The Cutting Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s break down what’s headin’ to The Cutting over the next couple of weeks.

Right from the start, we’ve got some heavy swell rollin’ in, but Saturday the 4th is a no-go. You’re lookin’ at a solid 12 ft SW swell, but with a cross-onshore breeze from the SW at 15 mph, it’s choppy and blown out. The combined swell energy is pumpin’ at 4576 (moderate to strong), but with conditions this ugly, it’s not worth paddlin’ out. Water temp is around 59°, pretty much normal for this time of year.

Sunday the 5th steps it up – a 16 ft SSW groundswell with a very long 17-second period. Combined energy is rippin’ at 13155 (very strong). But it’s cross-onshore, and that size is well over 8 ft, so this is strictly for the experts, and even then it’s messy. Monday morning the 6th shows a bit of hope – swell drops to 8 ft from the SSW, and a light NNE breeze at 9 mph cleans it up. Still, conditions are only marginal. Monday afternoon is where it starts to turn. Swell drops to 7 ft, wind goes offshore from the NNE at 6 mph, and it’s clean. Combined energy is 1967 (moderate). That’s when experienced surfers will start findin’ some decent rides.

Tuesday morning the 7th is a real standout. We’ve got a 7 ft SW groundswell with a long 16-second period, combined energy of 2622 (moderate), and a light cross-offshore breeze from the NE at just 3 mph. The water’s gonna be glassy. Those long-period lines will wrap nicely around The Cutting. Crowds are possible, so get there early. It’s not for beginners – that size and period needs skill – but for the experienced crew, this is the pick of the first week.

Wednesday the 8th is another cracker for the experts. Morning brings an 8 ft SSW swell with an 18-second period – very long period groundswell – and combined energy at 5863 (moderate to strong). Wind is off from the NNE at 6 mph, so clean faces. The afternoon gets glassy with a 10 ft SW swell, but that’s pushin’ into expert-only size.

Thursday the 9th and Friday the 10th keep the quality up – 7 ft to 8 ft SW swells, clean offshore or glassy winds, combined energy around 1500-2200 (moderate). Excellent conditions for experienced surfers, with clean lines and manageable size. Saturday the 11th drops off – only 5 ft, but a fresh offshore breeze at 18-22 mph makes it blown out and marginal.

Then we hit another massive pulse. Sunday the 12th brings a 13 ft WSW swell in the morning, blowin’ up to 18 ft by afternoon with a combined energy of 16529 (very strong). The wind is fresh but cross-offshore, so it’s clean, but that size is way too big for all but the hardcore. Monday the 13th sees a huge 20-21 ft SW swell – combined energy hittin’ 16783 – but with fresh cross-shore winds and lumpy chop. That’s kite-surfing country, not paddle.

The second week calms a bit. Tuesday the 15th to Wednesday the 16th has 8 ft to 10 ft SW swell, but winds are variable and often cross-onshore, makin’ it choppy. Not the best. Thursday the 16th morning has a promising 10 ft SW swell with offshore wind from the N at 6 mph, clean, but still expert-only size.

The real highlight in the second week lands on Friday the 17th – a 7 ft SW swell, period of 14 seconds, combined energy 1918 (moderate), and a light cross-offshore breeze from the NNE. Clean and workable for experienced surfers. Saturday the 18th holds similar – 6 ft to 6 ft SW/WSW swells, light or offshore winds, clean conditions. By Sunday the 19th, it’s droppin’ to 5 ft or less with a fresh offshore, but the window is closin’.

So, if you’re chasin’ the best – hit Tuesday the 7th and Wednesday the 8th. That’s where the quality, clean wind, and solid groundswell all line up. The Cutting is consistent, so don’t worry about the lulls. Forecasts can change, but this stretch looks good for the experienced crew.

Rusty.

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