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.

December: The Lowest Wind Quality

December records the lowest ideal wind percentage of the year at 35%, with an average swell height of 0.8m and period of 6.2s. Swell from the east (53.9%) and east-southeast (30.1%) continues, but east-northeast (11.0%) and northeast (2.0%) are more prominent. Wind is dominated by east (34.7%) and east-northeast (25.1%), along with northeast (7.2%)—all onshore for this north-facing beach. The rare southern winds (S, SSW, SW) total less than 2%, meaning offshore conditions are almost non-existent. The combination of persistent onshore wind and modest east swell yields poor quality surf: choppy, weak, and most days not worth paddling out. However, when a strong cold front passes and the wind briefly swings to the south, the moderate east swell can clean up for a few hours, providing a short-lived window of fun-sized waves. December is the most challenging month for consistent quality at Pine Grove.