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.

January: The Winter Grind

January delivers the highest average swell height of the year at 0.9m and an average period of 6.2s, but the wind is ideal only 39% of the time. Swell is overwhelmingly from the east (49.5%) and east-southeast (39.5%), meaning waves arrive at an acute angle to this north-facing beach, producing weak, sectiony lines. The dominant east and east-northeast winds (over 58% combined) create onshore or strong cross-shore conditions, often chopping up the surface. The rare windows of offshore winds from the south (totaling just ~2%) can clean things up, but those sessions are fleeting and typically coincide with a passing cold front that briefly shifts the breeze. On such days, the 0.5-1.5m waves become rippable, but expect crowded, short-lived peaks.