Paunch - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (December - March)

During the heart of the North Pacific winter, the Caribbean trades relax and the Pacific storm track shifts, sending consistent groundswell across the equator. For Paunch, this means the average swell height peaks around 1.2-1.4m with periods regularly reaching 8.3s. The offshore wind machine is in full effect, with W, WNW, and NW breezes blowing clean and strong over 90% of the time. While the swell direction remains predominantly from the NE, the combination of solid size and glassy conditions makes for better-than-average sessions. The waves are punchy and rideable, mostly in the fun-sized range, with the occasional bigger set pushing into the solid category.

Fair Surf Season (April - August, November)

As the Pacific storm activity wanes, average swell heights drop to 1.0-1.2m and periods shorten to around 7.5-8.4s. The wind remains mostly offshore from the west, though the percentage of ideal breezes dips slightly. The dominant NE swell persists, but during these months the spot also sees a slight uptick in NNE and ENE contributions. Surf can be fun on the right day, especially when a longer period swell sneaks in. Expect mostly small to fun-sized waves, often groveling on the smaller end, but still plenty of rideable waves for the patient surfer.

Low Surf Season (September - October)

September and October are the quietest months at Paunch. Average swell heights tumble to just 0.7m with periods hovering around 7.0-7.4s. The wind becomes less reliable, with ideal offshore breezes dropping to as low as 61% in October. The swell direction continues to be dominated by NE, but the lack of size and period leaves the spot often flat or choppy. This is the time for micro-sessions on the smallest of swells, or better yet, plan a trip to a more exposed break.

September: The Lull Sets In

September sees a sharp drop to an average height of 0.7m with a period of 7.4s. NE swell still dominates at 87.0%, but now over 17% is in the micro (0-0.5m) range. The wind is offshore only 64% of the time, with WNW (19.0%) and NW (19.8%) still the main players but lighter. The surf is mostly small and choppy, with many days barely reaching knee-high. It's a month to leave the boards in the car and hope for a rare longer period swell from the north or east.