Zicatela Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it. We’ve got a solid run of surf on the cards for Zicatela, with the real standouts stacking up in the last week of July and the very start of August. The water is sitting at a warm 87°, which is about a degree and a half warmer than usual for this time of year – nice and tropical, you won’t be needing a spring suit.

The first few days are a bit of a mixed bag. Tuesday afternoon the 21st sees a 4ft SSW swell rolling in, but the wind is onshore and the overall energy is moderate (651). The forecast says it’s marginal, so don’t get too excited. Wednesday morning the 22nd is a different story – glassy conditions, a 3ft SW swell, and the energy is still solid (373). That’s a clean, fun little session for intermediates. Thursday morning the 23rd is also glassy with a 2ft SW groundswell, but the energy is dropping (221). Still, clean waves are clean waves.

Now, Friday morning the 24th is where it starts to get interesting. We’ve got a 3ft SW swell with a *very* long period of 24 seconds, and glassy conditions. The combined energy jumps up to 979 – that’s strong. That long period means the waves will have serious shape and power, perfect for Zicatela’s exposed point break setup. This is a standout for the first week.

Saturday morning the 25th is a top contender. Glassy conditions again, a 3ft SSW swell, but the period is 21 seconds and the energy is over 1000 (1175). This is excellent surf for experienced surfers. The swell is still a manageable size for intermediates, but the power is real. Sunday morning the 26th keeps the run going: glassy, 5ft SW swell, 18-second period, and energy at 1493. That’s very strong wave energy. The crowd factor is “sometimes” at Zicatela, so expect some company, but it’s worth it.

The absolute standout of the whole outlook is Monday morning the 27th. Glassy, 6ft SW swell, 18-second period, and the combined energy hits 2142 – that’s strong to very strong. That’s a proper swell with serious grunt. For the experienced crew, this is the one. Tuesday morning the 28th is also a beast: 7ft SW swell, 17-second period, and energy at 2619. This is big, powerful, and only for experts. The wind is glassy, so it’ll be a clean freight train.

After that, the energy slowly backs off. Wednesday morning the 29th is still excellent with a 6ft SSW swell and 16-second period, energy at 1540. Glassy. Thursday morning the 30th is very good with a 5ft SSW swell, 14-second period, and energy at 884. Still worth a dawny.

Moving into the second week, the surf stays fun but smaller. Friday morning the 31st has a 4ft SSW swell with a light offshore wind from the NE – clean and glassy. Energy is 690. Saturday the 1st of August is a drop-off, with a 3ft SSW swell and cross-shore winds. Not great. Sunday morning the 2nd is glassy again with a 3ft SSW swell, but the energy is low (285). Good for a beginner session. Monday the 3rd stays small with a 2ft SW swell, glassy, energy 243. Tuesday the 4th morning is glassy with a 2ft S swell, energy 279. Wednesday the 5th morning is glassy with a 2ft S swell, but the period is 14 seconds – clean little waves.

So, the big takeaway: Friday the 24th, Saturday the 25th, and especially Monday the 27th and Tuesday the 28th are your best bets. Get on it.

Rusty.

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