Backyards - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The winter months bring the North Pacific to life, with a series of deep low-pressure systems tracking across the Gulf of Alaska and sending powerful, long-period swell towards the California coast. For Backyards, this means consistent NW and NNW swell that aligns perfectly with the beach's northwest exposure. Average wave heights range from 2.0m in October to a peak of 2.7m in December and January, while periods average between 10.7s and 12.8s, delivering that hollow, punchy surf this spot is known for. Offshore winds from the south and southwest occur with greater frequency as cold fronts push through, providing clean conditions around 21% to 27% of the time. This is the prime window to score pumping, firing waves at Backyards.

Fair Surf Season (April - May)

As the winter storm track weakens and shifts north, spring at Backyards offers a transitional mix. Average swell heights drop to around 1.8-2.2m and periods shorten to 9-10s, but there are still passing weather systems that can deliver solid swell. The predominant swell direction shifts eastward, with increasing ENE and E swell from distant storms and local windswell. While these waves lack the power of winter, they can still be fun on smaller days. The wind regime becomes more dominated by the North Pacific High, leading to persistent easterly winds (E, ENE) that are not ideal as they blow cross-shore or slight onshore. However, occasional southerly flow ahead of troughs brings brief windows of offshore conditions. Wind ideal percentage hovers around 16-20%. This is a good time for those willing to search for clean windows, especially early mornings before the wind picks up.

Low Surf Season (June - September)

Summer sees the North Pacific High strengthen and sit far to the north, effectively shutting down the swell pipeline for Backyards. The average swell height drops to a mere 1.6-1.7m and periods shorten to 7.8-9.2s, with the vast majority of wave energy coming from ENE and E directions — essentially windswell generated by the very trade winds that plague the coast. These swells are not well-oriented for the northwest exposure and often arrive with little power. Even worse, these same east-northeast winds dominate the wind charts, with E and ENE winds occurring over 80% of the time in some months. These winds are onshore and degrade wave quality. The percentage of time with ideal offshore (south) wind plummets to single digits (9-14%). The surf is typically small, choppy, and messy, with rare exceptions when a tropical system or an early season low sends a longer-period swell from the NW. Most days you'll be left staring at small, weak waves.

December: Winter's Peak

December is a heavyweight month at Backyards. The average swell height matches January at 2.7m and the period is 12.4s — right in the 'powerful, long period' sweet spot. Swell direction heavily favors the northwest, with NNW (14.1%) and NW (4.1%) leading, and N (4.1%) also contributing. This is the ideal combo for the northwest exposure. Wind ideal for surfing is 24% of the time, similar to February. The wind pattern is interesting: ENE (24.8%) and E (29.1%) still dominate, but we see a broader distribution of wind directions, including a slight increase in SW and WSW (together about 6.3%). This means more opportunities for clean conditions. The cold, crisp air and strong storms rolling off the Pacific create some of the finest surf of the year. When that NNW swell meets a south wind, Backyards turns into a hollow, pitching wave that demands respect. December is for the dedicated — bundle up and get out there.