Seal Point - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (May - July)

The heart of winter sees the Southern Ocean roar to life, sending consistent, long-period groundswells marching toward the Cape. Average wave heights peak at a solid 3.1m with periods averaging 12.4–12.5s, offering a steady diet of powerful, well-structured lines. Offshore wind potential also hits its annual high at 36–37 percent, driven by frequent cold fronts that deliver clean W to NW winds in their wake. This is when Seal Point truly fires, with overlapping SW and SSW swells wrapping perfectly into the bay.

Fair Surf Season (April, August - September)

Shoulder months bring a slight drop in consistency but still offer excellent potential. April averages 2.7m at 11.8s, while August and September hold onto 3.0–3.1m with periods around 12s. Ideal wind percentages cool to 28–31 percent, meaning more onshore days from the E and ENE. However, when a strong high-pressure system sits just south and a cold front passes, the windows of W/NW wind align with the remaining SW groundswell, producing firing sessions.

Low Surf Season (October - March)

Spring and summer bring a noticeable lull in size and consistency. Average wave heights dip to 2.4–2.6m and periods drop to 10.9–11.1s. The wind pattern becomes dominated by persistent E and ENE breezes, blowing directly onshore and ruining wave quality. Ideal offshore wind frequency falls to 21–25 percent. While occasional long-period pulses from distant storms in the Southern Ocean can still deliver pumping days, they are often accompanied by poor wind. Patience and careful timing are essential during these months.

April: Swell Picks Up, Wind Improves

April sees a noticeable jump in quality. Average wave heights reach 2.7m and periods extend to 11.8s, signaling the arrival of powerful winter groundswell. The dominant swell directions are still SSW (16.7%) and SW (13.1%), but there is also a healthy dose of S (8.7%) and a slight increase in WSW (0.7%). The wind regime begins to shift: the onshore easterlies weaken slightly (ENE 15.8%, E 11.3%,), while westerly winds strengthen (WSW 14.7%, W 21.1%). Ideal offshore wind frequency climbs to 28%. This combination means more frequent days with groomed, glassy conditions as the W wind smoothes out the bump. The longer period also makes the waves more powerful and better-shaped on the sandbanks.