Return to Zicatela Beach

There is something so profound about the ongoing waves action as you watch it from shore.

We often walk to Zicatela beach just to watch the waves. We don't feel like it is a safe beach in which to swim and play but the non-stop action of the surf keeps drawing us back.

Once we are comfortable in our chaise, umbrella strategically positioned to stop any sun rays, books out, lotion applied and drinks ordered, we turn our full attention to the incoming waves.


They are beautiful. For moments you can look seaward and think it is calm, then you notice an indent in the water and soon it is increasing to an exciting wave which will then break and curl and race toward the shore. Of course, seconds before that happens a previous wave has gone to shore and is now trying to move back out into the deep.

Sometimes the shoreline is heavy with what looks like a roaring river.The sound of the incoming surf is a constant roar too.

As fascinating as the big waves are, I love the interaction of the returning wave. It pushes against the incoming wave and there may be a big jumble of white foam or there may be a small meeting at one side which then rushes back upon itself and makes a very intense 'rooster tail' effect slashing back against the next body of incoming water.


A wave is never repeated. It is never quite in the same place, or the same heighth, or the same intensity. There is a theory about how they come in 'waves' of waves, and that seems true. There will be a few smaller ones and each one will build in intensity until there's a big finale and they will start smaller again.They may come in groups of 7 or groups of 9 and the 7th of the 7 or the 9th of the 9th is the really awesome one.

Sometimes the waves are beautiful seagreen in colour. Sometimes they are filled with sand and are quite murky.

One of us will try to read our book, the other will be saying "Oh look!" but usually the moment has finished and we have to find our own moment of beauty.

All this time younger people are playing in the waves. Some on body boards and more on surf boards. A few of the bathing beauties will just pop into the water long enough to get wet, have a little fun being pushed by the currents, and then they are back on their towels.

We are satisfied to be totally entertained from shore.