Zicatela Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s coming up for Zicatela.

We’ve got a solid run of surf ahead, starting right now and stretching all the way into early September. The first few days are looking clean and rideable, but the real standouts are shaping up towards the end of the month and into the first week of September. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so nothing unusual there.

Tuesday, August 18 kicks things off with a glassy morning. The swell is a clean 4ft from the SW with a long 14-second period, and the wave energy is moderate (560). The wind is virtually nothing, so it’s going to be smooth and inviting. The afternoon turns onshore, so make the most of the early session.

Wednesday, August 19 is another beauty in the morning. Dead calm, glassy conditions, and the swell is holding at 4ft from the SW, but the period has stretched to 15 seconds, giving it a bit more grunt (553 energy). Afternoon storms and onshore winds will mess it up, so get out there early.

Thursday, August 20 and Friday, August 21 are both offering smaller morning waves – around 3ft to 3ft – but with glassy conditions and clean faces. The swell is still coming from the S/SW, and the long period (10-14 seconds) will keep the waves lined up. Energy drops to the 250-350 range, so it’s more mellow but still fun for a longboard or a fish.

Saturday, August 22 morning is a bit of a hidden gem. Clean, glassy, 3ft from the south with a 10-second period, and the energy jumps to 425. It’s a good morning to score some clean, punchy waves before the afternoon onshore wind kicks in.

Sunday, August 23 sees a shift. The swell drops to 2ft, but the period jumps to 18 seconds – that’s a very long period groundswell. The energy is strong (734). This is the kind of swell that will wrap around the point and offer some long, lined-up walls, perfect for a point break setup. The morning is glassy, so that’s the window.

Monday, August 24 through Wednesday, August 26 are consistent but smaller. Swell hangs around 2ft to 3ft, with periods staying long (15-18 seconds). The mornings are all glassy, so expect clean, small waves with good shape. Energy drops from 595 down to 267, so it’s not going to be a power session, but it’s fine for a cruise.

Thursday, August 27 has a glassy morning with 2ft from the SSW and an 18-second period, 405 energy. The afternoon turns cross-onshore, so morning is the only call.

Friday, August 28 morning is a real window. The swell is back up to 4ft from the SW, 16-second period, and the energy is strong at 746. The wind is a light cross-offshore, keeping things clean. The afternoon gets messy with storms and cross-shore wind, but the morning is a serious option.

Saturday, August 29 – this is the standout. The morning has 5ft of SW swell with a 16-second period and a massive 1373 energy reading. The wind is glassy. That’s a solid, powerful groundswell with clean conditions. At 5ft, it’s getting a bit much for beginners, but intermediates will have a blast. The afternoon is a write-off with onshore wind.

Sunday, August 30 morning is another one to circle. 5ft from the SSW, 15-second period, 1174 energy, and dead calm. That’s expert territory for the size, but it will be a proper session for anyone who knows what they’re doing. The crowd profile says “sometimes,” so you might have some company, but it won’t be a circus.

Monday, August 31 morning is still solid: 5ft from the SSW, 14-second period, 959 energy, and glassy. That’s a very good morning for experienced surfers. The afternoon goes onshore, so morning or nothing.

Tuesday, September 1 morning is 4ft from the SSW, 13-second period, 726 energy, and glassy. Clean, fun, and a bit more manageable for the intermediate crowd.

Wednesday, September 2 morning finishes the run with a glassy, calm session. Swell is down to 2ft, but the period is a huge 17 seconds, with 546 energy. That’s a long-period groundswell that will glide in smooth and clean.

The best of the best is Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30 mornings. That’s when the combination of size, energy, and glassy wind lines up for a proper session. For the rest of the run, stick to the mornings and you’ll score.

Rusty.

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