Sandon Point - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (May - September)

The onset of autumn stabilises the synoptic pattern, bringing a welcome increase in offshore wind frequency from the SW to NW quadrants. From May through September, the percentage of ideal wind conditions climbs to between 43% and 54%, offering clean, groomed waves more often than not. Swell energy remains solid with average heights around 1.6-1.8m and periods pushing 9-10s. While the dominant swell directions shift south of east (SSE, S), the east-facing beach still picks up plenty of NE to SE groundswell – especially from East Coast lows and Tasman lows. This is the prime window for punchy, rippable surf under glassy skies. The longest rides and cleanest barrels are found when a strong WSW to NW wind coincides with a long-period E to SE swell. Plan your trip around these months for the most consistent quality.

Fair Surf Season (March - April & October - November)

Shoulder months offer a mixed bag. In March and April, the lingering summer heat still fuels sea breezes, and the optimal wind percentage fluctuates between 25% and 39%. Swell heights hold steady at 1.7m, with periods around 9s, but the direction is more easterly to southeasterly, which is good for shape. However, afternoon onshores often ruin the early-morning glass. October and November see a similar pattern in reverse, as spring transitions into summer. The trade wind influence strengthens, and ideal wind drops to 23-32%. Still, early mornings can deliver fun, clean waves before the seabreeze kicks in. These months require a bit more patience and a willingness to dawn patrol.

Low Surf Season (December - February)

The height of summer brings the least favourable conditions for Sandon Point. Ideal wind percentages tumble to 16-19%, with persistent onshore winds from the NE to SE quadrants dominating the daily pattern. While the swell direction is more easterly (optimal for the beach), the constant onshore flow turns the waves into choppy, messy affairs. Periods average 8.4-8.8s, producing lacklustre, weak surf. The few good days occur when a transient high-pressure system stalls over the Tasman Sea, allowing a brief window of light northwesterly or westerly winds to clean up the lingering ESE groundswell. Overall, summer is best left for swimming or other beach activities unless you're desperate for a grovel on a shortboard.

November: Seabreeze Struggle

November is a challenging month. The ideal wind percentage falls to 23%, and the dominant wind pattern is onshore from the NNE, NE, and SSE. Swell height averages 1.6m with an 8.3s period, the shortest of the year alongside December. Swell direction is mostly E to SE (NE 10.9%, ENE 15.3%, E 12.4%, ESE 11.0%, SE 14.1%, SSE 17.6%). This is actually a good swell direction – dead-on for the east-facing beach. But the wind is almost always from the wrong direction, chopping the waves into a messy, bumpy mess. Offshore winds are rare; SW to NW combined account for only about 12% of observations. The only saving grace is the occasional late-spring cold front that can briefly swing the wind to the southwest or west, offering a short window of clean conditions. November is a month for patience and dawn patrol, or for heading to a more protected south-facing break.