Shoals Point - surf spot statistics

The best months for surfing at Shoals Point, United States, are typically from late autumn through early spring, with the peak season falling between October and March. During this period, the spot benefits from consistent ground swell activity, with ground swell probabilities ranging from 46% in October to 73% in January and 71% in December. Mean swell sizes are also most favorable, averaging 0.9m to 1.0m from October through February, providing solid, rideable waves. However, wind conditions are often challenging, with bad winds (onshore or unfavorable directions) dominating 85-89% of the time. The best compromise between swell and wind occurs in September, when ground swell is decent (28%), wind swell plays a bigger role (35%), and good wind conditions are slightly more likely (15%). Summer months (May to August) are generally poor, with weak swells (0.5m-0.6m) and high no-swell probabilities (50-67%), making them the least reliable for surf. If you're willing to tolerate less-than-ideal winds, target the winter months for the best wave quality, but keep an eye on wind forecasts for rare clean days. September offers a more balanced mix but with smaller swells compared to winter.

April at Shoals Point offers surfable conditions, though they tend to be on the smaller side with an average swell height of 0.7m and a decent period of 11.7s, suggesting relatively clean and organized waves. The dominant swell direction is primarily from the SW and WSW, with the best wave heights (1-1.5m) occurring 6.47% and 3.58% of the time respectively in these directions. Smaller waves (0.5-1m) are more frequent, particularly from the SW (22.91%) and WSW (20.61%). Bigger swells (1.5-2.5m) are rare but possible, mostly arriving from the SSW and SW. Wind conditions for surfing are only ideal 14% of the time, with lighter winds (10-20kph) being more common from the SSE (3.69%) and SE (3.51%). However, stronger winds (20-30kph) from the SE, SSE, and S can create choppy conditions. Surfers should monitor forecasts for cleaner days with SW/WSW swell and lighter SE winds for the best sessions, though expect mostly knee-to-waist-high waves with occasional chest-high sets.