The Rock-Costa Azul Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s talk about The Rock-Costa Azul over the next couple weeks.

First thing, the water is running at 89°F, which is a full 7°F warmer than normal for this time of year. That’s very unusual, so leave the rubber at home.

The first real window of clean surf hits Friday August 21st. It’s small – 2ft from the SSW with a 13-second period – but the wind is glassy in the morning and cross-off in the afternoon. The combined energy is weak to moderate (179 to 299), so it’s small but workable. This is a reef break, so the long period groundswell will wrap in nicely, but with crowds often, expect company.

Saturday August 22nd starts with a light cross-on breeze and small 3ft SSW swell, 16-second period, with energy picking up to 393. The afternoon has a risk of thunderstorms and a cross-off wind, but it’s still marginal. Sunday August 23rd is a bit messy with a cross-shore breeze and 3ft swell, but the afternoon sees a bump to 5ft from the SSE with a cross-off wind and moderate energy (919). Still not a standout.

Monday August 24th afternoon is the first real glimmer of a good session. Offshore wind from the ESE, 4ft SSW swell, 13-second period, and energy jumps to 1126 (moderate). The score is looking better, but conditions are still described as marginal.

Now, the standout – and I mean the real standout – is Friday August 28th. Both morning and afternoon are glassy, with 0 mph wind in the morning and a light 3 mph westerly in the afternoon. Swell is 4ft to 5ft from the SSW and SW, with a very long 17 to 18-second period. The combined energy is strong: 1255 in the morning, 1381 in the afternoon. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers. The reef will handle that long period beautifully, and the south-southwest direction is right in the optimum zone. Clean, glassy, and punchy. That’s your best day.

Saturday August 29th morning is a little compromised with a light cross-on, but the afternoon cleans up with a cross-off breeze and 5ft SSW swell, 15-second period, and still strong energy (973). Good, but not as good as Friday.

The last week of August and into September gets messy. Sunday August 30th and Monday August 31st are mostly poor to marginal. Then Tuesday September 1st is a write-off with severe gale-force winds, 47 mph to 50 mph, and totally blown out. Wednesday September 2nd has bigger swell at 6ft to 6ft from the S, but with fresh to moderate cross-shore winds and lumpy chop, it’s not for paddling – that’s a kite day.

Thursday September 3rd cleans up a bit with a cross-off breeze and 5ft to 5ft SSW swell, 12 to 13-second period, and energy around 1390 to 1486. Decent for a late run, but not a standout.

Friday September 4th afternoon is worth a mention: cross-off wind from the NNW, 4ft SSW swell, 16-second period, and energy peaks at 1550 – strong. Conditions are clean, and it’s excellent for experienced surfers. That’s the second best window in the whole run.

Saturday September 5th falls apart again with onshore winds and poor conditions.

So, to wrap it up: the best on offer is Friday August 28th – glassy, clean, solid groundswell, and strong energy. The second best is Friday September 4th afternoon. Everything else is small, windy, or messy. If you’re keen, pencil in that Friday 28th.

Rusty.

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