The Cove Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming our way for the next couple of weeks.

We’ve got a solid run of swell ahead, starting this Thursday, July 23rd. The main player is a long-period groundswell from the SSW with a period of 20 seconds, which is a proper energy source. The Cove is an advanced reef break, and inconsistent, so when it turns on, it turns on. With winds glassing off from the NNE at 3 mph on Thursday morning, we’re looking at clean, lined-up waves around 3 ft. The water temp is sitting at 80°, which is pretty much normal for this time of year. The combined energy is pushing 750 (moderate), so there’s some grunt in the water, but the size is manageable for the experienced crew. This is the standout: Thursday morning, The Cove, glassy, offshore, and that long-period groundswell will be wrapping in nicely. The whole week stays clean with offshore winds, and the swell holds through Friday and Saturday. Saturday morning July 25th is a real treat – glassy conditions again, 3 ft SSW swell with a 19-second period, and energy at 786 (moderate). The afternoon picks up a touch to 3 ft, still with a clean offshore breeze.

Keep in mind, this is an inconsistent reef, and it’s for advanced surfers only. The long period (over 15 seconds) means the sets will be spaced out with plenty of lulls, which makes paddling out easier, but the waves will be powerful and sucky. Crowds are possible, as it’s a known spot.

By Sunday July 26th and Monday, the swell drops slightly to 3 ft, period easing a bit but still clean. The wind stays offshore all week. Tuesday July 28th sees a drop in quality, with the swell down to 2 ft, period dropping to 14 seconds, and the wind turning cross-offshore. Conditions become ordinary, with scores dropping.

We hit a bit of a lull from Wednesday July 29th through to the end of the first week of August. The swell fades to 1 ft-2 ft, and the energy drops significantly (under 200, weak). There’s a gap of about 7 days where the surf is small and ordinary. Nothing worth getting excited about here.

Then, on Friday August 7th, we see a new pulse of swell from the W, 2 ft with a 16-second period, and energy jumping back up to 335 (moderate). The wind is light offshore from the NNE at 3 mph. It’s a cleaner prospect, but still on the small side. It’s a promising signal for the second week, but a long way out, so don’t book the trip just yet.

Overall, the 16-day window has a clear sweet spot: Thursday July 23rd through Saturday July 25th, with Thursday morning being the absolute best for clean, powerful waves at The Cove.

Rusty.

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