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Terry's Cove

Left and right30.2689, -87.5796

Overview

Quality
Regional classic
Crowd
Few surfers
Experience
Good for all levels
Bottom
Sand

About this Spot

Terry’s Cove is a surf spot located in Alabama, USA Gulf of Mexico. It’s situated in Orange Beach, along the Gulf Coast. The spot features a sand bottom and can be surfed at all tides. Terry’s Cove is suitable for surfers of all experience levels and offers regular waves. The spot provides both left and right waves. The wave length is typically less than 50m. Terry’s Cove is considered a regional classic in terms of wave quality. The spot usually has few surfers, making it less crowded compared to other locations. However, it’s always important to respect the locals and check the surf etiquette when the spot gets busier. Surfers should be aware of potential hazards such as rips, undertow, and the presence of sharks. It’s crucial to check your skills before paddling out to ensure the spot and conditions match your surfing level. Terry’s Cove breaks well on both sides of the pier, with a shallow outside sandbar that can create hollow waves when the swell is decent. The spot can produce epic conditions during hurricane swells or with offshore winds following winter cold fronts. For those looking to access the spot, there’s a public beach parking lot called Cotton Bayou State Park on Highway 182, just east of Highway 161. The pier is visible from this location. Nearby surf spots include Alabama Point, Spuds, West Pass, Dauphin Island Pier, and Sand Island. The optimal surfing conditions at Terry’s Cove occur during hurricane season, with the best waves forming when a south-southeast swell combines with offshore winds from the north-northwest. The water temperature is generally warm, averaging around 28.5°C (83°F), allowing for comfortable surfing in board shorts or a rash vest. Remember to check the latest surf forecast, report, and map before your visit. While there isn’t a webcam available for this spot, it’s always a good idea to assess conditions upon arrival.

Optimal Conditions

Best Swell
E, SE, S, SW
Swell Direction
67.5°-247.5°
Best Wind
SE, S
Wind Direction
112.5°-202.5°
Best Tide
All tides are good
Best Size
Good from 0.6 meters
Wave Length
< 50m
Frequency
Regular (40 between and 150)

Location

Coordinates

30.268850° N, -87.579583° W

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Use these coordinates in your preferred mapping or forecast application

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