Pine Grove - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (May - October)

During these months, the predominant wind patterns shift to offer a higher frequency of offshore flow from the south and southwest, creating clean, groomed conditions. While the swell remains modest and primarily east-oriented, the combination of offshore winds and fun-sized waves (0.5-1.5m) delivers the most consistent surfable waves at Pine Grove. The average wave period hovers around 6 seconds, providing punchy, rideable waves ideal for shortboards and grovelers.

Fair Surf Season (November - April)

The winter half of the year brings a slight uptick in average swell height and period due to the increased activity of extratropical storms in the North Atlantic. However, the dominant wind direction tilts toward east and northeast, which is onshore for this north-facing beach. This results in more choppy, messy conditions despite the slightly larger swell. Persistent onshore flow limits the quality, but occasional windows of offshore winds can still produce fun waves, often when a strong high-pressure system sets up to the north.

Low Surf Season (Year-Round)

Due to its north-facing orientation and the dominant east swell direction, Pine Grove rarely sees optimal wave conditions. The majority of the year features small, gutless waves with short periods, and the wind is often unfavorable. Even during the best months, surfers must be selective, picking the rare days when a south wind coincides with any east groundswell. The lack of north swell means this spot will never truly fire, remaining a consistent but low-energy option for those willing to work with what the Atlantic provides.

August: Remnants of Summer Swell

August maintains an average swell height of 0.8m with the lowest average period of the year at 5.9s. Ideal wind is 49%. Swell from the east (43.8%) and east-southeast (48.7%) continues to dominate, with a slight increase in the 1-1.5m range from east. Wind distribution shows a strong east component (46.9%) and east-southeast (26.9%), but there are more frequent light and variable spells. The combination of short-period, low-energy swell and often onshore wind means the surf is typically choppy and weak. However, the tropical Atlantic remains active, and hurricane swells—though rare for this latitude—can deliver longer-period waves from the east-southeast. When that happens with a light offshore wind, the quality spikes. In the absence of such events, expect small, groveling conditions best suited for longboards and funboards. Early morning glass-offs are the best bet.