Zicatela Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming down the line for the next couple of weeks.

The pattern is working on a slow, steady grind. We’ve got some solid SSW pulses working in, but the early part of the week is pretty underwhelming. The real goods start to show later on, and there’s a definite standout that’s going to be worth the wait.

Let’s start with the early outlook. The morning sessions on Sunday the 2nd and Monday the 3rd are a bit of a mixed bag. Sunday morning is clean with light wind, but the swell is tiny at 3 ft from the SSW with a 12-second period, and the combined energy is only moderate (367). It’s a bit marginal, not really worth paddling out for. Monday morning the 3rd has a glassy surface with a 3 ft swell from the SSW, but the period stretches to 15 seconds. That’s a long period groundswell, which will bring more shape and energy, but at a beach break like Zicatela, it can punch straight and close out. The combined energy is still moderate (475). It’s a tease, but not quite there.

The mornings from Tuesday the 4th through to Thursday the 6th are all glassy, but the swell is hanging around 2 ft to 2 ft. The energy is weak (between 207 and 224). It’s a flat spell, really. The water temperature is sitting at 88°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so at least it’s comfortable to sit in the lineup if you’re desperate.

Now, things start to get interesting. Friday morning the 7th is looking like a real turning point. We’ve got a 3 ft swell from the SSW, but the period jumps to 18 seconds – that’s a very long period groundswell. The combined energy jumps to 664 (strong). The wind is glassy, and the water is dead calm. This is the kind of long-period energy that loves a point or a reef, but at Zicatela, it’s going to hold up and offer some real power. This is a proper, clean, powerful morning. It’s the first true standout of the run.

Saturday morning the 8th keeps the party going. The swell bumps up to 4 ft from the SSW, with a 16-second period. The combined energy is strong (768). Glassy conditions again. This is a fantastic morning session, with the swell building in size and the period still long. It’s about as good as it gets for a Saturday.

Sunday the 9th and Monday the 10th are still decent, with 3 ft to 3 ft swells, but the period drops to 14-13 seconds, and the winds turn a bit cross or onshore. The quality drops off a notch. The energy is still moderate to strong (535-608), but the clean windows are gone.

Tuesday the 11th morning is another glassy beauty with a 3 ft, 14-second SSW swell, energy at 598. That’s a clean, fun morning. Then Wednesday the 12th offers a nice morning with a clean cross-offshore wind from the ESE, with a 2 ft, 16-second swell. The combined energy is 449 (moderate). It’s a good, clean session.

Thursday the 13th morning is glassy, but the swell drops to 2 ft. The period stretches to 21 seconds, which is incredibly long. The combined energy is strong (508), but at that size, it’s going to be hard to get a ride. It’s a very long-period, small groundswell. It’s more of a novelty than a proper surf.

Now, here’s the big one. Friday morning the 14th of August. This is the best on offer. The swell is 4 ft from the SSW, with an 18-second period. The combined energy is a massive 1186 (very strong). The wind is glassy, coming from the ENE. This is a powerful, clean, long-period groundswell. At 4 ft, it’s solid but not too big for intermediates, and the energy is massive. The direction is ideal for Zicatela (exposed to SSW), and the conditions are pristine. This is the standout session of the whole forecast. It’s going to be a proper, pumping morning.

The following weekend and into the next week (15th to 17th of August) continues to offer solid, clean mornings. Swells hold around 4 ft to 4 ft, with 15-16 second periods, and combined energy staying strong (694 to 965). The mornings are glassy, but the afternoons get a bit onshore or cross-onshore. So the game is to get out early. The consistency is good, and the crowds are likely at Zicatela, especially on the weekend. This spot is exposed and always has a crowd, but the quality on offer will make it worth it.

So, to wrap it up: the first week is a slow burn with a few clean, small mornings. The real standout is Friday morning the 14th of August – that’s your best bet. The second week is consistently good in the mornings, with solid, clean groundswells. Don’t sleep on the early alarm.

Rusty.

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