Zippers-Costa Azul Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. This is Rusty, and I’m looking at the next couple of weeks for Zippers-Costa Azul (Costa Azul). It’s a beach and reef setup, exposed to the swell, and it’s a consistent spot that normally handles a good South swell.

Right now, we’re starting off with a bit of a slow start. Thursday morning the 23rd has some small 2ft swell from the SW, with a light onshore breeze from the ESE, so it’s pretty marginal. The water is a very unusual 86°, which is way warmer than normal for this time of year – that’s a big anomaly, over 3 degrees warmer. Not much to get excited about on the paddle-out.

But Thursday afternoon is where it starts to get interesting. The wind swings to a glassy SW, light as can be, and the swell bumps up to a clean 3ft from the SW, period at 9 seconds. The combined energy is moderate (324). That’s a nice, clean, small-wave session for the intermediate crew. No crowds mentioned, so it could be a quiet one.

Friday the 24th brings a real shift. Morning has a tiny 2ft from the SSW but with a very long period of 24 seconds – that’s a proper groundswell. The energy is moderate (518). The wind is light onshore from the SE, so it’s a bit messy. Come Friday afternoon, the swell picks up to 4ft from the SW, period still long at 21 seconds, and the wind becomes a clean cross-offshore from the WSW. The energy jumps to 1321 – strong wave energy. This is a good call for experienced surfers, with that long-period swell lining up nicely on the reef/beach. Saturday the 25th morning has a risk of thunderstorms and a crosswind from the NE, with 4ft from the SSW, period 20 seconds, and energy at 1350. It’s a bit junky. But Saturday afternoon is the real standout so far: 6ft from the SSW, period 19 seconds, with a clean offshore wind from the WNW. The energy is massive at 2112. That’s excellent surf for experienced surfers, and the wind is perfect. This is the one to aim for.

Sunday the 26th holds size at 5ft from the SSW, period 18 seconds, but the wind is a bit cross-onshore in the morning and cross-offshore in the afternoon, so it’s not as clean as Saturday. Still, it’s a solid swell.

Now, Monday the 27th through Tuesday the 29th is where it gets big. Monday morning has 8ft from the SSE, period 14 seconds, with a light onshore breeze. By afternoon, it’s 8ft from the SSE, period 14 seconds, and the wind is cross-offshore – but this is big. Energy is 3891. This is for experts only, as it’s over 8 feet. Tuesday the 28th stays big at 8ft from the S, but the wind turns ugly Tuesday afternoon with a strong cross-onshore from the ESE. Then Wednesday the 29th is the peak: 10ft to 12ft from the S, with a near-gale cross-onshore wind from the E at 31 mph. The energy is 5668. That’s not surfable for paddle surfing – it’s blown to hell. That’s kite territory.

Thursday the 30th still has huge 13ft swell from the SSW, but the wind is moderate onshore, making it a mess. Friday the 31st drops back to 6ft from the SW, and the afternoon has a clean cross-offshore wind from the W. That’s another good clean session for the experienced.

After that, August 1st to the 7th is a slow fade. Small swells, mostly 1ft to 4ft, with poor to marginal conditions. The combined energy drops to under 500. A few sessions with light winds, but nothing to write home about. The long gap from the 1st through the 7th is pretty flat and poor.

So, the best on offer? Saturday afternoon, the 25th of July. That 6ft SSW swell, with the 19-second period, combined with a clean offshore wind, is the clear standout. The crowd profile isn’t given, but with it being a consistent spot, you might have company. Second best is Friday afternoon, the 31st of July, with 6ft from the SW and a clean cross-offshore wind.

Take it easy, and score that Saturday.

Rusty.

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