Bridges - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (December - February)

The heart of winter brings the most consistent swell to Bridges, with average wave heights hovering around 0.8m and periods stretching to 7.0s. While the dominant swell direction remains from the ESE, a slight uptick in NNW and N energy during these months adds a touch of variety. The trade-off is a lower percentage of offshore wind (31-37%), as strong high-pressure systems over the continent occasionally drive gusty ENE winds. Still, when a cold front clears the coast and winds clock around to the north or east, you can score punchy, rideable waves with decent shape. It's the season to check the forecast diligently and pounce on the windows of clean conditions.

Fair Surf Season (March - May & November)

Spring and late fall serve as transitional periods, offering a mixed bag. March through May sees a gradual decline in swell height from 0.7m to 0.6m and periods dropping to 6.3s, but the trade-off is a marked improvement in offshore wind frequency, peaking at 56% in May. The swell continues to be dominated by ESE and SE directions, delivering mostly small, groveling waves. November mirrors March with average 0.7m swell and 6.5s period, but ideal wind drops to 38%. These months are best for beginners or those wanting to log easy sessions on clean, small waves – think longboard and foamie territory.

Low Surf Season (June - October)

Summer and early autumn bring the doldrums to Bridges. Average surf height sinks to 0.6-0.7m and periods bottom out at 6.0-6.3s, with a near-total reliance on southeast swell. The silver lining is that June offers the highest percentage of offshore wind (63%), making for glassy, micro conditions ideal for groveling. July through October sees ideal wind frequency drop to 42-46%, while the swell remains small and weak. The ocean often looks like a lake, with only the faintest southeast pulses barely breaking. This is the season for waist-high slop and closeouts – unless a rare tropical system angles in from the south, but even then the west-facing orientation rarely lines up. Grab the groveler and practice your turns on the tiny bumps.

January: Winter's Middling Pulse

January delivers the peak average swell height of the year at 0.8m with a period of 7.0s, but the directional bias is heavily against optimal conditions. Swell from the ESE dominates at 62.7%, mostly in the 0.5-1m range, with only a tiny fraction from the NNW (2.9%) or N (0.9%). This southeast wrap produces short, weak waves that break poorly on the west-facing beach. Wind is ideal only 36% of the time, with the prevailing ENE flow (41.3%) and E (23.2%) offering a somewhat offshore component, though often too strong (10-30+ kph) to keep the surface clean. When the wind does clock to N or NNE (6.8% combined), conditions improve slightly, but the lack of any significant west swell means it's a month for small wave gear and patience.