never renews on its own, it simply runs out at the end of its 12 months.

A subscription you pay for yearly can be canceled anytime from Subscription options in your account menu (Manage or cancel subscription). Canceling stops the renewal: you keep your plan until the end of the period you already paid for, and no further charges happen. Past charges are not refunded.

Switching between plans is always possible from the same place, with fair credit for what you already paid.
What is the return policy?
Please see our Shipping & Returns page for details on returns, refunds, and exchanges.
Is my SWELLFRAME under warranty?

Yes. Every new Swellframe includes a one-year limited hardware warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Coverage starts the day your device is delivered.

If a new device will not power on or will not connect to Wi-Fi during first setup, tell us within 30 days of delivery and we will replace it, shipping covered both ways.

The warranty does not cover drops, liquid or sand damage, misuse, unauthorized repairs, cosmetic wear, or normal battery capacity loss over time. To start a claim, email [email protected] with your order number and a short description of the problem.

When will SWELLFRAME ship?
SWELLFRAME will be available through our Kickstarter campaign. Sign up on the homepage to get notified the moment we launch.
Can I use SWELLFRAME without a subscription?

Yes. Every Swellframe comes with the forecast you need, and that is yours forever with nothing to pay.

The subscriptions are for ocean and mountain folks who want to go deeper: richer visual slides, more spots to follow, and more than one sport on the same frame.

  • 1-Year Plus, $9.99 a year. One device, one sport, switch your sport once a year.
  • 1-Year Pro, $19.99 a year. Up to two devices, two sports, locked for 12 months.
  • 1-Year Unlimited, $29.99 a year. Unlimited devices, every sport, switch any time.

Every paid tier includes all premium features. The tiers differ in how many devices and sports you can run, not in what they unlock.

Will there ever be a monthly fee for the basic forecast?

No. The forecast you check every morning is included with every Swellframe purchase and stays yours forever. No monthly fee, no annual renewal, no paywall creeping over it later.

The optional subscriptions are billed annually, never monthly, and only add extras on top.

  • 1-Year Plus, $9.99 a year. One device, one sport, switch your sport once a year.
  • 1-Year Pro, $19.99 a year. Up to two devices, two sports, locked for 12 months.
  • 1-Year Unlimited, $29.99 a year. Unlimited devices, every sport, switch any time.

Every paid tier includes all premium features. The tiers differ in how many devices and sports you can run, not in what they unlock.

Why are the subscriptions paid?

We want to be transparent about this. The premium features carry real ongoing costs on our end.

Local Insights generates a personalised AI briefing for your spot every single day, which means running AI models against your forecast data daily. Multiple slides make your frame refresh far more often so it can rotate between them, which is many times more server requests per device.

The subscriptions are billed annually so we can keep delivering those sustainably without ever resorting to ads, selling data, or putting the core forecast behind a paywall. The base forecast is free forever. The paid tiers exist so people who want more can get more, and the cost stays honest.

Sustainability

What makes SWELLFRAME sustainable?
Sustainability is built into every layer:

• Ultra-low power: a full year of operation uses less energy than charging your phone for a single day
• No planned obsolescence: firmware updates are free forever, and the hardware is built to last years
• Minimal packaging: recycled and recyclable materials throughout

We believe surf products should protect the ocean, not pollute it.
How much energy does SWELLFRAME use?
Almost none. A full year of daily forecast updates uses less energy than charging your phone for a single day. The e-ink display draws power only when the image changes, and the microcontroller spends most of its time in deep sleep. One USB-C charge lasts 6+ months. Over its lifetime, SWELLFRAME's energy footprint is a fraction of any screen-based device.
Is SWELLFRAME designed to last?
Yes, by design. There is no planned obsolescence. The e-ink display has no backlight to burn out. The hardware has no moving parts. Firmware updates are free forever, so your device keeps getting better over time instead of being replaced. We build SWELLFRAME to stay on your wall for years, not end up in a drawer.
What about the packaging?
We use recycled and recyclable materials throughout. No plastic wrap, no foam inserts, no excess. The packaging is designed to protect your SWELLFRAME during shipping and nothing more. When it arrives, everything in the box can go straight into your recycling bin.
What is the Round Up for the Ocean?
At checkout you can round your order up to the next whole dollar. That extra goes directly to the Surfrider Foundation, and we match it from our own profits, doubling your impact at no real cost. Completely optional, zero pressure, and every cent goes to Surfrider.
Are there ads on SWELLFRAME?
No. Never. This is a promise for life.

Our slogan is Know when to paddle out. Everything you need, nothing you don't. We mean that literally. Ads are something you don't need, so we don't have them now and we never will.

There are no ads on any tier of SWELLFRAME, free or paid. Your forecast display will never show sponsored content, banners, pop-ups, or promotions of any kind. Not today, not ten years from now.

Swellframe is funded by hardware sales and subscriptions. We will never monetize your attention or sell your data. That's not a marketing line. That's the deal.

Community

Who created SWELLFRAME?
SWELLFRAME was created by Flo and Tommy, two surfers who write code and are both dads. Between corporate jobs and raising little ones, they kept catching themselves reaching for the phone to check the surf when they should have been present. That habit led to a simple idea: a glanceable forecast on the wall that gives you everything you need without pulling you into a screen. They built the first prototype and turned it into a company. Read the full story.
Where is SWELLFRAME made?
Every SWELLFRAME is produced in Ocean Township, New Jersey, a coastal community where the surf forecast is daily life. We manufacture locally to reduce transport emissions and keep production close to the water we care about. Made from the Ocean, in Ocean, for the Ocean.
How can I help grow the SWELLFRAME community?
The best way to grow the community is to share SWELLFRAME with surfers you know. Every owner gets a unique referral code with a reward to split between yourself and your friend's discount, divided however you choose. Your share can be kept as store credit or donated to the Surfrider Foundation. Learn more about the referral program.
How does SWELLFRAME give back to the ocean?
We give back in two ways:

• Round Up for the Ocean: buyers can round up to the next whole dollar at checkout. We match every dollar, sending double to the Surfrider Foundation per round-up.
• Referral donations: when you refer a friend, you can donate your share of the reward to Surfrider instead of keeping it as store credit.

Surfrider is a nonprofit dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's ocean, waves, and beaches. Every dollar we send goes directly to their mission.
Can I submit a surf spot?
Absolutely. If your local spot isn't on SWELLFRAME yet, submit a spot request through the portal or email us at [email protected]. Share your local knowledge without putting your spot on the map for millions. Your input stays between us and helps make the forecast better for the surfers who actually paddle out there.
Is SWELLFRAME built by a big tech company?
No. SWELLFRAME is a grassroots small business built by two surfers who happen to write code. There's no VC money, no corporate parent, no board of directors. Every decision, from the materials we source to the forecast data we include, is made with surfers in mind, not shareholders. The surf spot database has been built from trips across five continents and countless conversations with other surfers along the way.

Support

How do I contact support?
Reach us anytime at [email protected]. We're happy to help with setup, troubleshooting, or any questions.
My SWELLFRAME isn't updating. What should I check?
Try these steps in order:

  1. Press the reset button on the back of the device. This forces an immediate refresh and is the quickest fix.
  2. Check your WiFi: make sure other devices on the same network can connect to the internet.
  3. Verify power: confirm your Swellframe is plugged in or has battery remaining.
  4. Check the portal: log in to portal.swellframe.co and look at the last check-in time under your device status.
  5. Move closer to the router temporarily if the signal might be weak.
If none of that helps, reach out to us at [email protected] and we'll take a look.
Does SWELLFRAME get firmware updates?
Yes, and they're free forever. Firmware updates are delivered over WiFi automatically. When an update is available, your device downloads and installs it during its next refresh cycle. No manual action needed. We regularly ship improvements to display rendering, power efficiency, and forecast features.
Is my data private?
Yes. SWELLFRAME collects only what's needed to deliver your forecast: your surf spot selection, slide preferences, and device status. We don't track browsing behavior, sell your data, or share it with third parties. There are no analytics trackers on your device. Your forecast is yours.
Is SWELLFRAME available in other languages?
Right now, SWELLFRAME is English only. We'd love to support more languages down the road. If having your forecast in another language would be a game changer for you, please reach out and let us know. Feature requests like yours help us decide what to build next.
How do I transfer my Swellframe to someone else?
If you're giving or selling your Swellframe to a new owner, follow these two steps:

  1. Remove the device from your account. Log in to portal.swellframe.co, find the device, and click the remove (trash) icon. This unpairs it from your account.
  2. Factory reset the device. Hold the reset button on the back for 15 seconds or longer, then release. The screen will show "Factory Reset / Restarting..." and the device will reboot into a fresh state.
The new owner can then set it up from scratch: connect to WiFi, get a new pairing token, and create their own account. Your data is never shared with the new owner.
How do I factory reset my Swellframe?
Hold the reset button on the back of the device for 15 seconds or longer, then release. The screen will display "Factory Reset / Restarting..." and the device will reboot.

A factory reset:
  • Wipes the saved WiFi credentials and account pairing.
  • Preserves the hardware device ID (this is permanent and never changes).
  • Returns the device to its out-of-the-box state, ready for a fresh setup.
This is different from the other button actions:

Hold durationAction
Quick press (under 5s)Instant refresh
5 to 15 secondsWiFi setup mode
15 seconds or longerFactory reset