The Cove Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for The Cove.

The next few days are looking pretty special for those who know this spot. The Cove is a reef break that needs a specific swell direction, and we’ve got a beautiful, long-period SSW groundswell lining up perfectly. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so just your usual wetsuit.

Starting Wednesday the 22nd of July, we’ve got clean 2ft waves from the SSW with a 24-second period – that’s a very long-period groundswell, meaning loads of energy and proper shape. The wind is light offshore from the N, so it’s going to be glassy. The combined energy is strong at 645. This is the standout window. Thursday the 23rd steps it up a notch with 3ft to 3ft SSW swell, still that long 20-second period, and even lighter offshore wind in the morning. The energy is up to 750. Thursday afternoon is just as good with 3ft to 3ft and 779 energy. This is the best on offer, no question.

Friday the 24th, the swell holds at 3ft to 3ft, but the wind goes a little cross-offshore in the morning. Still clean, but not quite as perfect. The energy is still solid, with 864 on the Friday afternoon session. The weekend stays good, with 3ft to 4ft SSW swell and clean offshore winds. Saturday the 25th afternoon has a 4ft swell with a moderate offshore breeze, still clean. The energy is 708.

Into the next week, the swell eases. From Monday the 27th, the wave heights drop to 3ft and the period is down to 15 seconds, still a nice groundswell, but the energy is dropping into the 300s. The onshore/cross-offshore wind starts to creep in, making for okay but not excellent conditions. Tuesday the 28th and Wednesday the 29th are ordinary, with smaller 2ft to 3ft swell and less energy.

There’s a bit of a gap in the real quality after that. Thursday the 30th and Friday the 31st have some glassy moments with 2ft to 3ft swell, but it’s inconsistent, and this spot is already inconsistent. The first of August sees a fresh offshore wind, but the swell is only 2ft to 3ft from the west, which is a little off the optimum direction. The energy is 344, but it’s marginal.

From the 2nd of August onward, the swell stays small, around 2ft to 2ft, with periods dropping. The wind is mostly offshore or glassy, but the wave size is just too small for this advanced reef break to really fire. The energy is weak, below 300. It’s a long stretch of quiet.

So, the call is simple: get on it from Wednesday the 22nd through to Saturday the 25th. The Cove is a reef break that’s inconsistent, but when it’s on, it’s on. Expect some crowds, as it’s known to have them sometimes. That 24-second, 2ft to 3ft SSW groundswell with light offshore winds is as good as it gets here. The long period means it’ll be a bit more drawn out at this reef, perfect for those who know the takeoff.

Rusty.

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