The Rock-Costa Azul Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here, and I’ve been staring at the charts for our local patch. We’ve got a solid run of swell coming in, but it’s not for the faint of heart. This is a proper groundswell window, and you’ll want to pick your moments carefully.

The main event is undeniably The Rock-Costa Azul. This is a reef break that knows how to handle a big south swell, and that’s exactly what we’re getting. The water is a balmy 87°F, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year, so you can leave the thick steamer at home.

We start off on Sunday, the 26th of July. The morning is looking clean with a 5ft SSW swell, period a very long 18 seconds, and a gentle cross-off breeze. The energy is pumping at 1506 (moderate-strong). This is excellent surf for experienced surfers. The afternoon sees the swell bump up a touch to 5ft, but the wind picks up to 15 mph, making it a bit more of a handful.

Monday, the 27th, is a mixed bag. The morning has a 5ft SSW swell, but the wind is cross-shore, creating some bumps. The afternoon is where the size jumps to 8ft from the S, with a shorter 13-second period, and the energy is massive at 3275. But the forecast says it's marginal due to wind and tide. It’s on the edge.

Now, the standout for the big-wave crew is Tuesday morning, the 28th of July. We’re looking at a solid 10ft SSW swell, with a 16-second period. The wind is a light cross-shore, but the forecast specifically warns that the swell is predicted to be too big for this break. The energy is a staggering 4319. This is for experts only. If you’re not comfortable on a big, powerful reef, sit this one out.

Wednesday, the 29th, offers a reprieve. The morning brings a 6ft SSW swell with a very long 16-second period, and the wind is a whisper-light cross-off. The wave energy is still strong at 2070, and the conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers. This is a top pick for those who want quality without the 10ft+ chaos. The afternoon gets a fresh 19 mph offshore wind from the WNW, keeping it clean, but the swell drops a touch.

Thursday, the 30th, is another good day. The swell backs off to 4ft from the SSW, but the period is a solid 14 seconds. The real highlight is the afternoon, with a 12 mph offshore wind from the W, creating clean, moderate offshore conditions. The energy is 1080. This is just excellent, clean, and manageable.

After that, the swell starts to fade. Friday, the 31st, has a 4ft WSW swell in the morning with cross-on wind, but the afternoon cleans up with a 3ft SSW swell and light cross-off breeze. The quality drops off from the 1st of August onward, with wave heights dropping below 3ft and energy falling into the low hundreds. There’s a long gap of small, ordinary surf through the first week of August.

Looking further out, there’s a glimmer of hope. Friday, the 7th of August, shows a small rebuild. The morning has a 3ft SSW swell with a long 17-second period and clean cross-off winds. The energy is 627. The forecast even says “expect very good surf conditions.” It’s a long way off, but it’s something to keep an eye on for a sneaky session.

So, to boil it down: the best of the best is likely Wednesday morning, the 29th of July, for that combo of solid size, long period, and glassy winds. If you’re a charger, Tuesday morning, the 28th, is the big dance. The second week is mostly flat, but keep an eye on that Friday, the 7th of August.

Stay safe out there.

Rusty.

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