The Rock-Costa Azul Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, Rusty here. Let's have a look at the local surf scene, just one spot on the menu for the next 16 days.

The Rock-Costa Azul is a reef break that's consistent and exposed to the swell, and it's going to be a bit of a slow burn to start. Water temps are sitting around 84°, which is much warmer than usual for this time of year, so you'll be in boardies for sure.

The week kicks off on Thursday the 16th of July, but it’s a tad ordinary. Thursday morning is glassy, with a tiny 2ft SE swell, weak energy (127), and a risk of thunderstorms. It’s surfable, but nothing to write home about. The afternoon cleans up with offshore wind and a small 2ft SW swell, but the period is a massive 19 seconds, which is very long period groundswell. That long period on a reef will mean long lulls and clean, lined-up waves, but it's pretty small.

Friday the 17th of July looks better. The morning is a bit scrappy with cross-on wind and a 4ft S swell, but the afternoon is a winner. You’ve got a 4ft SSW swell with a solid 11-second period, clean conditions with cross-offshore wind, and moderate wave energy (577). This is a solid afternoon session.

Saturday the 18th of July sees the swell jump up to 6ft from the SW in the morning, but it's onshore and messy. The afternoon is a 5ft SW swell, cross-shore wind, but it’s described as marginal. The energy is strong (1011), but the conditions aren't sealing the deal.

Now, Sunday the 19th of July morning is the first real standout. The swell is 4ft from the SW, but the period is a glorious 17 seconds of groundswell, and it’s glassy. The combined energy is strong (1260), and the file says it's excellent for experienced surfers. This is a morning to be in the water, with clean, powerful lines rolling in. The afternoon gets a bit skittish with a risk of storms.

Monday the 20th of July looks good again. The morning is a bit cross-on, but the afternoon is glassy with a 4ft SSW swell, a 16-second period, and very strong energy (1344). Another excellent session for the experienced crew.

Tuesday the 21st of July keeps the quality going with glassy conditions and a 4ft SW swell in the morning, and clean cross-offshore wind in the afternoon. The swell energy is still strong.

From Wednesday the 22nd through to the end of the month, the swell sticks around, mostly in the 4ft to 6ft range, but the conditions are often a bit mixed. The afternoon of Wednesday the 22nd is a highlight with clean offshore wind and a 6ft SSW swell, marked as excellent for experienced surfers.

The real monster windows are later in the run. Friday the 24th of July afternoon has a 4ft SW swell, but the period is a ludicrous 21 seconds, and the combined energy is massive (1788). The wind is clean cross-offshore. This is a long-period groundswell that will be a dream on the reef, offering super clean, powerful waves.

Then on Saturday the 25th of July afternoon, the energy jumps to 2139 with a 5ft SW swell and a 19-second period. This is serious, powerful surf. The 31st of July afternoon also stands out with a 8ft SSW swell, a 13-second period, and very strong energy (1928), with clean cross-offshore wind. This is for the experienced paddlers only, as it's getting big.

Overall, the best on offer is Sunday the 19th of July morning for the glassy, long-period groundswell, and the afternoon of Friday the 24th of July for the sheer power and clean conditions. The water is much warmer than average, so it's a welcome change.

Rusty.

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