Zicatela Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a close look at what’s on offer for Zicatela over the next couple of weeks.

We’ve got a solid run of surf coming up, but it’s not all magic. The pattern is a long stretch of consistent SSW groundswell, hanging in the 3ft to 4ft range. The water’s sitting at 88°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year – you’ll feel that bathwater. The standout window is clear: Wednesday, September 16th through Thursday morning, September 17th, and then again Monday, September 21st and Tuesday, September 22nd mornings deliver the best combo of size, glass, and shape.

Starting off Tuesday, September 15th is a write-off. Cross-on wind and marginal conditions, so don’t bother. The story kicks in proper on Wednesday morning the 16th. Glassy conditions, clean as a whistle, with a 4ft SSW swell rolling in at a long-period 16 seconds. The combined energy is moderate (946), and with zero wind, it’s going to be some of the cleanest surf of the whole outlook. That’s the one to lock in. Keep in mind, long-period groundswell like this (over 15 seconds) can get a bit straight at the beach, but when it’s glassy like this, Zicatela can handle it.

Thursday morning the 17th holds similar: 4ft of SSW swell, 14-second period, and glassy again. That’s a cracking option too.

Then we hit a bit of a lull. Friday the 18th through Sunday the 20th the swell drops (2ft to 4ft) and the cross-on wind picks up. It’s still surfable but nothing to write home about. The combined energy dips to the 600-900 range. Not a total loss, just not top shelf.

Monday morning, September 21st, is another real highlight. We’re back up to a solid 4ft of SW groundswell at 17 seconds, with very strong wave energy (1107). Glassy conditions again. This one is marked for experienced surfers – the power is there. Tuesday morning the 22nd gives you another 4ft of S-SW swell at 16 seconds with glass, a bit less energy (748) but still very clean.

After that, the second week (Wednesday 23rd through to the 30th) settles down. Swell hangs between 2ft and 4ft, mainly SW, with periods dropping back to 12-18 seconds. Mornings continue to offer glassy windows, but the energy fades to a more moderate 400-700 range. Wednesday afternoon the 30th is the only late-period session that has a full day of glassy conditions, with 3ft, 16-second SW swell and good energy (597). It’s worth a paddle if you’re around, but don’t expect the power of that first week.

Crowds can show up here sometimes, especially when it’s clean and pumping, so be prepared to share the peak. Overall, the first week has the best windows – don’t sleep on Wednesday the 16th or Monday the 21st.

Rusty.

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