The students begin the profile at a GPS-surveyed datum stake so that they can compare each new profile to earlier profiles. The GPS mapping provides measurements of the rate of shoreline change. They then sieve the samples, weigh the grain size fractions, and inspect the grains using a microscope. Students measure wind speed and direction , estimate the width of the surf zone, and observe the breaker type. They note the wave direction, height and period, and estimate the longshore current speed and direction using a float , stop watch, and tape measure.
Students also learn to obtain weather and oceanographic data from resources on the Internet.