Blacks Beach - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Pacific stirs to life during these months, and Blacks Beach reaps the rewards. A climatological ramp-up in extratropical storm activity across the Pacific sends consistent, long-period swell trains marching toward the California coast. Dominant swells from the W and WSW – ideal windows for this west-facing gem – push average heights into the 1-1.5m range, with plenty of overhead-plus days when storm tracks align. The real key, though, is the wind. As high pressure builds over the interior West, offshore flow from the east (E, ENE, ESE) kicks in 40-50% of the time, grooming those powerful, 12-14 second lines into pristine, rippable walls. This is prime time for Blacks Beach.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

Transition months bring a mixed bag. In April, the Pacific storm track starts to weaken, but lingering WNW and W swells still produce fun, shoulder-high waves with an average period of 13.3s – plenty of punch. However, offshore wind windows shrink to about 19%, and onshore westerlies begin to creep in more often, so you need to pick your days. September sees a similar pattern: a shift from summer southwesterly slop to more westerly energy, with long-period groundswell still in the mix. Offshore flow returns to 7% of the time, offering occasional clean windows between the prevailing afternoon seabreezes. It's not prime, but it's far from flat.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer is the off-season at Blacks Beach. The Pacific storm machine goes quiet, and the dominant swell shifts to the SW and WSW – still rideable, but often coming from a less optimal angle. Average heights hover around 1m with plenty of 0.5-1m days. The real killer is the wind. The North Pacific High strengthens, driving persistent onshore westerlies that chop up the swell and blow out the lineup. Ideal offshore wind plummets to 1-8% during these months, making clean conditions a rare, precious commodity. When the combination of a long-period SW swell and a rare morning offshore breeze aligns, though, you can score some glassy, fun-sized waves. It's a waiting game.

July: Peak Summer Blues

July is the height of summer and the most challenging month at Blacks Beach. The swell mix is dominated by SW (47.3%) and WSW (29.8%), with a touch of SSW (17.6%). Wave heights average 1.0m, and the overwhelming majority is in the 0.5-1m range (33.2% SW, 20.0% WSW) with some 1-1.5m (14.1% SW, 9.7% WSW). The average period is a solid 13.7 seconds, so the swell has long-period punch, but it's often wasted. Offshore wind reaches rock-bottom at 1% – essentially nonexistent. Onshore flow is relentless: W at 40.0%, WSW at 29.3%, and SW at 12.7% dominate the wind rose. The waves are typically small, weak, and blown out. If you're desperate, look for a rare morning glass-off before the seabreeze kicks in. Otherwise, it's a good month to explore other hobbies.