The Rock-Costa Azul Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it.

The Rock-Costa Azul is a consistent reef setup that’s exposed to the south swell, so it’s picking up a good run of pulses over the next couple of weeks. The water is running at 89.1°F right now, which is much warmer than normal for the time of year – feels like bathwater, so don’t bother with the wetsuit.

The first real standout is Monday afternoon, August 24th. The swell pushes up to 4.6ft from the SSW with a period of 11 seconds, but the wind is a clean cross-off from the WSW, keeping the surface smooth. The combined energy is moderate (980). It’s a good session, but the morning is a little choppy, so wait for that afternoon window.

Tuesday morning, August 25th, is a bit smaller at 3.6ft from the SW and a light cross-on breeze, so the conditions are only average. But by Tuesday afternoon, the swell drops to 2.3ft from the SW, but the period stretches to 16 seconds – that’s proper groundswell. The wind is cross-off again, and the energy is moderate (547). It’s a cleaner, longer-lined wave, but with that long period, it might stand up a bit too straight for a beach break; here at the reef, it’ll be a treat.

Wednesday and Thursday, August 26th-27th, are small and messy. The swell is around 2.0-2.6ft, and the winds are onshore or cross-on, so not worth getting excited about. You’ll be scratching for a wave.

Then Friday, August 28th, things start to fire up. The morning has 4.3ft from the SSW at 17 seconds, but the wind is onshore, so it’s a bit of a mess. The afternoon, however, is the pick of the first week: 4.9ft from the SSW, 17 seconds, and a cross-off breeze from the WSW at 15.5 mph. The combined energy is strong (1496). That’s a solid, powerful groundswell with clean conditions. It’s over 5ft, so it’s a bit much for beginners, but intermediate and up will have a blast.

Saturday, August 29th, has similar size – 4.9ft in the morning, 4.6ft in the afternoon – both from the SSW, with periods around 15-16 seconds. The wind is light cross or cross-off, so the morning is a little rippled, but the afternoon is clean. Another good day, though the energy is still strong (1413-1325).

Sunday, August 30th, the swell is 4.3-5.2ft from the SSW, with a period of 14 seconds. The morning is a bit onshore, but the afternoon cleans up with a cross-off breeze. The energy is still moderate to strong (1021). It’s a solid Sunday session.

Monday, August 31st, is the best of the first week. The morning is glassy with a light wind from the SE, and the swell is 4.3ft from the SSW at 11 seconds – not the longest period, but clean and fun. The energy is moderate (752). The afternoon has a 4.3ft SW swell, but the wind switches to a moderate offshore from the W, which is excellent for the reef. This is a standout session.

The first few days of September are a bit mixed. Tuesday, September 1st, is small and onshore in the morning, with a better afternoon showing 3.3ft from the SSE with a clean cross-off. That’s a fun little wave.

Wednesday, September 2nd, sees a jump in size: 5.2-5.6ft from the SSW at 12 seconds. The morning is onshore, but the afternoon has a light cross breeze. The energy is strong (1224-1245). It’s a bit chunky, but the reef will handle it.

Thursday, September 3rd, is the biggest day of the run. The swell is 4.6-4.9ft from the SSW, but the period is a very long 19 seconds in the morning, dropping to 16 seconds in the afternoon. And the energy is very strong (1954-2563). The wind is moderate onshore or cross-shore, so it’s going to be a bit choppy and tricky. This is only for experienced surfers – the power is serious, and the long period means it’ll be heaving on the reef. It’s a wild one.

Friday, September 4th, through Sunday, September 6th, the swell stays solid at 4.6-5.9ft from the SSW, but the winds are mostly onshore or cross-onshore, with some rain and storms. The energy is still high (1105-2026), but the conditions are poor. Not recommended for paddling – this setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

Monday, September

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