Cunns Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty, and I’ve been watchin’ this stretch of coast like a hawk. We’ve got a single spot on the radar here, and it’s a bit of a specialty wave. Let’s break it down.

First up, the standout window is the opening weekend. We’re talkin’ Cunns, a reef setup that’s made for the experienced crew – it’s an advanced wave and it’s inconsistent, so when it’s on, it’s a treat. The water’s sittin’ at 59°, which is pretty much what you’d expect for this time of year, no surprises there.

The action kicks off on Friday morning, August 21st. We’ve got a solid 5ft SW groundswell, with a long 15-second period, and the combined energy is pumpin’ at 1399. That’s a moderate-strong energy level, which translates to a heap of push. The wind’s a gentle S’ly cross-off, keepin’ the face clean. This is prime for experienced surfers only – the power’s there, and the reef needs respect. The swell’s comin’ from the SW, which is exactly what this break likes to see. Friday afternoon holds similar energy, with the swell bumpin’ to 6ft and the period stretchin’ to 16 seconds – energy up to 1606. It’s still clean, still cross-off. This is the best of the lot.

Saturday morning, August 22nd, is more of the same goodness. The swell’s 5ft from the SW, 15-second period, 1302 energy, and the wind swings to a light ESE offshore. That’s glassy, clean conditions. Saturday afternoon sees the swell ease a touch to 5ft, with a cross-off breeze, but it’s still a quality wave for the advanced crew.

Sunday morning, August 23rd, is where it starts to fray. The swell’s still 5ft, with a very long 17-second period, energy at 1388, but the wind’s a moderate NNE cross-off. It’s still rideable, but the quality drops. By Sunday afternoon, the swell drops to 5ft, period 16 seconds, energy 979, and the wind goes cross-shore, bringin’ a bit of chop. The magic’s wearin’ off.

From Monday, August 24th, through to the end of the first week, it’s a write-off. Strong winds, rain, messy cross-shore winds, and choppy conditions. The swell sticks around, but the wind ruins it. On Tuesday, August 25th, we see a bigger 6ft SW swell, but it’s accompanied by a fresh cross-shore wind that’s lumpy as hell. Not worth paddlin’ out for a clean wave.

The next flicker of hope comes on Wednesday afternoon, August 26th. The swell’s dropped to 3ft, 13-second period, energy 470, but the wind goes light offshore from the E. That’s clean, but it’s small. Not a standout, but a possible sneaky session for the patient.

Thursday, August 27th, is a no-go – strong winds, lumpy, and the swell’s all over the place. The period jumps to 20 seconds on Thursday morning, but with a fresh cross-shore blowin’, it’s just messy.

The week of August 28th to September 1st is a write-off for paddle surfing. The swell gets big – 7ft to 10ft – but the wind is howlin’ from the WSW at near gale force. That’s cross-onshore and blown out. This setup is more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing, honestly. The energy’s through the roof, with values up to 4508, but it’s not for a surfer on a shortboard.

Things improve a bit on Monday, August 31st. The swell settles to 4ft from the SW, with a 15-second period, energy 838, and a light S’ly cross-off wind. That’s clean again, and the conditions are very good. It’s a solid option for the experienced crew, but it’s not as powerful as that first weekend.

The rest of the run into September is a mixed bag. There’s occasional clean windows, like Wednesday afternoon, September 2nd, with a 3ft swell and light onshore wind, but it’s small. The wind tends to be cross-onshore or onshore, keepin’ the quality marginal. The swell direction stays mostly SW, which is what this reef wants, but the wind is the enemy.

So, the clear standout is Friday and Saturday, August 21st and 22nd. That’s the pick of the 16-day window. Clean, powerful SW groundswell, with the right wind, and the energy is moderate-strong. Get it while it’s good. The rest of the window is mostly wind-affected, with a few small, clean moments that are worth a look if you’re desperate.

Rusty.

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