Playa de Gaztetape Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a good, long look at what we’ve got on offer at Playa de Gaztetape over the next couple of weeks. I’ll be honest with you, it’s a slow start, but there is a glimmer of hope if you’re willing to wait.

First up, we’ve got a real dry spell. From now until the 20th of August, it’s pretty much a write-off for any proper surfing. The swell is tiny, mostly under 2 ft, and the period is short, so there’s no real push behind it. The wind is a mixed bag too, often cross-on or onshore. You’ll see some glassy mornings with light airs on the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th, but with combined wave energy readings struggling to hit even 100, it’s just not enough to get excited about. A few of those mornings are labelled as “surfable but very ordinary,” and I’d agree—it’s a lake out there.

That brings us to the first real breath of life. On the 14th of August, Friday morning, we get a little bump. The swell pushes up to 2 ft from the WNW with a period of 11 seconds, and the combined energy jumps to 111. It’s still a bit weak, but that longer period shows there’s finally some groundswell trying to roll in. The wind is onshore from the NNW, so it won’t be clean, but it’s a sign that things are waking up.

Then we wait again. The 15th through the 20th stay small and messy, with the wind really starting to howl by the 20th. Thursday the 20th is a write-off for a surfer—WNW winds at 19 mph and a combined energy of 156 kicking up a lumpy mess. That’s kite-surfing weather, not paddle surfing.

Now, here’s the pay-off. The standout window is Friday the 21st and Saturday the 22nd of August. Friday morning sees a jump to 6 ft from the NW, with a combined energy of 465—that’s strong, proper energy. The wind is light and onshore, so you’ll have to work with a bit of bump, but the size is there. This one is for the experienced crew; 6 ft can get a bit much for learners on a beach break.

But the real star of the show is Saturday morning, the 22nd of August. This is your best bet. We’re looking at a clean 4 ft NW swell with a period of 9 seconds, but the magic is in the glass—completely calm, offshore wind from the NW, and a “glassy” state. The combined energy is a solid 294. That is proper surf for Playa de Gaztetape. The waves will be clean, well-shaped, and good for a wide range of ability, as long as you’re comfortable with a chest to head-high set. The water is about average for the time of year in the area.

If you can, point your board to Playa de Gaztetape for that Saturday morning session. It’s a fairly exposed break that likes the NW swell, and with the right wind, it can be magic. The spot is rated as consistent, but do keep in mind that crowds are possible here on a good day. Don’t sleep on it.

Rusty.

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