So, you can spend more time surfing then paddling. The surf can hold up at Poles with Northeast winds around 20 knots. The best times to hit Poles is at the beginning and tail end of Northeasters. As a Northeast Swell spot, Poles generally is happening from September to April. Low, incoming tides are best.
Poles is truly an outstanding surf spot.
But, the crowds are thick and the attitude is often overly aggressive. Everybody wants to surf the Poles but not everybody should. If you are a beginner, the Poles is not the place to go. Also, Kooks and Aggros need to say out of the lineup as well. On a big day, you should expect to be cut off a few times by the aforementioned players.