Zippers-Costa Azul Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Look, I’m gonna be straight with you—this stretch is a bit of a grind. The only spot worth talking about is Zippers-Costa Azul, a beach and reef set-up that’s got some potential, but it’s a waiting game for the magic to line up. The water’s sitting at a balmy 89°, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year.

Right now, the surf is small and messy. Sunday, the 16th, we’ve got a 4ft SSW swell with a 14-second period, giving us moderate energy (603), but the cross-onshore wind is putting a bit of a bump on the face. It’s not great. Monday the 17th is more of the same, with 4ft surf and a longer 16-second period (697), but a stronger cross-shore breeze chops it up. Tuesday and Wednesday (18th and 19th) drop even smaller, around 3ft to 4ft, with cross-winds keeping things average. Nothing to get excited about.

Thursday the 20th afternoon shows a flicker of hope. The swell drops to 3ft, but the wind goes cross-offshore and the surf turns glassy-clean. It’s small, sure, but clean. The real tease comes Thursday the 27th afternoon—a 4ft SW swell with a 17-second period (787) and cross-offshore wind. That’s a proper groundswell with serious energy, and the face should be clean. The swell direction matches what the break wants (S), so the points and reef sections could offer some good lines. Keep an eye on that.

Then look at Friday the 28th: the morning shows 4ft SSW swell from the south at 16 seconds (928), but the wind is cross-onshore, so it’s a bit lumpy. However, the afternoon cleans right up with a cross-offshore breeze and the same 4ft swell (839). That’s another standout—clean, good size, and that long period will push cleanly down the reef.

Saturday the 29th holds similar 4ft surf, but the cross-onshore wind sticks around, so it’s a bit of a gamble with the risk of storms. The 31st of August (Monday) brings a jump in swell to 6ft (1036)—solid, moderate energy—but it’s a short-period 10-second S swell. That’s too big for beginners and best left for experienced crew. With the light cross-onshore wind in the morning, it’ll be a bit lumpy, but the afternoon cleans up nicely with cross-offshore conditions on 6ft surf (774).

Overall, the best bets are Thursday the 27th afternoon and Friday the 28th afternoon—clean, chest-high wave faces, good energy, and the swell direction is dialled in. Also, Monday the 31st afternoon packs a punch with strong energy and clean faces, but that one’s for the more seasoned surfers.

Crowds? Zippers can get busy, so expect company. That’s just how it goes when it’s good.

Stay patient, keep an eye on the sky, and see you out there.

Rusty

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