The Cutting Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s talk about the next couple of weeks at The Cutting. It’s a bit of a wait, but the first real window opens up this Friday afternoon, 10 July. The water’s sitting around 59°, which is pretty much normal for this time of year—nothing to worry about there.

Early on Friday afternoon, 10 July, we’ve got a solid 7ft SW groundswell rolling in with a very long 15-second period, and a clean northerly offshore breeze. The combined swell energy is pumping at 2083 (moderate to strong). This is the standout for the whole period—good, clean, powerful waves for experienced surfers. The Cutting is consistently exposed and picks up that S direction swell nicely, so it should be working well. Crowds are possible here, so don’t expect to have it all to yourself.

Saturday morning, 11 July, the swell drops to 6ft from the WSW, period still a nice 14 seconds, but the wind is a fresh 22 mph north offshore. It’s clean, but that strong breeze makes paddling a bit of a mission. The energy drops to 1111 (moderate). By Saturday afternoon, the wind swings WNW and picks up to 25 mph cross-offshore, swell down to 5ft, and it’s not looking good—rating zero. Sunday is a write-off. Massive 18ft SW groundswell with 12-second period, but the wind is howling 28 mph from the west, cross-shore, creating a messy cross-chop. Combined energy is through the roof at 8174 then 9475 (strong to very strong), but it’s not surfable.

Monday 13 July through to Thursday 16 July, the swell just keeps getting bigger. We’re talking 12ft to 23ft SW groundswells, periods of 14 to 16 seconds, and combined energy hitting 32653 on Monday afternoon (very strong). Winds are mostly cross-offshore or offshore, but the waves are too big for this break—over 8ft, so experts only, and even then it’s a serious step up. Not recommended for most.

Friday 17 July sees the swell ease to 10ft to 12ft SW, still long period at 16 seconds, with light winds. Energy is still high at 4754 to 5916 (strong), but again, it’s pushing the limits. Saturday 18 July morning brings a better window: 8ft SW swell, 14-second period, and a moderate north-northeast offshore at 12 mph. Combined energy 1896 (moderate), and the offshore wind keeps it clean. This is a good option for experienced surfers. Afternoon drops to 7ft WSW, but the score is lower.

Sunday 19 July has a strong 25 mph north offshore, with 6ft to 4ft swell, but the strong breeze makes it hard work. The 18-second period on Sunday afternoon is very long, but the energy is still moderate at 1977. Not the best.

Monday 20 July sees 7ft to 5ft SW swell, 15 to 16-second period, lighter winds, but the ratings are marginal. Tuesday 21 July morning is a small highlight: 7ft WSW, 13 seconds, moderate north offshore at 16 mph, energy 1703 (moderate). Clean and rideable for the crew who know what they’re doing.

Then from Wednesday 22 July onwards, it’s back to massive swell. 18ft to 20ft SW groundswells, periods of 12 to 16 seconds, and combined energy from 7777 all the way up to 17685 (very strong). Winds are mostly cross-offshore or cross-shore, but the size is just too much for this spot. This is only for the absolute nuts, and even then, it’s a beast.

The real standout here is this Friday afternoon, 10 July: 7ft SW with 15-second period and clean north offshore. That’s the one to circle on the calendar. After that, it’s a mix of too big or too windy, with a few smaller windows on 18 and 21 July for the experienced lot.

Rusty.

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