Zumaya (Playa de Itxurun) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s shaping up for our local stretch.

First thing you need to know – the water is running *way* warmer than usual for this time of year. We’re talking about 4° warmer than normal, which is very unusual. Don’t expect that to last, but it’s a nice bonus right now.

Honestly, the next week and a half is a bit of a write-off for any decent surf. We’ve got a few tiny, weak waves but the conditions are just ordinary or poor. From Wednesday morning the 22nd through to the 31st of July, it’s a long slog of tiny swell (2 ft to 4 ft) with short, weak periods around 6 to 8 seconds and combined energy mostly under 200 (53 to 315). The wind is mostly onshore or cross-onshore, killing any chance of clean lines. Saturday the 25th sees a bump in size to 6 ft to 8 ft, but a strong 22 mph cross-onshore wind makes it a total mess – more of a kite session than a surf session. There’s a brief window on the morning of Monday the 27th with a 5 ft, 10-second swell (energy 424) but the wind is onshore and it’s flagged as marginal. Same story for the 28th and 29th – a bit of size but no quality.

The real light at the end of the tunnel comes on Tuesday, August 4th. That afternoon things finally click. The wind shifts to a light cross-offshore breeze, cleaning up a 5 ft swell from the NW with a solid 10-second period and combined energy of 356. That’s the kind of energy that gets your attention. Zumaya (Playa de Itxurun) will be the spot to watch. It’s a beach/jetty setup that’s fairly consistent and exposed to the NW, which is bang on the optimum direction. The swell will be a bit much for absolute beginners, but it’s good, clean, and punchy for everyone else.

The morning of Wednesday, August 5th is also looking promising. Glassy conditions with a 4 ft, 10-second WNW swell (energy 340). It’s a similar story – clean, good shape, and the crowd profile says “often”, so expect company if you’re paddling out at the peak.

Thursday the 6th morning keeps the run going with a clean 4 ft NW swell (energy 238) and a light cross-offshore breeze. The wave size is smaller, but the quality is there for a fun session on a log or a mid-length.

So, to sum it up: the first 12 days are a bust. Stay patient. The standout is the afternoon of Tuesday, August 4th at Zumaya (Playa de Itxurun). That’s your best bet for the whole window. The morning of the 5th is a close second. Don’t bother paddling out before that unless you’re desperate for a float. The second week looks a bit more promising, but it's further out, so keep an eye on it.

Rusty.

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