The Cove surf guide

The Cove is located south of Broadway Beach, tucked back within Cape May’s south-facing stretch. It’s a spot that can handle bigger northeast swells, making it a fun place when other spots are onshore. However, The Cove can be kind of fickle, so it’s not always firing. When it does come alive, you can expect some decent shorebreak barrels, especially around mid to high tide with northeast winds. The sandbars here benefit from regular beach nourishment, adding to the wave quality during good conditions.

This spot works best with swell sizes from about 3 to 6 feet (1 to 1.8 meters) and can handle swells coming from east, east-southeast, and southeast directions. When the surf is good, lifelike left-hand tubes can happen, and it's suitable for intermediate to expert surfers. If you’re riding a shortboard, fish, longboard, or bodyboard, you should find something to enjoy. On bigger days, The Cove can deliver some solid waves, but it maxes out after a few feet overhead. It’s also easier to walk out to the surf than paddle, so the access is pretty chill.

Getting to The Cove is straightforward, but keep in mind that it can get somewhat crowded on good days. The vibe is generally mellow, though it can ramp up during busy surf sessions. This spot is best during the autumn and winter months, so if you're looking to catch some good waves, plan your sessions from September through March. Just watch out for tricky currents while you're out there.