First Point - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (November - March)

The winter months bring a consistent and powerful pulse of long-period swell to First Point, driven by the North Pacific's relentless storm track. While the dominant swell direction is from the west and west-southwest—not the ideal southern angles—the sheer energy and extended period (averaging 12-13 seconds) allow these waves to wrap into the south-facing beach, offering solid, punchy surf. The real highlight is the wind regime: northerly quadrants (N, NNE, NNW) blow offshore over 55% of the time, grooming the faces and turning even average-sized sets into rippable gems. Expect average heights around 0.8-0.9m, with occasional 1.5-2m pulses when a strong low pressures aligns. This is the prime window for quality surf at First Point.

Fair Surf Season (April - May & September - October)

Transitional months see a shift in both swell and wind patterns. The northern storms begin to wane, and the swell direction becomes more southwesterly. Wind ideal conditions drop to 50-51% in April and September, with lighter onshores (WSW, W) mixing in. The average height holds near 0.8-0.9m, but the period dips slightly, and the increased wind variability means fewer clean windows. Still, there are fun days when a southwest swell meets a northerly breeze—those are the moments to be in the water.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer slumps into First Point with a vengeance. The swell height averages just 0.8m and comes almost exclusively from the west, wrapping weakly. The period remains long (12.5-12.7s) but lacks the power to push through the summer heat. The real killer is the wind: ideal offshore conditions drop to a mere 32-45% as the prevailing trade winds blow from the south-southwest and west, creating bumpy, choppy surfaces. Expect small, groveling waves best suited for a longboard or funboard, with rare clean windows as the sun sets.

May: The Onshore Shift Bites

May delivers a reality check. The average height is still 0.9m, period 12.0s, but the swell is overwhelmingly from WSW (40.2%) and W (29.3%), with SW (24.2%) making a strong showing. The problem is the wind: ideal conditions plummet to just 35%. The WSW (17.9%) and W (17.7%) become the primary wind directions, bringing chop and bump. Offshore flow from the north is rare (N 1.2%). The best windows are early mornings with a light north breeze after a cold front passes. Otherwise, expect fun-sized but lumpy waves.