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.

May: Diminishing Returns

May marks the transition into summer’s low energy. Average swell height falls to 0.9m with a period of 7.0s. Swell is dominated by S (19.3%), SSE (16.9%), and SE (15.0%) – of these, SSE and SE are optimal, but the S component often makes the waves soft. Ideal wind drops to 37%, with SSW (11.8%) and SW (9.2%) winds increasing, creating mostly onshore, bumpy conditions. Waves are generally small and fun-sized, best for groveling on a high-performance longboard. The occasional late-spring storm can pulse the swell to 1.5m, but such events are rare. Focus on early mornings when the wind is lightest and the surface glassy.