The Rock-Costa Azul Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let's get into it.

Well, it's a tricky one for the next couple of weeks. There are some windows of really good potential, but we've got to be patient. The Rock-Costa Azul is a solid reef break, consistent, and it loves a south swell, which is what we're getting. The water is much warmer than normal for this time of year, sitting at 85°F, so that's a nice treat to start.

The forecast kicks off on Saturday, July 18th, but honestly, don't bother. The morning has a 4ft SSW swell with an easterly breeze on it, making for poor conditions. The afternoon bumps up to 5ft from the SSW with a longer 13-second period, but the wind is a light cross-onshore, and the forecast flags it as marginal. The combined energy is moderate (927), but it's not worth the paddle.

Sunday, July 19th, is more of the same. The morning has a 4ft SW swell with a very long 17-second period, but the cross-onshore wind keeps it choppy. The afternoon drops to 3ft, but the wind shifts to a cross-offshore, cleaning it up. It's small, but clean. The energy is still moderate (726).

Monday, July 20th, is where we start to see something. The morning is still a bit messy with a 3ft SSW swell and cross-onshore wind. But the afternoon is the first real standout. We get a 4ft SSW swell, 16-second period, and a clean cross-offshore breeze from the WSW. The combined energy is right up there (981), and the forecast expects very good surf conditions. This is your best bet for the first week.

Tuesday, July 21st, is a write-off, and Wednesday, July 22nd, the afternoon is worth a look. A 5ft SSW swell with a 12-second period and a clean cross-offshore wind. The energy is moderate (854) and the forecast is expecting very good conditions again.

Thursday, July 23rd, is poor in the morning, but the afternoon cleans up with a 4ft SW swell. Small, but clean. Friday, July 24th, has a tiny 2ft SSW swell in the morning, but the afternoon is a real glimmer. A 4ft SW swell with a massive 21-second period, which is a very long-period groundswell. The combined energy jumps to strong (1357) and the wind is clean. This is a standout for the reef, as that long period will wrap in nicely.

Now, for the real highlight. Saturday, July 25th, the afternoon is the best on offer in the entire 16-day window. A 5ft SW swell, 19-second period, and a clean cross-offshore breeze. The combined energy is a powerful 2175, and the forecast is calling it excellent for experienced surfers. This is the one to circle. The swell direction is right on the money for The Rock.

Sunday, July 26th, through to Tuesday, July 28th, sees a building swell, but the wind is a bit more cross than we'd like, keeping things a little lumpy. The energy is high, but the quality is marginal.

The next big standout is Thursday, July 30th. The morning is a solid 8ft SW swell with a moderate 14-second period and a clean cross-offshore wind. The energy is very strong (2891), and it's rated excellent for experienced surfers. This is big, clean, and powerful, but it's only for the experts. The afternoon sees a 8ft swell with a fresh offshore wind from the WNW, which is a full-on offshore, but there's a risk of thunderstorms. Still, that's a classic session for the brave.

Finally, Friday, July 31st, is a gem. The morning has a 5ft WSW swell with a clean cross-offshore wind, and the energy is moderate (1035). The afternoon is magic: 5ft WSW swell, glassy conditions with zero wind. The combined energy is 835, and it's going to be a clean, playful session.

After that, it fades. Saturday, August 1st, is small and messy, and Sunday, August 2nd, is a complete blown-out dud with 2ft swell and a choppy cross-onshore wind. The energy is weak (279), and it's a poor finish to the run.

So, to sum it up: the Saturday afternoon, July 25th, is the absolute standout for the big, clean, powerful swell. For a cleaner, more manageable wave, the Monday afternoon, July 20th, and the Friday afternoon, July 31st, are your best bets. The big stuff on July 30th is for the experts only.

Rusty.

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