Cunns Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here with a look at what we've got cookin' for the next couple of weeks. We're only looking at one spot, Cunns, and it's a real reef set-up that doesn't break all that often. So, when it does, you better pay attention.

First up, Wednesday morning the 2nd of September sees a 4ft south-west groundswell, with a very long 16-second period, rolling in. The water's sitting at 60°, which is about average for the time of year. The wind is a light cross-onshore from the west, so it's a bit grotty with small ripples. The combined energy of all swells directed here is moderate (832). It's not a total write-off, but it's a “marginal surf forecast or questionable tide conditions” kind of start. The afternoon gets worse – the swell bumps up to 7ft from the SW, but a moderate WSW breeze kicks up a choppy mess. That's a no-go.

Thursday the 3rd of September is where things start to get interesting. The morning has a clean 6ft SW swell with 14-second period and a light offshore north-west wind. That's a proper window. The combined energy is moderate (1123). But the real standout is Thursday afternoon. You've got a clean 6ft SW swell, 14-second period, and a gentle cross-offshore breeze from the south. That's the recipe for clean, lined-up reef waves. The combined energy is moderate (1388). It's described as "excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers" – and with it being over 5ft, it's a bit much for beginners. This is the best on offer in the near term.

Friday the 4th and Saturday the 5th are a write-off. Strong winds from the north-west and then the south-west, with lumpy, choppy conditions. Swell gets up to 10ft on Saturday morning, but with a fresh cross-onshore, it's a mess. The combined energy spikes to 4736 (strong) on Saturday morning, but it's wasted. This is more of a kite-surfing setup than a paddle-surfing one.

Sunday the 6th of September marks a turn. The morning has a clean 6ft SW swell with a moderate cross-offshore breeze from the ENE. Then Sunday afternoon is a real gem: 4ft SW swell, 14-second period, and a moderate offshore wind from the south-east. The combined energy is 716 (weak to moderate), but the conditions are clean. It's a smaller, friendlier wave.

The first week of September is a mixed bag, but Thursday afternoon and Sunday afternoon are your best bets for clean, quality reef waves. The wind is either offshore or cross-offshore, the swell is a solid size, and the consistency is there for the times it's breaking.

Now, moving into the second week, things get more promising but less certain. Monday the 7th stays clean with offshore winds, but the swell drops to 2-4ft. Tuesday the 8th brings a bigger 7ft SW swell with a very long 17-second period, and fresh offshore winds. The combined energy is (2759). That's a powerful, clean swell, but for a reef break, that long period could make it a bit straight. It's a good pick for experienced surfers.

Wednesday the 9th of September is a monster. 8ft SSW swell with an 18-second period and a strong offshore breeze from the east-south-east. The combined energy hits 4684 (strong). That's a serious, powerful groundswell. It's a standout for the big-wave crew, but it's only for experts. The wind is strong enough to make paddling out a battle.

The rest of the second week, from the 10th to the 15th, is a mix of clean windows and choppy days. The swell hangs around 3ft to 6ft, mostly with cross-offshore winds, keeping it clean. The combined energy stays moderate (335 to 2121). There are no perfect days, but plenty of “marginal” or “good” sessions.

Then, we get a real standout for the end of the run. Wednesday the 16th of September. Morning sees a clean 7ft SW swell, 16-second period, with a gentle cross-offshore breeze. The combined energy is 2185 (moderate). It's described as "excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers". Thursday the 17th of September keeps it going with a 8ft SW swell in the morning, then a 7ft SW swell in the afternoon, both with clean conditions. The afternoon has a combined energy of 3020 (strong). This is the best of the longer-range stuff. It's a powerful, clean swell that will have the reef working perfectly.

So, to boil it down: the best of the early week is Thursday afternoon the 3rd and Sunday afternoon the 6th. The best of the long-range is Wednesday the 16th and Thursday the 17th. Cunns is inconsistent, so when it's on, it's on. Keep an eye on the forecasts, because they can change. This place doesn't stay flat for long.

Rusty.

Read more