Long Sands • Surf Spot Statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic is in full attack mode through the autumn and winter months, and Long Sands sits squarely in the firing line. As deep extratropical cyclones track northeast across the Atlantic, they aim a blend of NNE, NE, ENE and E swell into this east-northeast-facing beach, while the accompanying cold fronts often leave behind SW, WSW and W offshore flow. Average surf heights run 1.1-1.3m (4-4.5ft) and periods hover in the 7.6-7.8s range, giving punchy, rideable, occasionally powerful waves. This is the window when the percentage of ideal wind jumps to 30-37%, and the combination of clean offshore wind and organised sea-state is what puts Long Sands at its best. During winters dominated by a positive North Atlantic Oscillation, the storm track is amplified and delivers even bigger and more consistent Atlantic swells to this part of the North Sea. Water temperatures are cold - 6-12°C - but that is the price of quality on England's northeast coast.

Fair Surf Season (April & September)

April and September are the bridge months. April still carries solid winter groundswell, but the swell window starts shifting to a strong NNE/NE bias and the average period falls to 7.3s. The wind becomes more variable too, with a higher chance of onshore NE/ENE flow. September is the reverse - the first autumn lows begin reawakening the North Atlantic after the summer lull, and the wind statistically turns offshore 30% of the time. Neither month delivers the size or consistency of the core winter, but when a low-pressure system tracks in the right place, you can find clean, fun-sized waves and more comfortable air.

Low Surf Season (May - August)

Summer is the doldrums at Long Sands. The Azores High builds over the North Atlantic, pushing the storm track north and leaving the UK in a sea of light winds and low-energy windswell. Average heights slump to 0.7-0.9m (2-3ft) and periods shorten to 5.9-6.7s, which means sectiony, grovelly, micro waves. Offshore breezes from WSW/W still occur with decent frequency, but with very little open-ocean swell reaching the beach, most days are marginal. If you're a logger, a foamie or desperate for a paddle, late afternoons on a dropping west breeze can still produce something, but expect a whole lot of nothing otherwise.