Sandy Hook/The Cove Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let's get into it.

First up, we're looking at Sandy Hook/The Cove. This spot is a beach and reef setup, and it’s fairly exposed to the swell.

Right now, and for the next couple of weeks, it’s a pretty grim picture. Honestly, we’re looking at a long stretch of nothing. From Wednesday, July 22nd, all the way through to the end of July, the forecast is just poor surf. The combined wave energy is weak, with values mostly in the teens and twenties, and the highest early on being just 53 (weak). The swell is tiny, between 1 ft and 3 ft, with short periods mostly around 6 to 8 seconds. The wind is all over the place, often cross-shore or onshore, making things choppy and messy. There’s absolutely nothing to get excited about here for a solid week and a half.

Then we hit the first of August. On Saturday morning, August 1st, we get a little glimmer. The wind goes glassy, which is a big positive, but the swell is still only 2 ft from the SE with a 7-second period, and the energy is still weak at 57. The report says "surfable waves but very ordinary conditions." It’s not a standout, but at least you might get a few knee-high burgers if you're desperate.

The real standout, the only true highlight in this whole 16-day window, is shaping up for Tuesday afternoon, August 4th. That’s the one to circle. The wind swings offshore from the SW at 12 mph, which will keep the surface clean. The swell jumps to 5 ft from the S, with an 8-second period. The combined energy hits 413, which is strong. The report says "expect good surf conditions." This is the best on offer by a long shot. It’s not a monster, but for the Cove, that’s a solid, fun size. The offshore wind will make for some clean, punchy waves. Just be aware, the crowds are "sometimes" an issue here, so you might have some company.

After that, it drops off again. Wednesday morning, August 5th, has a bigger swell of 4 ft from the SE with a long 12-second period, giving a strong energy of 463. But the wind is cross-shore from the N at 12 mph, and it’s described as poor surf conditions. That long period groundswell might be better suited to a point break or reef, but with the wind chopping it up, it’s a write-off for the Cove.

So, bottom line: the next week and a half is a total bust. The only real chance for a decent session is Tuesday afternoon, August 4th, when the stars align with a clean offshore wind and a solid 5 ft swell. Don’t get your hopes up before that.

Rusty.

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