The Rock-Costa Azul Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here.

Look, it’s a bit of a slow start on the cards for the Costa Azul stretch. The Rock is a solid reef set-up, but we’re looking at a few days of pretty ordinary, small surf before anything really gets going. Water temp is sitting at 84°, which is a full 5° warmer than usual for this time of year – that’s pretty wild, you’ll be sweating in your wetsuit top.

Tuesday the 14th is a write-off, with only 2ft of weak, long-period swell and a cross breeze. Not worth paddling out for. Wednesday the 15th sees a slight bump to 4ft but the swell is short-period and messy, with a cross wind. Thursday the 16th is glassy but tiny, with only 2ft – really just a knee-high dribble. Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th morning are still nothing to write home about, with crossed-up winds and mediocre swell.

The first real glimmer of hope hits Saturday afternoon the 18th. The Rock is looking at 5ft of swell from the SW, with a long 13-second period and light cross-offshore wind. The combined energy is moderate (982) and the conditions are clean. It’s still not a standout, but it’s the first session worth suiting up for.

Now, Sunday the 19th and Monday the 20th bring in some very long-period groundswell (16-17 seconds) from the SSW/SW, with glassy conditions on Monday morning and afternoon. The swell sits around 3ft to 4ft, but that long period means proper waves – just be aware that at a reef like The Rock, those long-period swells can wrap in nicely. The energy is moderate to strong (789-915). This is a solid window for the experienced crew.

Tuesday the 21st sees the swell ramp up to 6ft-8ft, with a strong 13-14 second period and clean offshore winds. The energy jumps to 1589-1993, strong. Now this is getting serious. The wind is cross-offshore, keeping it clean. This is a good session for confident surfers.

Wednesday the 22nd and Thursday the 23rd morning, the swell hits 8ft, but the wind swings onshore and cross-onshore, chopping it up. The energy is very strong (2504-2119) but the wind is ruining the party. Thursday afternoon the 23rd is a different story – 8ft from the SW, 13-second period, and clean cross-offshore wind. The energy is 2695, and conditions are excellent for experienced surfers. This is shaping up as a highlight.

The real standout, though, is Friday the 24th. The morning delivers a massive 10ft SW swell with a 13-second period, glassy conditions, and a west wind. The energy is 3152 – very strong. The file says it might be too big for this break, so this is strictly for experts only. The afternoon drops to 8ft but with a solid offshore wind from the WNW, keeping it clean and hollow. If you’re a charger, that’s your window.

Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th are a dream run for the rest of us. The swell drops to 3ft-5ft, but it’s from the SSW/SW with a very long period of 18-20 seconds. The wind is glassy or calm, and the energy is still strong (1233-2377). The waves will be clean, lined up, and perfect for a reef. This is the best all-round quality window for the entire forecast.

The final week (27th July onwards) holds onto 4ft-5ft SSW swell with 16-17 second periods, but the wind gets a bit more cross-shore and cross-offshore. It’s still surfable and clean, but not as pristine as the weekend. The energy stays moderate to strong (985-1853).

So, if you’re an expert, target Friday the 24th. For everyone else, the weekend of the 25th and 26th is your pick – clean, long-period groundswell, and glassy conditions. The Rock will be offering up some beautiful, long walls.

Rusty.

Read more