Rockaway-Manzanita • Surf Spot Statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Pacific roars to life from late autumn through winter, and the west-facing stretch of coast between Rockaway and Manzanita sits right in the firing line. Average swell heights run from 7ft (2.2m) in October to a peak of 10ft (3.0m) in December, with periods holding in the powerful 11-13s range. Swell arrives consistently from the W, WNW and WSW window, which this beach is perfectly exposed to. When cold continental high pressure sets up across the interior, offshore E, ENE, ESE and SE winds groom these long-period groundswells into clean, hollow peaks. This is the time for serious sessions and bigger boards.

Fair Surf Season (April, May and September)

The shoulder months offer a blend of leftover winter groundswell and the first hints of summer. April still delivers average swell around 7ft (2.2m) with 11.4s periods, while May and September hover near 6ft (1.8m) at 10.6s. The tradeoff is wind: spring brings strengthening NNW flow, and autumn sees the return of southerly storm winds. Surf is generally rideable, and when the wind angles offshore these months can sneak in some excellent, uncrowded days.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer is the quietest stretch. Average swell drops to 4-5ft (1.2-1.5m), periods settle near 10s, and the North Pacific High pumps relentless NNW winds into the coast. Ideal offshore wind days fall to just 9-16%, and most days are characterized by small, wind-bumped surf. Still, occasional NW groundswell pulses can produce fun peaks, especially in the glassy hours before the afternoon sea breeze builds.