Costa Nova Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here with a look at what Costa Nova has in store for us over the next couple of weeks. Let's get straight into it.

First up, the water is sitting at a very warm 71°, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year – you might not even need a full suit. But don't get too excited just yet, because the surf is pretty quiet to start.

We’ve got a bit of a wait on our hands. The first few days are a write-off with poor conditions and next to no real swell energy. It’s not until Monday the 27th that we finally see something worth paddling out for. Monday morning brings a tiny bit of life with a 4ft swell from the NNW, a period of 7 seconds, and best of all – glassy conditions. The combined energy is moderate at 240, but the waves will be small and clean. It’s a proper knee-knocker, but it's the only real bright spot in a pretty flat run.

Tuesday the 28th morning is another one to keep an eye on. The swell drops a little to 4ft from the NNW, but the period pushes up to 10 seconds, giving it a bit more shape. Combined energy is still moderate at 263, and with glassy conditions again, it’ll be clean. The optimum direction for the break is west, and while this is from the NNW, it’s close enough to offer up some fun, little lines for the longboard or a fish. It’s not a standout, but it’s the best of a quiet week.

After that, the forecast gets ugly again. We’re looking at a long dry spell with barely any swell and consistent cross or cross-onshore winds. From Wednesday the 29th all the way through to Monday the 3rd of August, the surf stays small and messy. The wind is relentless from the NNW, making things choppy and lumpy. It’s a real frustration – the kind of stretch where you’re better off doing something else.

Then, around Monday the 3rd of August, things start to change. The swell builds again through the day, hitting 4ft from the WNW with a 9-second period and combined energy climbing to 268 by the afternoon. The wind is still cross-on from the NW, so it won’t be perfect, but there’s finally some push in the water. This trend continues into Tuesday the 4th, with a 4ft swell from the west and energy jumping to 410 in the afternoon. The wind is lighter, but still cross-on.

Now, for the real standout of the entire forecast – Wednesday the 5th of August. The morning kicks off with a 5ft NW swell, 9-second period, and a massive combined energy of 438. The wind is a light cross-on from the NNW. It’s not glassy, but it’s close. This is the biggest, most consistent swell of the whole period. It’s a little under the 8ft expert threshold, so competent intermediates will have a blast. The swell direction is NW, which matches the optimum west direction well enough to produce some proper walls at the jetty.

Thursday the 6th sees the swell hold at 6ft from the NNW, but the period drops to 7 seconds and the wind gets stronger. It’s still surfable, but choppier. The real highlight after the Wednesday morning is Friday the 7th of August. Another gold star day – 5ft from the NNW, 7-second period, but absolutely glassy. Combined energy is a strong 313. It’ll be clean as a whistle. The swell is a bit short-period, so it’ll be a bit bouncy and not have the same long lines as a groundswell, but for beach breaks on a clean day, it’s a great session.

To sum up: the first week is mostly a bust. The two mornings to circle are Monday the 27th and Tuesday the 28th of July for small, clean waves. But the real standout, the one to plan for, is Wednesday morning the 5th of August, with the biggest, most powerful swell and manageable wind. Friday the 7th is also a beauty for a clean, fun session. After that, it fades out again. Keep your eyes on that first week of August, it’s got the goods.

Rusty.

Read more