Salsa Brava Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's coming down the pike for Salsa Brava in Costa Rica.

Right off the bat, the next few days look pretty average, but we've got a serious pulse of energy building for the second weekend. Hold tight, because the real standout is a stretch of glassy conditions with solid, long-period groundswell.

Things kick off on Sunday the 5th with a weak 4ft swell from the ENE and a northerly breeze. The combined swell energy is only 252, so it's weak and the surf is poor. Monday the 6th through Wednesday the 8th sees the swell building a bit to 5ft-6ft, but the wind is cross-onshore or onshore, keeping things pretty meh. The energy picks up into the moderate range (a score of 226 to 622), but the quality isn't there yet.

Now, Thursday the 9th and Friday the 10th see the swell really start to fill in, hitting 7ft from the ENE with a solid 10-second period. The combined energy is climbing into strong territory (848 to 908), but the wind is still cross-onshore and beginning to chop things up. It's a bit too raw for a good session.

The big window is Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th of July. This is where it gets interesting. On Saturday morning, we’ve got 7ft of groundswell from the ENE with a 10-second period, but the magic is in the wind: glassy, dead calm. The combined swell energy is a very strong 1042. This is excellent surf, but keep in mind that at this size, over 7ft, it's really only for experienced surfers. The water temp is around 85°, which is about average for this time of year. Salsa Brava is a consistent reef break, so it handles this kind of power well, though crowds are often in the water, so be prepared.

Sunday the 12th morning is the absolute peak. We’re looking at 8ft of swell from the ENE with a 11-second period, glassy winds again, and the combined energy is cranking at 1326—that's a strong, powerful punch. This is the best on offer, without a doubt. The wave quality will be top-tier for those who can handle it.

After that peak, the surf settles but remains fun. Monday the 13th afternoon and Wednesday the 15th both have glassy conditions with 6ft to 7ft waves, offering very good, clean sessions for those who want smaller crowds mid-week. The energy drops back to moderate (575 to 855), but the wind is your friend.

The second week (from the 14th onward) has some good days mixed in, but nothing that matches that Saturday-Sunday peak. Thursday the 16th morning and Saturday the 18th morning both offer glassy conditions again with head-high swell. It’s consistent, but the magic of the previous weekend is the real story here.

Bottom line: This is a classic Salsa Brava window. Wait for that glass on Saturday and Sunday the 11th and 12th—that's your true standout. If you can't make that, the glassy mornings in the middle of the following week are your next best bet.

Stay salty,
Rusty

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