From James McMahon, of Bridgehampton’s Salty Sessions:

What’s a Strike Mission?

A strike mission is when you see a swell coming and make a last-minute trip to score the best waves. You usually have about four days’ lead time—that’s the sweet spot for accuracy.

If you see it a week out, it might not turn into anything. But four days? You can book your ticket and be pretty sure it’ll hit. That’s the difference between getting waves and getting skunked.

Getting Skunked

It’s real. You can fly across the world and show up to a beach that’s totally flat. The further out you book, the higher the chance you’ll get skunked—even if it’s a “good season.”

For example:

• Puerto Rico is great in February.

• But if you book flights in advance for the 12th to the 20th? You might get nothing.

• If you wait until you see a swell four days before, you’re much more likely to score.

How You Forecast

It’s research. It’s meteorology. You’re looking at NOAA buoys, weather stations, swell algorithms.

I use Surfline, which is the industry standard. It’s a paid membership, but worth it. You get forecasts with real accuracy for about four days out.

You can see:

• Today’s waves

• Tomorrow’s forecast

• The next few days with solid precision

• Beyond that? It’s more of a guess.

For me, Surfline is essential. I use it for Panama, Portugal, Spain, everywhere I surf.

Why It Matters

I don’t want to spend $5,000 flying to Tahiti to get nothing. I’m a strike mission guy. I line up forecasts and plan to be there when it’s on. That way I’m not wasting time or money— and I’m getting the best waves possible.

Contacts

🌐 Salty Sessions

🌐 Surfline

About Salty Sessions

For over a decade, Salty Sessions has held the only license for Ocean Road's breaks in Bridgehampton.

Founder James McMahon staffs the school with lifeguard-certified pro surfers who speak three languages and teach students from ages 3 to 75+.

Small group lessons, sunrise privates, and summer camps draw families from across the East End.

The reason is simple: safe, fun instruction that adapts to every student's needs.

Lead-in Image

@jamesurf222 / Instagram