Costa Nova Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's talk about what's on the menu at Costa Nova. I gotta be straight with you – right now, it's looking pretty grim for a proper paddle. We've got a long stretch of small, weak, and messy surf ahead.

We kick off Wednesday, July 29th with a tiny 3ft NW swell, period a short 8 seconds, and cross-onshore winds making it choppy. The wave energy is weak at 103, and honestly, it's a write-off. That sets the tone for the next week or so. Thursday through Sunday, we're looking at knee-to-waist-high slop, with the swell direction bouncing around from NW to NNW, and periods often under 8 seconds. The winds stay cross-onshore or cross, so expect a bumpy, blown-out surface all day. Even when the swell bumps up to 3ft on Saturday morning, the energy is moderate (159), but the wind is still cross-onshore and the period is a weak 6 seconds. It's just not coming together.

There's a glimmer of hope on Thursday, August 6th. Thursday morning we see glassy conditions with a 2ft swell from the W, period at 10 seconds. It's minimal, but that glassy surface is a rare treat. You might get a few clean little runners, but it's weak with only 90 on the energy scale.

The first real standout is on Friday, August 7th into Saturday, August 8th. Friday afternoon, the swell picks up to 4ft from the west, with a 9-second period and moderate energy jumping to 292. It's still onshore and messy Friday, but hold on for Saturday morning. On Saturday, August 8th, we get a solid 6ft W groundswell, period at 10 seconds, and the energy cranks up to a strong 544. The winds are cross from the south at 9 mph, so it'll be a bit lumpy but much more rideable. This is the biggest push of the whole forecast. At 6ft, it's pushing into intermediate territory; beginners might find it a handful.

Then there's Sunday morning, August 9th – another glassy window. The swell drops back to 3ft from the W, period 8 seconds, and energy down to 134. It's ordinary, but glassy again. If you're quick, you can sneak a session before the afternoon NW wind messes it up.

Honestly, nothing else in the second week really steps up. There's a big NNW pulse Monday afternoon, August 10th, with 6ft and strong energy (344), but with a fresh cross-shore wind at 19 mph, it'll be a lumpy, blown-out mess – that one is for the kites, not the paddle surfers. The rest of the week is more of the same: small, onshore, or cross-shore chop.

So, the best bet for a decent wave with some power is Saturday morning, August 8th at Costa Nova. You'll have a solid 6ft groundswell from the west, and while it won't be glassy, the south cross-breeze will keep it cleaner than the afternoon. The water temperature is currently 69°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so you can leave the thick wetsuit at home.

Remember, a long period swell like that 10-second groundswell can sometimes straighten out on a beach break, but it'll have more energy for a better-shaped wave. It won't be empty, but the crowds are only sometimes there, so you should find a peak to yourself.

For the rest of the forecast, it's a long, quiet run. But it won't stay poor forever – forecasts change.

Stay stoked,
Rusty

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