Cintsa West Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. This is Rusty, and I’m looking at the next 16 days for Cintsa West. The set-up here is a point break, exposed to the south-east. The water temp is sitting at 68°F, which is about normal for this time of year.

The first swell we see rolls in on Saturday, August 1st. It’s a 6ft south-east swell, period 9 seconds, with a cross-shore breeze from the ENE at 12 mph. The combined energy is moderate (653). Does it look good? No. It’s cross-shore, a bit lumpy, and honestly, you’re better off waiting.

Sunday, August 2nd sees a solid rise in size. We’re looking at 8ft from the ESE, with a much better period of 12 seconds. That’s a proper groundswell. Energy jumps right up to strong (1604). But the wind is still cross-shore, ENE at 9 mph. It’s a big swell, meaning it’s getting into the expert-only zone at over 8ft, but it’s also a bit messed up by the wind. You’ll have to pick your moment.

Monday, August 3rd brings a drop to 7ft, still ESE, period 11 seconds. Energy is still solid (1007). The wind is light from the NE, just a cross-shore breeze. It’s a bit better than Sunday, but still not clean. The afternoon goes back to lumpy.

Tuesday, August 4th morning is the first real standout. Light wind from the NNE, a cross-offshore breeze, and a 5ft ESE swell with a 10-second period. The wave state is clean. Energy is moderate (482). For an intermediate surfer, this is the session to aim for. The wind is light, the swell is manageable, and the point should line up well. Crowds are possible here, so get in early.

The surf stays small and clean-ish through Wednesday morning, with a 4ft E swell, but then it drops off.

From Thursday, August 6th through to about Saturday, August 15th, it gets a bit messy. Swell direction swings to the SSW, with periods ranging from 14 to 16 seconds. That’s a long period groundswell, which is good for energy at a point break, but the wind is moderate to fresh from the SW and WSW, often cross-shore. The energy is moderate to strong (901 to 1135), but the wind keeps it tricky. The 19 mph SW winds on the 8th and 12th will make it lumpy. This is a period where the point might be better for a kite than a paddle.

Monday, August 10th afternoon sees a big spike: 8ft from the ESE, 10 seconds, energy over 2000 (2021). That is a powerful swell. But it’s cross-shore, NE wind at 9 mph. Big, powerful, and a bit messy. For experts only.

Thursday, August 13th and Friday, August 14th are a write-off. Fresh SW winds, small weak swell, poor conditions.

Finally, Saturday, August 15th morning offers a moment of calm. A glassy 2ft E swell with a 9-second period. Energy is weak (127). The wind is glassy, slight air. It’s surfable, but tiny. Good for a longboard or a beginner.

The standout window is definitely Tuesday, August 4th and Wednesday, August 5th mornings. The best set-up is the Tuesday morning with a clean 5ft E swell and light offshore breeze. For a more powerful, though wind-affected, option, the Monday, August 10th afternoon swell is a beast for the brave.

Rusty.

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