Zumaya (Playa de Itxurun) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, Rusty here. Let’s look at what we’ve got coming up for Zumaya.

We’ve got a slow start, but this forecast is hiding a couple of absolute rippers if you can wait. The first week is mostly for the patient surfer who is happy with small, clean waves and good vibes. Then we get a double-header of proper, solid NW groundswell that is going to light up the point. The water is a balmy 73° right now, which is 5° warmer than average for this time of year—that is *much* warmer than normal, so you can leave the thick wetsuit at home.

The action kicks off this Sunday morning (the 13th). First light at Zumaya (Playa de Itxurun) is where you want to be. We’ve got a glassy 4ft NW swell pulsing in at a solid 13 seconds. The combined energy is a solid moderate 540, and the conditions are described as glassy with a slight air from the ESE. This is the kind of clean, lined-up start that makes you grateful to be alive. Crowds are “often” here, so expect some company. Afternoon sees an onshore kick, so stick to the morning.

Monday (the 14th) is a copy-and-paste of Sunday morning: glassy conditions with 4ft of NW swell (12 second period) and light easterly winds. The energy is down a notch to 423, but it’s still clean and fun for a log or a fish.

Tuesday and Wednesday (the 15th and 16th) are a write-off. The wind swings NW and cross-on, and the period drops to the 5-6 second range on Tuesday. That’s a windswell chop-fest. 12 mph winds and low energy (down to 96 on Tuesday afternoon) mean you’re better off staying on the beach.

We get a little reprieve on Friday morning (the 18th). Clean conditions return for a session on a 4ft NW swell with a 9-second period. The cross-offshore flow from the WSW will put a bit of a face on it, but it’s small.

Now, here is the real deal. Mark your calendars for Saturday the 19th. That morning, Zumaya is going to be firing. We’re looking at a solid 8ft of NW swell with a juicy 13-second period. The combined energy is a massive 1783—that is strong, powerful water moving through. The wind is glassy from the SSE. This is excellent surf, but at 8ft, it’s jumping into that steeper range. It’s for experienced surfers. The period is long, which means the sets will have real push and be best on a point or reef setup like this. There will be lulls, but the waves that come through will be worth the wait.

Then, just when you think it’s over, Monday the 21st delivers the standout of the whole run. Another 6ft of NW groundswell, period holding at a long 13 seconds. The energy is still a huge 1075. But the winner here is the wind: a light offshore from the S at 3 mph. That is clean, peeling, picture-perfect surf. It’s a Monday, so the crowds might be a bit thinner than the weekend, but this spot is often busy. The offshore wind on a solid NW sea is the combo you wait for.

After that, the swell slowly winds down through the rest of the week. Thursday the 24th morning offers a clean, glassy 4ft NW swell (11 seconds) for a fun, smaller session before the energy drops right off into complete flatness by the following weekend. There’s a tiny, almost flat day on Sunday the 28th where a 4ft NW groundswell shows up with a very long 15-second period but onshore winds from the north again—it’s a tease, but worth ignoring.

So, to break it down: Get out there Sunday and Monday mornings for the clean small stuff. If you want the real power and have the skill, don’t miss Saturday morning the 19th or Monday morning the 21st. The 21st with that light offshore is your absolute best shot.

Stay stoked.
Rusty

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