Cunns Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s just talk about Cunns (reef). It’s the only spot with any action across this 16-day stretch, so we’re keepin’ it simple.

The water’s at 60°, which is about average for the time of year—nothing unusual.

The surf starts Sunday afternoon, August 16th, with a 4ft SW swell, 14-second period, and a light SE breeze blowin’ straight offshore. The wave energy is moderate (650), and it’s clean. Not a bad start.

Monday, August 17th, is even better. The swell drops to 3ft in the morning, but the period stretches to 16 seconds—proper groundswell—and it’s clean with a cross-off wind. The afternoon picks up to 4ft, still SW, with a light offshore breeze makin’ for glassy conditions. Moderate energy (782). This is the best run of the first week.

Then it gets ugly. Tuesday, August 18th, brings a strong NNE wind, lumpy cross-chop, and the scores drop. That rough patch lasts a few days, with onshore winds and questionable conditions through Wednesday and Thursday, August 19th and 20th.

But hold tight. Friday, August 21st, afternoon looks like a standout. The swell jumps to 6ft, still SW, period 16 seconds, and the wind swings cross-off with a light breeze. The combined energy hits 1587—strong, powerful surf. That’s clean, punchy, and for experienced surfers. Saturday, August 22nd, is similar: 5ft SW swell, offshore winds, clean faces, and energy around 1113 to 1310. This is the best run of the forecast.

We get a bit of a lull from Sunday, August 23rd, through to Tuesday, August 26th, with some cross-shore chop and smaller swell. Crowds are possible at times at Cunns, but it’s inconsistent anyway, so you’ll get your share.

Then, on Wednesday, August 26th, afternoon, the swell shifts to WSW, 4ft, period 17 seconds, with a gentle offshore breeze. Clean, and the energy jumps to 1367. Thursday, August 27th, morning sees a 7ft WSW swell, period 16 seconds, but the wind is a fresh cross-off breeze. Still clean, but solid—only for the experienced.

The end of the window has a real barn burner. Saturday, August 29th, morning: glassy conditions, 8ft SW swell, period 18 seconds, and the energy is 4113—very strong. That’s a big, powerful groundswell. For a reef like Cunns, that’s gonna be a proper session. But it’s only for experts. The afternoon stays strong at 8ft, still clean, with energy at 2570.

After that, it drops off again. Sunday and Monday, August 30th and 31st, are smaller, with some cross-shore chop and one clean morning on the 31st with 3ft.

So, the standout days are Friday, August 21st, afternoon through Saturday, August 22nd, and then Saturday, August 29th, morning. The 29th is the biggest, glassiest, and most powerful—but it’s a long-range call, so take it with a pinch of salt. Keep an eye on that one.

Rusty.

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