Zicatela Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let's talk about the only spot in the picture for the foreseeable future.

It's all about Zicatela for the next couple weeks. This is an exposed, intermediate-level wave, and it's fairly consistent. The water is sitting around 88°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year – you'll feel it. We have a string of mornings that are really worth getting up for.

The first day to really get on it is Monday the 17th. Monday morning is looking glassy with 1.1m of clean SW groundswell, a 14-second period, and no wind to speak of. It's not huge, but the glassy conditions are a huge positive – it'll be smooth. Combined swell energy is moderate (570). The afternoons get a bit messy with the onshore wind, so mornings are the play.

That trend holds through Tuesday the 18th and Wednesday the 19th. Both mornings are offering that same clean, glassy look with 1.1m of SW swell and a 14-15 second period. Energy stays in the moderate range (608 and 560). Light offshore breezes from the SE and SSE keep it clean.

Thursday the 20th morning drops a bit to about 0.8m, but still glassy. Then things get a little weird. Friday the 21st is small and the period drops to 9 seconds – short period, not worth it.

Here’s the real standout for the first week. The morning of Saturday the 22nd is going to be excellent. We've got 1.4m of S swell (10-second period) with a clean cross-offshore wind from the ESE. Energy is up to 584, so there's a bit more push. That clean wind direction is key.

Sunday the 23rd morning is interesting – only 0.7m, but it's coming from the SW with a very long 18-second period. The energy is still a solid 747, so those waves will have a lot of punch despite the small height. Glassy conditions with a light NNE breeze. The long period means better shape, but at a beach break it can be a little straight.

Monday the 24th morning is dead calm – no wind at all, glassy as a lake. Still a 0.7m, 18-second period groundswell. Energy at 567.

After that, things get small from the 25th through the 27th. Heights drop to 0.5m - 0.7m. Energy numbers fall off a cliff (down to 208). Not worth it.

But hold on. It comes roaring back on Friday the 28th. The morning of the 28th is a major standout. We're looking at 1.0m of SW swell with a 17-second period, and it's dead glassy with a light S wind at 0 km/h. Energy shoots up to 800 – that's a solid, healthy push. This is the pick of the longer-range window.

Then we get the real juice. Saturday the 29th morning: 1.4m of SW swell at 16 seconds, glassy as, with the combined energy hitting 1165 – that is strong wave energy. Rated excellent for experienced surfers. At 1.4m, it's on the edge for beginners. Crowds are possible here sometimes, so just be aware.

Sunday the 30th morning is still a solid option with 1.2m SW swell and a clean cross-offshore breeze. A good way to wrap it up, but the 29th morning is the one to circle on the calendar.

Bottom line: best bets are the mornings from the 17th through the 24th. Circle the 22nd and 23rd for bigger, cleaner conditions. Then the real power returns on the 28th, peaking on the 29th morning. Skip the afternoons and the lull from the 25th to the 27th.

Stay stoked.
Rusty.

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