Rockaway-Manzanita - surf spot statistics

Rockaway-Manzanita in the United States offers varying surf conditions throughout the year, with distinct seasonal patterns. The best months for surfing are typically winter and early spring, particularly from November through February. During these months, ground swells dominate, averaging 60-72% of the time, with mean swell heights ranging from 1.4 to 1.6 meters. These conditions provide consistent and sizable waves, making it ideal for experienced surfers. However, wind conditions during this period are often unfavorable, with bad winds occurring 77-79% of the time, which can create choppy or messy waves. The late fall months (October and November) and early spring (March) offer a balance of decent ground swells (47-64%) and slightly better wind conditions compared to mid-winter, though wind quality remains challenging. Summer months (May through August) are the least favorable, with minimal ground swells (9-25%) and smaller waves (0.6-0.8 meters), compounded by consistently poor wind conditions (86-88% bad winds). September and October mark the transition back to better surf, with increasing ground swells and marginal improvements in wind quality. For the most reliable waves, surfers should target late fall and winter, accepting the likelihood of less-than-ideal winds, while summer is best avoided unless seeking very small, wind-affected conditions.

August at Rockaway-Manzanita tends to offer small to medium-sized waves, with an average swell height of 0.6m and a decent period of 9.7s, suggesting somewhat clean and organized waves when conditions align. The majority of swells come from the WNW and NW directions, with the largest percentage (34.13%) of waves in the 0-0.5m range from the WNW, though there are occasional bigger sets, particularly in the 1-1.5m range (12.98% WNW, 4.36% NW). Larger waves (1.5m+) are less frequent but possible, primarily from WNW and NW swells. Wind conditions are less favorable, with only 14% of the time providing ideal offshore or light cross-shore winds for surfing. The most common winds are from the N and NNW, often in the 10-30kph range, which can create choppy or less clean conditions. Overall, August is a decent but inconsistent month for surfing here—best suited for those comfortable with smaller waves and occasional wind-affected sessions, with the best opportunities when WNW swells coincide with lighter winds from favorable directions.