The Cutting Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s break down what’s coming for The Cutting in good old feet and miles per hour.

This is an exposed reef break that lives for a solid south swell, and we’ve got a proper run of energy over the next two and a bit weeks. Water temp is around 57°F, which is right where it should be for this time of year.

It starts Saturday the 29th of August with an 8-foot south-west swell, 14 second period – proper groundswell. The morning has a light cross breeze, so it’ll be a bit bumpy but still rideable for intermediates. The combined swell energy is strong at 2509. The afternoon gets messy with a cross-onshore wind, so the morning is your window.

Sunday the 30th sees the swell building to 10 feet by the afternoon, still south-west, 13 seconds. That’s got some real punch – combined energy 2942 – but the wind is cross-onshore all day, so it’s choppy. This is too big for beginners, and by the afternoon it’s over 8 feet, so it’s for the experienced crew.

Monday the 31st is where it all comes together. You’ve got a 10-foot south-west swell, still 14 seconds, but the wind goes light offshore in the morning and then dead glassy by the afternoon. Combined energy hits 5052, which is very strong wave energy. The waves will be big and powerful, but that glassy surface makes it clean. Only for well-equipped intermediates and above. This is a standout session.

Tuesday the 1st of September brings a fresh 19 mph offshore wind in the morning, cleaning up an 8-foot south-west swell with a long 16-second period. Combined energy at 3101. That’s as good as it gets for shape and power. Crowds are possible here, so get in early.

Wednesday the 2nd: another 8-foot south-west swell, 15 seconds, with moderate offshore winds in the morning. Clean, solid, and powerful – combined energy 3266. The afternoon winds go cross and the swell jumps to 12 feet, which is too big and lumpy for most.

Thursday the 3rd through to Monday the 7th of September sees a massive pulse of swell, from 13 feet up to a huge 21 feet. The combined energy numbers are staggering – up to 34323. This is giant, dangerous surf for experts only. Unless you’re charging big waves, stay well clear.

After that, the swell slowly drops. Tuesday the 8th and Wednesday the 9th are still 10 to 16 feet but with poor onshore winds. Thursday the 10th of September cleans up with an 18-foot south-west swell, 16 seconds, and light cross-offshore winds – combined energy 16266. That’s a big, clean groundswell, but again, expert territory.

Friday the 11th starts clean with a 12-foot south-west swell, 15 seconds, and a fresh offshore breeze – combined energy 4422. That’s a decent window for experienced surfers. The afternoon gets wrecked by strong crosswinds.

The last few days, Saturday the 12th and Sunday the 13th of September, drop to 8-foot south-south-west swell with a long 16-second period on Saturday, and clean cross-offshore winds. Combined energy is 4108 – very strong, but the long period might make it a bit straight at this reef. Sunday gets messy again.

Bottom line: the standout is Monday the 31st of August with glassy conditions and a solid 10-foot south-west swell. Next best is the morning of Tuesday the 1st of September with fresh offshore winds and that long 16-second groundswell. For the brave, Thursday the 10th of September has huge clean waves but only for the experts.

Rusty.

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