The Cutting Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about The Cutting.

First thing you need to know – there’s a heap of ocean energy hitting us early on, but it’s way out of the comfort zone for a paddle. From Wednesday morning the 12th right through to Sunday the 16th, we’ve got a massive SW groundswell running 13 to 16 feet, with periods between 14 and 17 seconds. The combined wave energy is huge – starting around 7911 and up over 19714. Winds are cross or cross-on, blowing 12 to 22 mph, and the water’s a chunky, lumpy mess. That’s not a surf window – that’s a kite-surfing spectacle. So we wait.

The first real chance to get wet comes Monday the 17th morning. Swell drops to a much friendlier 8 feet out of the SW, with a long 16-second period. The wind switches to ENE at 9 mph, light and cross-off, and the water is clean. The wave comment calls it excellent for experienced surfers. Energy is 2709 – solid but not out of control. Water temp is 57°F, which is pretty average for mid-August. This is the standout session of the whole forecast.

Tuesday the 18th morning is also prime. Swell is 6 to 6 feet, period still 14-16 seconds, and the wind goes full offshore from the NNE at 19 mph. It’s fresh but clean – smooth lines, no chop. Energy is 1667-2162. Crowds can show up sometimes, so get there early. Great for intermediate to experienced folks.

Wednesday the 19th morning sees the swell drop to only 4 feet, but it’s still a clean 15-second period SW groundswell with a 16 mph offshore from the NNW. Energy is low at 608, but it’s clean and might give you a few fun little runners.

Thursday the 20th morning is another one to pencil in – 6 feet of SW swell, 14-second period, light offshore breeze from the north at 6 mph. Glassy, clean, and the comment says excellent for experienced surfers. Energy is 1167.

From the 22nd onward, the swell stays around 7 feet but the wind gets cross-on and choppy, so the quality goes downhill. The 23rd is a write-off with poor conditions. The 24th Monday brings a 12-foot pulse from the WSW with only an 11-second period – energy over 4000 – but it’s too big for The Cutting, even with light wind. The 25th Tuesday is even bigger at 13-15 feet, with strong offshore wind – clean but expert-only, with energy screaming over 7700.

The final day that catches my eye is the 27th Thursday – 10 feet of WSW swell, 16-second period, and a crisp cross-off from the NNW at 19 mph. Clean again, but still on the big side for this spot.

Best bet? Monday the 17th morning. Tuesday the 18th morning is a close second. Everything else is either too small or too big. Stay sharp.

Rusty.

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