7 - 11 - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (December - February)

The heart of winter brings the most consistent and quality surf to 7-11. Strong extratropical cyclones track across the North Atlantic, sending powerful, long-period swell pulses from the eastern quadrant – exactly where this beach shines. Average wave heights hold steady around 1.2m with periods climbing to 7.0-7.3s, and the wind plays ball nearly half the time, with dominant offshore flows out of the W, WNW, and NW that groom the lines to perfection. When a cold front sweeps through and the skies clear, expect punchy, rideable waves with excellent shape. This is the prime window for experienced surfers to score.

Fair Surf Season (March - May & October - November)

The shoulder months offer a mixed bag of opportunity. As winter loosens its grip in spring, swell heights ease to 0.9-1.1m and periods shorten, while autumn sees a ramp-up in energy from early-season storms. Wind patterns become more fickle – the ideal offshore flow drops to 35-45%, and southerly components creep in, often ruining the surface. However, transitional periods between weather systems can deliver unexpected gems: a late-season nor’easter in March or a tropical low in October can flip the script, producing clean, lined-up sets. Patience and a flexible schedule are key.

Low Surf Season (June - September)

Summer throttles back the energy at 7-11. Average swell heights bottom out at 0.8m and periods fall to a weak 6.7-7.2s, yielding small, choppy conditions. The dominant swell source switches to the south – while SSE and SE swells are technically in the optimal window, they often arrive with onshore winds from the SSW-SW quadrant, creating bumpy, disorganized waves. Although ideal wind percentages hover around 41-46%, the lack of real swell size and power means only the most dedicated longboarders or beginners will find fun on rare glassy mornings. It’s a time for cruising and avoiding the summer crowds that swarm the beach.

June: Slim Pickings

June is the beginning of the slow season. Average swell plummets to 0.8m with a period of only 6.7s, resulting in weak, choppy waves. The swell direction is heavily weighted toward SSE (23.2%) and S (25.9%), with SE (16.7%) also contributing. While SSE and SE are in the optimal window, the S component – which is not ideal – makes up a quarter of all swell, and the period is too short to build power. Wind is ideal 42% of the time, but the dominant wind shifts to SSW (14.6%) and SW (12.0%), which are onshore. The rare offshore day with NW winds can salvage a session, but expect small, crumbly waves that demand a log. Patience is a virtue.