The Cove Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s be straight with you: the next week and a half are going to test your patience. We’ve got a long, flat spell ahead with only small, weak pulses of swell. It’s not going to be pretty, but there is a real shot of proper waves in the back half of the window.

The first real action is Monday morning, August 17th, at The Cove. This is an inconsistent reef break, so don’t expect a constant stream of waves. It’s an advanced wave, and it’s only for the crew who know what they’re doing on a slab. We’ll see a 3ft south swell with a long 14-second period from a groundswell. Water temps are 80.2°F, which is about normal for the time of year. The morning has a light NNE breeze, keeping it clean. The energy is just moderate (405), so it’s not going to be a world-beater, but it’s the best on offer to start. Monday afternoon drops off a touch to 2.6ft, still clean, but only moderate energy (267).

The rest of that week is a grind. Tuesday through Friday, we’re looking at tiny, knee-to-waist high leftovers, mostly around 1.6ft to 2ft. Conditions will be glassy at times, especially Wednesday morning and Thursday morning, but the swell just isn’t there. The energy drops off into the low to mid 100s to 200s, which is weak. Friday morning, August 21st, sees a bit of life with a 2ft SW swell and a 16-second period, and glassy conditions (291 energy), but it’s still marginal. The weekend is more of the same—small and weak, with a bit more wind on Sunday making it a bit bumpy.

The gap between the first small pulse and the real swell is about six to seven days, so you’re looking at a whole lot of flatness.

Now, the real story. The standout is Thursday, August 27th, onwards. We’ve got a proper SSW groundswell filling in. Thursday morning brings 4.6ft and the energy jumps to strong (897), but it’s still a bit cross-shore and lumpy. Hold out for Thursday afternoon. The swell builds to 5.2ft, the energy is very strong (1057), and the wind goes light offshore from the NNW, cleaning it right up. This is the first day that’s genuinely worth your time.

But the pick of the entire run is Friday, August 28th. Morning sees 6.2ft of SSW swell at a solid 12-second period, with a moderate offshore NNE breeze keeping it clean. The energy is pumping at 1241. By Friday afternoon, it’s pushing 6.6ft with the same offshore wind, and the energy jumps to 1406. The swell direction is from the SSW, which matches perfectly with The Cove’s optimum W direction. This is an expert-only session, though—at over 5ft, it’s already big for most, and pushing 6.6ft, it’s firmly in the deep end. The long period means it’ll be hitting the reef with a lot of power, so make sure your equipment and your nerve are up for it.

Saturday, August 29th, keeps the excellent run going. The morning sees 6.9ft of SW swell with a light offshore breeze, and the energy is right up there at 1341. This is the biggest of the run. Afternoon drops slightly to 6.2ft but still holds strong at 1089. The crowd factor here might be an issue though, as this spot is marked for crowds sometimes, and when it’s this good, you know everyone will be out.

After that, it fades fast. From Sunday the 30th through to September 1st, we’re back down to small, weaker conditions, with a mix of clean and rippled surfaces. There’s a tiny bump of 3ft on the morning of September 1st, but the energy is only moderate (384), so it’s not really worth the paddle.

So, there you have it. Don’t waste your energy this week. Save it. The pay-off is Thursday afternoon through Saturday morning, with Friday afternoon the clear winner. Big, clean, and powerful—just the way we like it. Be ready.

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