Inches - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (November - February)

While Inches never truly fires, the late autumn and early winter months offer the highest frequency of ideal wind conditions and a slight uptick in swell energy from the eastern quadrant. November stands out with a 50% ideal wind score, the highest of the year, but even then, the prevailing E/ESE swell produces weak, short-period waves. True optimal swell from the south and southwest is exceedingly rare, so the 'best' season is a relative term, defined by the best chance of offshore winds and rideable, albeit mediocre, conditions.

Fair Surf Season (March - April, September - October)

These transitional months see a drop in ideal wind frequency and a further flattening of the swell. The wind patterns shift, bringing more onshore E and SE flow that exacerbates the already poor wave quality. Swell heights remain in the small to fun-sized range (0.5-1m), but the short period keeps the surf unappealing. Occasional windows of cleaner conditions can appear with a northerly breeze, but they are fleeting.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

The summer months are the nadir for surf at Inches. The wind is predominantly onshore from the E and ESE, with ideal wind dropping to as low as 34% in June. Swell is dominated by weak, low-period ESE waves, with heights typically under a meter. The combination of constant onshore wind and minimal swell energy results in poor, choppy conditions that are best suited for a flat spell or a grovel session on a longboard. Hurricane swell is almost nonexistent given the spot's exposure, so don't expect any summertime relief.

May: Summer Lull Begins

May marks the beginning of the low season. Average swell height drops to 0.8m and period to 6.0s. Swell is almost exclusively from the ESE (64.2%) and E (20.1%), with a notable absence of any south component. Wind shifts to more E (37.6%) and ENE (25.3%) flow, with ideal wind falling to 35%. The onshore breeze is persistent, creating choppy, bumpy conditions. Wave heights are mostly in the 0.5-1m range, fun-sized at best, but the short period and constant wind kill any quality. Surfing is possible on a groveler or foil, but it's a grind.