Church Cove Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here, with the same outlook in feet and miles.

Let’s talk about Church Cove.

We’re looking at a long stretch, but the first week and a half is pretty rough. The wind is mostly onshore or cross-onshore, and the swell energy is all over the place. The water temp is about average for this time of year. From Thursday the 27th of August through to Thursday the 3rd of September, the surf is poor. Small to moderate swell, but the wind is onshore, and the wave energy is weak to moderate (57 to 828 on the energy scale). The swell is short period, 6 to 9 seconds, so it’s lumpy and blown out. On Saturday the 29th, the swell hits 12 ft in the afternoon, but it’s a near gale cross-onshore – that’s kite-surfing stuff, not for paddling.

There’s a slight chance on Friday the 4th of September morning – a marginal call with a 6 ft swell from the west, period 9 seconds, and light cross-onshore winds. The energy is moderate (452), but it’s only marginal.

The standout is Monday the 7th of September. That morning, the swell is 8 ft from the west-northwest, period 8 seconds, with a light cross-offshore breeze from the north-northeast. The wind is clean, the combined energy is strong (677), and the wave comment says “expect very good surf conditions.” This is a solid, clean, punchy setup – best for intermediate to experienced surfers, as it’s over the 5 ft beginner-friendly mark. The direction is west-northwest, which works well for the optimum southwest. Keep in mind this break is inconsistent, but when it’s on, it’s on. That Monday afternoon is also good, with a 6 ft swell and clean cross-offshore wind, but the morning is the pick.

Then it winds down. Tuesday the 8th has clean but smaller waves, and by Wednesday the 9th, the energy drops. There’s a final promising morning on Friday the 11th of September – an 8 ft swell from the west, period 9 seconds, with a moderate offshore from the northeast. The energy is very strong (1110), and the call is “expect very good surf conditions.” That’s a powerful, clean day for the experienced crew, but it’s out in the long-range, so keep it on the radar but don’t bank on it.

The one to circle is Monday the 7th of September. That’s your best shot for clean, decent-sized surf. The rest is mostly a bust.

Rusty.

Read more