Cintsa West Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what’s coming down the line at Cintsa West. This spot is a point break that really needs that SE swell to line up, and it’s an inconsistent wave—so when it fires, you want to be on it.

Water temp is sitting at 66°, which is just a touch cooler than average for this time of year, nothing too wild.

Alright, the next 16 days are a mixed bag with some serious energy coming through, but we have to wait for the right windows.

We start off with a bit of a flat spell. Tuesday the 25th has some 4ft to 6ft S/SSW swell, but the cross-shore winds (9-12 mph) and a cross-chop make it pretty average. The combined wave energy is moderate to strong, but the quality isn't there for a good paddle. Wednesday the 26th actually sees the swell jump to 8-10ft from the S, but it's cross-onshore and choppy, especially in the afternoon with 12 mph winds—that’s going to be messy and more of a kite session than a surf. Thursday the 27th drops back a little but the strong 19 mph NE cross-shore wind makes it lumpy.

The first real standout is Friday the 28th morning. We’ve got a clean 8ft swell from the ENE with a light N wind (6 mph) blowing cross-offshore. The wave energy is strong, and the report says "clean." That will be a proper wave on the point, but at this size, it's pushing intermediate territory. The offshore wind and decent period (10 seconds) mean longer, better-shaped lines. Just note that crowds are *sometimes* an issue here, but on a Friday morning you might get a few sets to yourself.

Saturday the 29th morning also looks promising with a 10ft ENE swell and light N cross-offshore winds (9 mph), making it clean again with strong energy. That is right on the edge of being a handful though—best for experienced surfers.

There’s a bit of a lull from Sunday the 30th through Monday the 31st, with small, weak swell and onshore wind. Not worth paddling out for.

Now, the real standout of the entire period is Friday the 4th of September morning. It’s glassy—dead calm winds (3 mph from the SSW)—and we’ve got a strong 10ft SSE groundswell pumping in. The wave energy is huge, and it’s labelled as "excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers." The swell direction (SSE) is not its absolute optimum, but the glassy conditions and that much power are a rare treat at this inconsistent point. This could be a day to remember if you have the skills.

Saturday the 5th of September is a beast, but it’s just too big. 23ft SE swell with a long period—that’s enormous. The report even says the swell is too big for this break. It will close out the point or turn into a washing machine. Only for the kamikaze crew or maybe just watch from the sand. Sunday the 6th and Monday the 7th are still pumping big (12-15ft) but with cross-shore winds and lumpy conditions, it’s wonky and tricky.

After that, the swell hangs around the 8-12ft mark through the second week, but the wind turns cross-onshore or onshore, so the quality drops off. It's surfable but not the clean windows we saw in the first week.

So, to wrap it up: mark your calendar for Friday morning the 28th of August for a clean, fun session, and if you’re an experienced surfer, Friday morning the 4th of September is the big, glassy standout. Don't sleep on it, because this break is inconsistent, and that’s the kind of day you’ll tell stories about.

Rusty.

Read more