Zarautz Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here, checking in on the local stretch. Let’s see what we’ve got coming up over the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, I’ve got to be straight with you – the start of this outlook is a flat spell. We’re looking at a real quiet run from now all the way through to the 19th of July. The water’s sitting at a very warm 77°F which is a lot toastier than normal for this time of year, but that’s about the only thing going on. The waves are tiny and the conditions are just plain poor for a proper paddle. You’d be wasting your time.

Now, we’ve got our first little glimmer of hope on Monday the 20th of July. It’s still not going to be anything to write home about, but early doors we might see a slight knee-high wave, around 3ft from the NNE, with glassy conditions. The combined energy is only 84 (weak), so it’s small and a bit soft, but if you’re desperate for a splash, that’s the first window.

The real story, though, is what’s brewing for the end of the month. The swell starts to build properly on the 25th of July with a powerful NW groundswell. The period jumps to 15 seconds, and the energy rating hits 185 (moderate) by the morning, but the wind is cross-on and messy. It’s not clean. The afternoon gets even bigger, with 4ft swell and a combined energy of 465 (strong), but it’s still cross-on and choppy.

But hold onto your board, because Sunday the 26th of July is the standout. The morning session at Zarautz is the one to circle. We’ve got a solid 4ft of NW groundswell rolling in with a period of 12 seconds, and the combined energy is a strong 450. The best part? Glassy conditions, light offshore wind, clean as a whistle. That’s the pick of the whole run. The afternoon gets a bit onshore, so make it a dawn patrol mission.

Then, Monday the 27th of July also looks promising early. Another 4ft NW swell, period of 10 seconds, energy at 311 (moderate), and again, glassy conditions with that light offshore breeze. The crowds at Zarautz can be a bit of a thing, but for that quality, it’s worth the paddle.

The big one, though, looks like Tuesday the 28th of July. Tuesday morning is shaping up to be the best of the best. We’re looking at 5ft of NW swell, period of 10 seconds, and the combined energy is pumping at 573 (strong). With glassy, light offshore winds, this is going to be prime. That’s a solid size for a longboard, and on the right day, a shortboard too. The afternoon sees the wind shift, so again, early is key.

The 29th of July still has some size, with 5ft and 4ft of NW swell, but the wind goes onshore, so it’s more of a backup option.

So, to wrap it up: the first week and a half is a write-off. The real action is all in the last few days of the month. Sunday the 26th and Tuesday the 28th of July, early mornings, are your best bets. Get out there when it’s glassy and you’ll be rewarded.

Rusty.

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