Cunns Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it.

First up, we’re looking at a solid pulse of long-period SW groundswell hitting Cunns, a reef break that’s exposed to the SW and only breaks inconsistently. That means when it’s on, it’s *on*, but you’ve got to pick your moment. Water temp is sitting at 60°F with a slight anomaly of -1°F, so it’s pretty much average for the time of year. The combined energy of the swell coming in on Monday afternoon is massive at 8221, but that’s paired with a 19 mph cross-on WSW wind, making it a lumpy, poor surf day. Not the one.

The best of the whole 16-day window hits on Tuesday afternoon, July 14, and Wednesday morning and afternoon, July 15. Tuesday afternoon sees a 7ft SW swell with a 16-second period, clean cross-off wind from the S at 9 mph, and solid energy (2325). Wednesday follows with a 5ft SW swell, 15-second period, clean cross-off ENE breeze at 6–9 mph, and energy dropping to 1108 and 1011. These are the standouts: clean, lined-up, and offering excellent conditions for experienced surfers. The long period (over 15 seconds) means the reef will handle that energy well, with better shaped waves and longer lulls between sets. Crowds are sometimes an issue here, so keep that in mind.

After Wednesday, we hit a rough patch. From Thursday July 16 through to Sunday July 20, it’s mostly marginal to poor, with moderate cross-shore winds and lumpy conditions. Swell drops under 5ft, and energy falls below 1000. Not worth the paddle.

Then there’s a glimmer late on Wednesday July 22 afternoon: a 8ft W swell, 10-second period, clean cross-off wind from the S at 9 mph, and energy of 1403. But the period is short and the break is inconsistent, so it’s only a marginal call. Thursday July 23 morning stays clean with a 5ft SW swell, 13-second period, and 962 energy, but again, it’s marginal.

The rest of the run from July 24 onward is a mixed bag of onshore winds, cross-onshore chop, and poor conditions. Nothing to get excited about. The Monday July 27 morning has a 4ft SW swell with 18-second period and 1170 energy, but it’s blown out by a 22 mph onshore NW wind. That’s more kite-surf territory than paddle surfing.

So the short story: Tuesday July 14 afternoon and Wednesday July 15 are your best shots. Two solid days of clean, powerful SW groundswell at a reef that only works when things line up. After that, it’s a waiting game.

Rusty.

Read more