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.

November: Winter Returns Onshore

November sees ideal wind drop to 42%, while average swell height bumps to 0.8m and period to 6.0s. Swell from the east (46.0%) and east-southeast (37.5%) still dominates, but there is a slight uptick in east-northeast (8.4%) and northeast (1.1%). Wind becomes more easterly: east (31.9%), east-northeast (20.6%), and northeast (7.1%) are the main players, all onshore for the beach. The frequency of southerly offshore winds decreases, making clean conditions less common. The swell energy increases due to stronger North Atlantic storms, but the onshore wind often creates choppy, lumpy waves. The rare days with a strong high to the north can produce offshore flow from the south, cleaning up the elevated swell and giving a taste of what could be. However, November is mostly about waiting for those fleeting windows, as the overall quality declines from the autumnal peak.