The Cove Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, Rusty here. Let's be straight—this isn't a week for paddling out at The Cove. The opening days are mostly a write-off, with really crummy conditions and tiny swell. Wait it out, there's a bit of a pulse coming.

Alright, let's start with Saturday the 1st of August. The morning is a write-off: cross-shore wind, weak 3 ft swell from the north with an 8-second period, and the combined energy is a measly 191 (weak). The water’s sitting at 56°, which is pretty normal for this time of year. Afternoon isn't any better—cross-on wind and choppy.

Sunday the 2nd is still a no-go. The swell bumps up to 4 ft, but it's cross-on and messy. Monday the 3rd sees a little more hope: the morning is still cross-shore with a 4 ft N swell, but by Monday afternoon, the wind swings cross-off and goes light. The swell holds at 4 ft, period 9 seconds, and the combined energy is 273 (moderate). The surf is clean, but it's still only marginal. Not worth rushing out for.

Tuesday the 4th and Wednesday the 5th are a total dud—tiny waves, rain, and wind. The combined energy drops to 64 and 40, so you're not missing anything.

Thursday the 6th is flat, with 1 ft. Friday the 7th morning gives a glassy moment with a 2 ft W swell, period 9 seconds, and combined energy at 77 (weak). But it's hardly worth a paddle. Friday afternoon, however, is a little better: 4 ft W swell, 9-second period, 204 combined energy (moderate), and cross-off wind making it clean. Surfable, but not a standout.

Here's your first real chance: Saturday the 8th morning. The Cove sees a 5 ft swell from the west, 8-second period, combined energy of 270 (moderate), and light cross-off wind. It's clean. That's the best of the early stuff—small, but workable.

Saturday afternoon gets bigger, 7 ft from the west, but the period drops to 7 seconds and it gets cross-shore and a bit choppy. Marginal.

Sunday the 9th is a big swell event—8 ft to 10 ft from the WNW to NW, 9-second period, and combined energy surges to 1124 and 1248 (strong). But it's cross-on or onshore, choppy, and the size is solid. This is for experts only. If you're a strong paddler, there'll be power, but the conditions are messy.

Monday the 10th morning is a nice reset: 4 ft from the north, 8-second period, 259 combined energy (moderate), and clean cross-off wind. That's a decent session. Afternoon is wind-affected.

Tuesday the 11th and Wednesday the 12th are small and poor again. Wednesday afternoon has a glassy 1 ft, but it's flat.

Now, if you're looking ahead, Thursday the 13th afternoon is a true standout. The Cove gets 7 ft from the west, 8-second period, combined energy of 588 (strong), and clean cross-off wind. The guidance calls this a very good session. That's the one to circle. Still a bit hefty for beginners, but for intermediates and up, it's quality.

Friday the 14th morning is also good: 6 ft from the west, 9-second period, 432 combined energy (moderate), and light offshore wind. Clean and punchy. Afternoon gets a bit messy with rain and stronger cross-off wind.

Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th are a letdown—strong cross-on wind, lumpy, and the swell is dropping. Not worth it.

So, the standout is the afternoon of the 13th of August. The Cove will be pumping with a solid west swell, clean conditions, and strong energy. The 14th morning is a close second. The rest is mostly waiting or small windows.

Stay salty,
Rusty

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