Surf MCP Server: Model Context Protocol Integration for Tide Information

Overview: What is Surf MCP Server?

Surf MCP Server is an MCP (Model Context Protocol) compliant server designed specifically for people who surf waves and need accurate tidal data to improve their surfing experiences. By leveraging the Model Context Protocol, this server enables seamless integration with a variety of AI applications, including tools like Claude Desktop, Continue, Cursor, and others.

🔧 Core Features & MCP Capabilities

Surf MCP Server offers several key features that enhance its functionality as an MCP client:

1. Fetch Tide Information: This service provides real-time tide information based on latitude and longitude coordinates, allowing users to predict wave conditions accurately.
2. Date-Specific Tide Queries: Users can query historical or future tide data for specific dates using the provided API endpoints.
3. Detailed Tide Data: The server returns comprehensive tide data including high/low tides and station information, which are crucial for optimizing surfing sessions.
4. Automatic Time Zone Handling: All time-related data is automatically adjusted to UTC, providing a unified output across different geographical locations.

⚙️ MCP Architecture & Protocol Implementation

The Surf MCP Server adheres to the Model Context Protocol (MCP) architecture, ensuring seamless integration with various AI applications. The protocol facilitates communication between the AI client and the server using standardized requests and responses, making it easier for developers to build and maintain interconnected systems.

MCP Protocol Flow Diagram

graph TD
    A[AI Application] -->|MCP Client| B[MCP Protocol]
    B --> C[MCP Server]
    C --> D[Data Source/Tool]
    style A fill:#e1f5fe
    style C fill:#f3e5f5
    style D fill:#e8f5e8

MCP Client Compatibility Matrix

The Surf MCP Server supports a range of clients, ensuring broad compatibility:

MCP Client	Resources	Tools	Prompts	Status
Claude Desktop	✅	✅	✅	Full Support
Continue	✅	✅	✅	Full Support
Cursor	❌	✅	❌	Tools Only

🚀 Getting Started with Installation

To get started with the Surf MCP Server, follow these steps:

1. Clone the Repository:

   git clone https://github.com/ravinahp/surf-mcp.git
   cd surf-mcp
   

2. Install Dependencies: The server uses uv for dependency management due to its specific pyproject.toml. Run the following command to install dependencies:

   uv sync
   

💡 Key Use Cases in AI Workflows

Example #1: Finding the Best Surf Time

One of the primary use cases for the Surf MCP Server is determining optimal surf times. By using the get_tides function, users can input specific coordinates and a date to receive detailed tide information. This data helps identify the best time for surfing by analyzing incoming (rising) tides before high tide.

Example #2: Beach Planning

Another key application involves beach planning for organized events or recreational activities. Knowing the tidal patterns allows organizers to plan when access will be more manageable and safer, reducing the risk of unexpected changes in water levels during the event.

🔌 Integration with MCP Clients

To integrate Surf MCP Server as an MCP client into other tools like Claude Desktop:

1. Modify Configuration File: The configuration files vary by operating system (MacOS or Windows). For instance, on MacOS:

   {
       "surf-mcp": {
           "command": "uv",
           "args": [
               "--directory",
               "/Users/YOUR_USERNAME/Code/surf-mcp",
               "run",
               "surf-mcp"
           ],
           "env": {
               "STORMGLASS_API_KEY": "your_api_key_here"
           }
       }
   }
   

Replace YOUR_USERNAME with your actual system username and your_api_key_here with the Storm Glass API key obtained from the official website.

📊 Performance & Compatibility Matrix

The Surf MCP Server is optimized for reliable performance, ensuring that data retrieval remains efficient under varying load conditions. The table below provides an overview of its compatibility across different MCP clients:

Feature	Performance	Scalability
Tide Data Fetching	High	Moderate
Date-Specific Queries	Excellent	Efficient

🛠️ Advanced Configuration & Security

For advanced users or organizations, the Surf MCP Server offers several configuration options to enhance security and performance:

1. Configuration Settings: Users can fine-tune server behavior by modifying settings within the configuration file.
2. API Key Management: Securely managing API keys is crucial for data privacy and service stability.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can Surf MCP Server be used with multiple AI applications?

A1: Yes, Surf MCP Server supports integration with various AI clients such as Claude Desktop, Continue, and Cursor. Refer to the compatibility matrix for detailed support information.

Q2: How accurate is the tide data provided by Surf MCP Server?

A2: The accuracy of tide data depends on the proximity to the actual station providing the readings. Users should consider the distance between the requested location and the nearest tide station when evaluating data reliability.

Q3: What are the prerequisites for using Surf MCP Server?

A3: You need Python 3.x and a Storm Glass API key, which can be obtained from their official website.

Q4: How does Surf MCP Server handle invalid coordinates or missing API keys?

A4: The server includes robust error handling mechanisms to manage such issues, providing clear feedback and ensuring that the service remains stable under varying input conditions.

Q5: Can I use Surf MCP Server for commercial purposes?

A5: Yes, the free tier is suitable for testing and personal use. For commercial applications, you may need to upgrade to a paid plan depending on your usage requirements.

👨‍💻 Development & Contribution Guidelines

Contributions to Surf MCP Server are welcomed by the community. If you wish to contribute or report an issue, please follow these guidelines:

1. Clone the Repository: Fork and clone the repository from GitHub.
2. Setup Environment: Ensure your development environment meets the prerequisites mentioned in the README.
3. Run Tests: Before submitting a pull request, run the provided test suite to ensure that your changes do not break existing functionality.

🌐 MCP Ecosystem & Resources

For further information and resources related to the Model Context Protocol (MCP), visit the official website or follow the latest developer blogs for updates and best practices in MCP integration. Engaging with the broader MCP community can also provide valuable insights and support as you develop your projects.