Costa Nova Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what Costa Nova’s got cooking for us over the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, it’s a quiet start. The forecast is pretty flat and choppy for the first week, with only small, weak swell and cross-onshore winds messing things up. You’re looking at waist-high slop at best, with the combined energy struggling to get past the low 100s (133), and the wind is just never your friend. The water is sitting at a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, about 70°, which is a small bonus if you’re just floating around.

The first real glimmer of hope comes on Friday morning, 14 August. The wind will swing to a glassy WSW, the swell bumps up to 3ft from the WNW, and the combined energy jumps to 256 – that’s moderate wave energy finally. It’s not a monster, but it’ll be clean and rideable. If you’re keen, that’s the first session to pencil in.

Saturday morning, 15 August is another good shout. The wind comes from the S at a light 6 mph, giving a clean, cross-off breeze. The swell is a bit bigger at 4ft from the NNW, with energy at 293. The wave period is a short 7 seconds, so it’ll be a bit crumbly and quick, but it’ll be fun on a longboard or a fish.

The real standout, the one to circle on the calendar, is Monday morning, 17 August. We’ve got a glassy morning with a light 3 mph wind from the W, zero chop. The swell is a solid 6ft from the NNW, and the combined energy is pumping at 344. That’s a good, punchy beach break, but because it’s over 5ft, it’s a bit much for beginners. The swell period is a short 7 seconds, so it won’t be the most organised, but with glassy conditions, it’s going to be a whole lot of fun for those who know what they’re doing. Expect crowds at Costa Nova, it’s a popular spot, so be early.

If you miss that, Tuesday morning, 18 August is also a cracker. The wind is dead calm, glassy, with a 5ft NW swell and energy at 265. There’s a risk of thunderstorms, but if you’re in the water when it’s clear, it’ll be perfect.

Wednesday morning, 19 August and Thursday morning, 20 August both offer similar deals: glassy mornings, 5ft to 5ft swell from the NW, and energy in the 270-380 range. The second week is a bit of a repeat – consistent 5ft to 6ft NW swell, but the winds get a bit more cross-on in the afternoons. The mornings are definitely the play.

The last week of the forecast, from the 21st and 22nd, the swell stays around 3ft to 5ft, but the wind is less reliable. Saturday morning, 22 August, has a 5ft NW swell with a long 9-second period and light cross-shore wind, which could be fun, but it’s a bit of a gamble.

Overall, the first week is a write-off unless you’re happy with ankle-snappers. The second week, especially the mornings from the 17th to the 20th, is where it’s at. Get on it.

Rusty.

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