Fort Fisher surf guide
Surf: This wave will jack up and expose a steep, workable face with occasional barrels when conditions are on. Low tide incoming on a good NE swell should create some longer lefts until dead high fattens it away.
Environment: This quality wave will attract the crowds when conditions dictate, which unfortunately is not that often. There are some boulders and rocks to look out for in the line-up. Camping on the beach is an option.
Surf: General: The pointbreak-like wave that used to make the Cove famous is practically a myth, but when it was on, this wave would throw a reeling left for a couple hundred yards off the First Cove before ending at Federal Point. Now the place works like any other beachbreak. The future of the Cove remains to be seen, but for now, surfers can enjoy the odd swell that dumps in desirable conditions.
Tides: Low to mid tide
Size: Chest high-overhead
Wind: West
Swell: NE
Bottom: Sand and rocks
Paddling: Normally not too bad.
Spot Rating: Not what it was in the past but still shows glimmers with the right swell and wind.
Access: Plenty of parking at the Fort's three parking lots.
Crowds: Crowd Factor: Not too bad anymore.
Local Vibe: Not so bad anymore.
Environment: Normally OK but with enough rain or a hurricane it can get pretty bad.
Hazards: Rocks.
Season: Storm dependent: tropical cyclones in the late summer and fall with frontal activity from late fall through winter into spring.