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Minutes
Today's Surf Conditions at Minutes
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
Tucked away inside Cow Bay, Minutes is a local gem that delivers long, sloping right-hand point breaks off a rock-shelf reef. The scene is pure Maritime ruggedness: big boulders line the beach, kelp sways in the lineup, and the water runs cold year-round. When the swell lines up, prepare for extended, hollow, peeling rides that unfold for hundreds of yards—chest-high to overhead (1–2 meters) is the sweet spot, with the wave taking shape between 2 and 7 feet (0.6–2.1 meters). It loves south and southeast swell, handling a range of sizes, and breaks best on low to mid tide, though all tides can produce. The ideal wind is from the northwest, cleaning up the face for long, reeling walls. This is intermediate-to-expert territory. The paddle out can test your fitness, especially when the wave size picks up, and the reef shelf demands respect. Crowds are moderate but pick up in the fall as dedicated surfers return for the premium conditions. Access requires a beach walk from Osborne Head, adding to the session’s sense of adventure. The local vibe remains welcoming and low-key—expect a chill atmosphere among those in the know. Winter and autumn are prime seasons, especially when tropical cyclones and frontal passages stir up the Atlantic. A thick winter wetsuit is non-negotiable when the mercury drops. If you’re willing to brave the elements, Minutes rewards you with some of the longest, most satisfying rights in the region.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (December - February)
Winter roars to life along the Canadian East Coast as the North Atlantic pumps out consistent, solid swell. From December through February, average wave heights hold steady around 1.7m, with periods averaging 8.7s – that's the sweet spot for punchy, rippable waves. The dominant swell directions tilt heavily toward the SW and SSW quadrants, which are prime angles for this east-facing beach. Offshore winds from the WNW and NW blow around half the time, often aligning with the best swells to create clean, powerful surf. This is when the combination of size and favorable wind is most consistent, delivering pumping sessions for those who can handle the winter chill.
Fair Surf Season (March - May & September - November)
Transition months see a gradual shift in both swell energy and wind patterns. March still kicks with 1.6m averages, but the frequency of ideal offshore winds drops to 48%. April and May see swell heights decline to 1.4m and 1.2m, respectively, while periods shorten – yet the swell window rotates more south, with SSE and S directions becoming increasingly dominant. These are less optimal for the spot but can still produce fun, groveling waves when the wind cooperates. September through November tell a similar story in reverse: swell ramps back up from 1.2m to 1.6m, and the wind steadiness improves slightly (55-61% ideal in Sep-Oct). These months offer a mix of clean days and messy onshore slop, making it a gamble for quality, but the potential for solid, long-period groundswell exists if a strong extratropical storm tracks right.
Low Surf Season (June - August)
Summer brings the smallest surf of the year, with average wave heights hovering around just 1.0m and periods slipping to 7.2-7.7s. The swell is almost entirely from the S and SSW – directions that rarely produce the clean, lined-up waves this east-facing beach craves. However, the trade-off is stellar wind conditions: offshore breezes from SW through NW blow over 65% of the time, especially in July (68%) and August (67%). That means glassy mornings and small, fun-sized waves perfect for longboarding or a grovel session. If you're after size, this is the time to travel; if you're after perfection on a micro-swell, summer can deliver surprisingly clean logs.
Detailed Surf Information for Minutes
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Minutes with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.