The Cove Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
E, ESE, SE
Wind
NNE to ENE
Surf Height
Waist high-overhead
Tide
Mid-high generally best
The Cove Surf Guide
South of Broadway Beach, The Cove is tucked further back within Cape May’s south-facing stretch, allowing it to handle the bigger NE swells that manage to wrap in. When the rest of New Jersey is onshore, The Cove can be really fun if not straight-up firing. A proper, heaving, spitting shorebreak barrel when it’s on, therefore preferring a mid to incoming tide and NE wind, The Cove’s bars regularly benefit from the dredging and pumping of sand that comes with beach nourishment efforts. It maxes out after a few feet overhead, but has a fairly wide swell window from NE to SE. When The Cove is good, three below-sea-level lefthand tubes on one wave are not uncommon.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Intermediate to advanced
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Mellow to moderate, but can get busy on certain days.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Can get crowded on good days but not too bad.
Spot Rating
Poor
Rather fickle spot overall, but on a big nor'easter it can be one of the better spots around.
Shoulder Burn
Light
More walking than paddling sometimes, so not too bad.
Water Quality
Clean
Pretty clean overall.
Hazards
Tricky currents.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Longboard, Bodyboard
Access
Easy
Bottom
Sand off rock jetty
Best Season
September through March
Do you have local knowledge about The Cove?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]