Zippers-Costa Azul Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s look at the spell coming up at Zippers-Costa Azul.

We’ve got a solid run of swell on the horizon, but it’s not all smooth sailing. The first day or two are a bit rough, but stick with me, because there’s some real beauty to be found, especially if you’re happy to wait for the clean pockets.

The action kicks off Tuesday the 1st with a modest 3 ft SSW swell, period of 13 seconds, and combined energy of 368 (weak). The wind is on it from the SSE at 9 mph, so it’s a bit messy. The water is sitting at 88°, which is *much warmer than normal* for the time of year – that’s over 5° above average, so you’ll be in a shortie or even just boardies. The afternoon drops to 2 ft SW, but the cross-on wind keeps it choppy. Not the best start.

Wednesday the 2nd sees a big jump to 11 ft to 12 ft, but it’s from the SSE with a short 13-second period and howling cross-on winds at 12 mph. The combined energy is massive (3968 to 4440), but the conditions are poor. With that size and onshore wind, it’s a mess. This is expert territory only, and even then, it’s not looking fun. The beach and reef setup here might be more interesting for the kite surfers than paddlers.

Thursday the 3rd drops slightly to 11 ft to 13 ft, still with heavy energy (3809 to 5284), but the wind is lighter. Morning is onshore, afternoon is cross-on. It’s still marginal and big – only for the brave.

The standout window arrives on Monday the 7th. The morning brings a glassy, clean 3 ft SSW swell with a 14-second period, and combined energy of 841 (moderate). The wind is from the NW at just 3 mph, and it’s glassy. The report says “expect very good surf conditions.” This is the best call of the whole forecast. The swell is clean, the period is long enough to have some push, and the wind is perfect. Get out there.

The following Monday afternoon the 7th drops to 4 ft but the wind shifts onshore. Tuesday the 8th offers a clean 3 ft to 2 ft SSW swell with offshore and cross-off winds from the NW. The energy is lower (213 to 315), but it’s clean. Good for a longboard or a fun log.

Wednesday the 9th is another highlight – morning is clean 3 ft SW with a very long 17-second period and energy of 492. The afternoon is even better as the wind goes offshore from the NNW at 9 mph, with 4 ft SW and 17-second period, energy 847. “Expect very good surf conditions” in the afternoon. That long period groundswell will be super clean at this reef and point setup, but it will be a bit fat and straight on the beach sections. Paddling out will be easy between sets.

The good run continues Thursday the 10th with a 4 ft SW swell, 16-second period, and glassy conditions in the afternoon from the WSW. That’s another standout for clean, lined-up waves. Friday the 11th is also glassy in the morning and afternoon with 3 ft SSW to SW swell, but the energy drops to 377 to 504.

After the 11th, things drop off. The weekend of the 13th and 14th sees smaller swell (2 ft to 3 ft) with longer periods, and the wind is mostly cross or cross-on, keeping it marginal. The energy is weak (272 to 395). The last few days, from the 14th to the 16th, are small and cleanish, but nothing to get excited about.

Bottom line: The absolute best will be Monday the 7th morning – glassy, clean, 3 ft SSW swell with a 14-second period at Zippers-Costa Azul. The afternoon of Wednesday the 9th and Thursday the 10th are also top-tier with offshore and glassy conditions and a long, clean SW groundswell. Crowds are listed as “often” at Zippers, so expect company for those clean sessions.

Rusty.

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