Zippers-Costa Azul Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cookin’ for the Zippers-Costa Azul stretch over the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, we’re looking at a bit of a slow start. The first couple of days are pretty ordinary, not worth paddlin’ out. The real action starts to build later in the week. The water temp is sitting at 87°, which is *much* warmer than normal for this time of year, so if you’re heading to Zippers-Costa Azul, expect a bath—a very unusual situation.

Monday 3rd is a write-off – a storm threat and surfable but very ordinary conditions with a weak 2ft SW swell (energy is low at 166). Glassy wind in the arvo, but the waves just aren’t there.

Tuesday 4th through Wednesday 5th are poor as well. Tiny 1ft to 2ft SW swells, cross-on or cross-off winds that are too light or in the wrong direction. Not worth your time.

Thursday 6th morning is still marginal, but the *arvo* is where things start to get interesting. We get a jump to a 2ft SSW swell with a very long period of 18 seconds, and moderate wave energy (476). The cross-off wind will keep it clean. That long period means the groundswell will have plenty of push, but at a beach and reef setup like this, it might bend a bit straight. Still, the best option of the week so far.

Friday 7th has a similar size (3ft SSW, 17 seconds) but offshore wind in the morning, which is a good sign. However, the conditions are described as marginal, so the timing and tide will be everything. Keep an eye on the morning.

Saturday 8th is the first real standout to get excited about. Saturday *afternoon* sees 3ft SSW swell, period around 15 seconds, and light cross-off wind. The energy is moderate (538) and it’s labelled “expect very good surf conditions.” This is the best window of the first week – clean, solid, and rideable for intermediates.

Sunday 9th fades out again. The swell drops back and the wind turns cross-onshore or cross-shore with chop. Nothing special.

Monday 10th to Tuesday 11th is all marginal and poor again. The swell sticks around 2ft-3ft but the wind is messy, and periods are very long (19-20 seconds) which for a beach/reef mix can make it hard to find a good wall.

Wednesday 12th afternoon is worth a look: 3ft SW, 16 seconds, cross-off wind, clean conditions – a good call for an afternoon session.

Thursday 13th *afternoon* is another standout. You’ve got 3ft SW at 16 seconds, light cross-off breeze, and the energy jumps to 668. Label says “expect very good surf conditions.” This could be a fun, clean session.

Friday 14th afternoon sees the biggest swell of the run so far – 4ft SSW, 17 seconds, and strong wave energy at 1047. This is moderate-to-strong energy, and while the wind is light cross-shore, the conditions are marginal. For intermediate and above, this could be a punchy day, but beginners might find it a bit much.

Saturday 15th is a mess in the morning (choppy), but the afternoon cleans up with a cross-off. Still 4ft, but the energy is strong (859). Worth a look if you can handle the size.

Sunday 16th morning is a great sleeper pick: 3ft SSW, 14 seconds, light cross-off wind, and “expect very good surf conditions.” Clean, glassy-like, and not too big. This is a solid option.

From Monday 17th onwards, the swell slowly fades. The rest of the stretch into Tuesday 18th is a mix of marginal and poor conditions. The energy levels drop, and the winds get tricky. No more standouts in the second week.

The pick of the period: Saturday 8th afternoon and Thursday 13th afternoon are your best bets – clean, solid 3ft-ish groundswell with good winds. If you want a bit more size and have the skills, Friday 14th afternoon delivers punch. Crowds at Zippers-Costa Azul are “often,” so expect company on these days.

This is Rusty, signing off.

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