The Cutting Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. We’ve got a wild ride coming up at The Cutting. This place is exposed, and when the swell lines up from the south it can fire, but we’re seeing a lot of size that’s going to push it well beyond intermediate territory. The water temp is about average for the time of year, nothing out of the ordinary there.

Kicking off on Wednesday the 8th of July, it’s not quite there yet in the morning – 8.2ft SSW swell with a very long 18-second period – that’s proper ground swell, and with a light cross-off wind it’s clean but big. The combined energy is already pumping at 5863 (moderate-strong). By the afternoon, it jumps to 9.8ft SW at 17 seconds, and the wind goes glassy. This is the first standout: glassy conditions at 9.8ft with that long period energy is a dream for an experienced surfer, but at this size it’s expert-only territory. The combined energy hits 5946. This is the best session on offer in the first week – just you and the sets, if you’ve got the nerve.

Thursday the 9th eases slightly with 6.9ft SW swell, period still a very long 15 seconds, offshore wind in the morning and glassy in the afternoon. The energy drops to 1986 and 2597, still solid. Clean, powerful waves for those who know what they’re doing.

Friday the 10th holds similar: 7.5ft SW in the morning, offshore wind, 15-second period, energy at 2404. Clean and lined up. Afternoon picks up a moderate offshore at 12 mph, still clean and a bit more push. Consistent options for experienced surfers.

Saturday the 11th gets messy. A big jump in wind – 25 mph offshore in the morning making it hard to paddle into, with 5.2ft SW swell (energy 1201). That’s a Sunday funday for kites, not so much for paddle surfing. Then the afternoon goes to 11.5ft WSW but a short 9-second period, cross-off wind – still clean but that short period makes it lumpy and unpredictable.

Sunday the 12th is a write-off for most. Morning has 14.8ft WSW with 13 seconds, clean but way too big. Afternoon goes to 16.4ft, cross-shore wind at 25 mph, combined energy at 11782 – that’s just brutal. Stay out of the water unless you’re a tow-in expert.

Monday the 13th through Thursday the 17th stays in the 9.8ft to 16.4ft range, mostly clean mornings but the size never drops below 9.8ft. The energy figures are massive – over 10000 on several days – and the periods range from 14 to 17 seconds. That’s a sustained run of heavy, very long-period ground swell. It’s all expert territory. Some afternoons get cross-shore chop, so the windows are early.

Friday the 18th still has 9.8ft swell with offshore winds, clean but still pushing the limits for most. Energy at 3345. For a paddler, this is still a handful.

Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th see the swell start to back off. Sunday the 19th morning 6.2ft WSW, fresh offshore, clean, energy 1291. That’s more approachable but the wind is stiff. By afternoon it’s 5.6ft, easing. Monday the 20th is down to 3.9ft, offshore but strong wind at 22 mph. Marginal.

Tuesday the 21st is where it comes together again for a late standout. Morning has 3.3ft W swell, cross-off light breeze, clean but small. Then the afternoon – glassy, 5.9ft W, 11-second period, combined energy at 851. That’s the second standout. Glassy conditions, waist-to-chest high, clean lines. Perfect for a longboard or a funboard session. The period is moderate, so it’ll have some push but not the raw power of the earlier days.

Wednesday the 22nd jumps back up to 9.8ft W, short period of 10 seconds, cross-shore wind – that’s a messy, heavy wall that’s hard to read. Then the afternoon goes onshore with 5.9ft SW at 16 seconds, poor. Not worth it.

Thursday the 23rd is a fade-out: 6.2ft SW, cross-off wind, clean, energy 1982. Decent for a paddle, but nothing special.

Overall, the two true standouts are Wednesday afternoon the 8th of July for the big-wave crew – glassy 9.8ft ground swell – and Tuesday afternoon the 21st of July for the everyday surfer – glassy 5.9ft, clean, no crowds mentioned but likely some company. The rest is either too big or too windy. For those who can handle it, there’s a solid week of big surf from the 8th through the 18th, but it’s all expert-level. After that, a few days of smaller, cleaner options.

Stay safe out there.

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