Zippers-Costa Azul Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, let’s have a look at what’s brewing for Zippers-Costa Azul. This is a solid beach and reef set-up that’s exposed to the swell, and it’s been pretty consistent over the outlook. The water temp is sitting right around average for this time of year, so a wetsuit is all you’ll need.

The first window of proper surf kicks off on Monday the 20th, but it’s a bit of a slow start. We’ve got a 3ft SSW groundswell with a very long 16-second period, and the energy is moderate (757). The wind is light and onshore from the ESE, so it’s not going to be a classic. The afternoon picks up a bit to 4ft, still that long period, but the wind swings cross-shore and the wave energy bumps up to 974. Still, it’s a bit marginal for getting excited.

Now, Tuesday the 21st is where things start to look a little more interesting. The morning is clean with a 4ft SW swell at 15 seconds, but the wind is a light cross-onshore. The real standout is Tuesday afternoon. The swell is 4ft from the SSW, period 14 seconds, and the wind is cross-offshore. The wave energy is moderate (778) and the conditions are clean. This is a solid session for intermediates.

The best of the bunch, though, is shaping up for Wednesday the 22nd. The morning is a bit bumpy with a 6ft SW swell, but the wind is light cross-onshore. The afternoon is the gem. The swell drops to 4ft from the SW, period 14 seconds, and the wind goes glassy. The combined energy is strong (1237), and the conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers. This is the one to circle on the calendar. The wave energy is good, the wind is perfect, and the break should be handling it well.

Thursday the 23rd keeps the momentum going. The morning is a little messy with an onshore breeze, but the afternoon is glassy with a 0 mph wind and a 4ft SW swell. The period is 11 seconds, and the energy is moderate (567). Clean, glassy conditions are always a treat.

Friday the 24th sees a drop in swell size, with a 2ft SSW swell in the morning, but the period is a very long 24 seconds. The energy is moderate (684) but the wind is cross-onshore, so it’s not the best. The afternoon bumps up to 4ft from the SW with a 21-second period, but the wind is a moderate cross-shore, creating a bit of chop.

The weekend of the 25th and 26th has a solid run of swell, with 4ft to 5ft SSW/SW swells, and periods in the 18-20 second range. The Saturday afternoon has a 5ft SW swell, a 19-second period, and a cross-offshore breeze, giving clean conditions. The energy is strong (2138). Sunday afternoon is similar, with a 5ft SSW swell, 18-second period, and cross-offshore wind.

The new week from Monday the 27th to Tuesday the 28th continues with consistent 5ft to 6ft SSW swells, periods around 16-18 seconds, and mostly cross-offshore or cross winds. The wave energy is solid, staying in the 1400-1800 range. These are reliable, surfable days.

The stretch from Wednesday the 29th through to the end of the period falls off significantly. The wind turns onshore and strong, with swell dropping below 3ft and energy falling to weak levels. The surf becomes poor, with a lot of onshore wind and rain. The last few days of the outlook are a write-off, with a 34 mph onshore wind on the 3rd of August and small, messy swell.

The real standout is Wednesday afternoon, the 22nd of July. That glassy session with the 4ft SW swell and strong energy is the best you’ll see. The Tuesday afternoon before it is also a solid pick. The second week is a bit of a gamble, but the first week has some nice clean windows.

Rusty

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