Zumaya (Playa de Itxurun) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about the stretch ahead for Zumaya (Playa de Itxurun). This is one of those spots that’s either doing its thing or just sitting there flat, and we’ve got a bit of both coming up.

First up, the water is far warmer than usual for this time of year, which is a nice little bonus if you’re paddling out without a thick suit. But don’t get too comfortable just yet because the first few days are pretty much a write-off. The swell is tiny—like, ankle to knee-high—with weak energy (48 or less). The wind is a mess on Sunday afternoon and not much better on Monday, so you’re better off doing something else until later in the week.

Things start to flicker to life on Thursday the 27th, with a morning window. The swell jumps to 5 ft from the WNW with a period of 8 seconds and moderate energy (302). The wind is offshore from the SSW at 6 mph, so it’ll be clean and rideable, though not pumping. The afternoon though? That wind swings onshore and cranks up to 18 mph, so grab that morning session while it’s good, but be aware the size is starting to get big—5 ft is already pushing it for beginners here.

Now, the standout in this whole run is Friday the 28th, but with a major caveat. We’re looking at a solid 12 ft of WNW groundswell in the morning, with a long period of 12 seconds and very strong energy (2831). That’s proper power. But here’s the thing: the forecast says it’s too big for this break. That kind of size, especially with that long period, will be dumping heavy and messy at a beach/jetty setup like this—more like a washing machine than a wave. The wind is offshore for a bit in the morning, but the sheer size makes it a big-wave spot only. The afternoon brings cross-onshore wind and chop. Honestly, this could be more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing given the conditions.

By Saturday the 29th, the swell drops to a much friendlier 6 ft from the NW with 10-second period and strong energy (695). The morning is glassy—yes, dead calm wind, no ripples—so it’ll be clean as a whistle. This is the session to target for most of us. It’s still a touch big for beginners, but manageable. The afternoon sees onshore wind creep in, so don’t sleep in.

Sunday the 30th morning is another glassy winner, with 5 ft of NW swell (367 energy) and a 9-second period. Clean conditions again, and the size is more forgiving for intermediate surfers. After that, the swell fades through early September with small, weak waves and mostly onshore or cross-onshore wind, so it’s back to flat or near-flat.

Towards the end of the window, around Sunday the 6th of September morning, we get a glimmer: 4 ft of NW swell with 9-second period and moderate energy (340), and the wind is dead calm—glassy. That’s a solid morning for a smaller board, but it’s a long way out, so keep an eye on it. Monday the 7th is bigger again (8 ft) but with cross-shore wind and marginal conditions, so it’s more raw power than rideable waves.

Overall, the pick of the fortnight is Saturday the 29th morning at Zumaya (Playa de Itxurun). Glassy conditions, clean 6 ft NW swell, strong energy—just keep in mind it’s not for learners. If you want something a bit smaller and still clean, Sunday the 30th morning is your backup. The rest is either flat or too big and messy.

Rusty.

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