The Cutting Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what we’ve got coming up over the next couple of weeks. It’s a story of two halves: a big, powerful, and long swell that’s too much at first, then a really clean window for the experienced crew, and some fun smaller stuff to wrap things up.

The first real action we can talk about is right now, July 15th, but it’s not for the faint of heart. The Cutting is seeing a solid SW swell pushing 12 ft, with a good 14-second interval behind it. That’s a lot of water moving, with combined swell energy hitting 5477 – a very strong pulse. The wind is cross from the west at 12 mph, but honestly, that’s a side note. The main story is that this swell is simply too big for this break. The same goes for the morning of the 16th, when the swell actually bumps up to 13 ft with a 15-second period and even stronger energy at 6960. The afternoon stays heavy at 12 ft. If you’re not an absolute expert, sit this one out.

We get a bit of a break in the size on the 17th (Friday), with the swell dropping to a still-burly 10 ft. The wind shifts to a clean cross-off from the NNW and WNW, making the face look clean, but again, 10 ft of SW groundswell with a 16-second period is a proper, powerful ocean. The water temp is sitting at about 58°, which is pretty average for this time of year, so you’ll want a decent suit.

Now, the standout window starts Saturday, July 18th. The swell drops to a more manageable 8 ft in the morning from the SW (14-second period), and the wind goes pure offshore from the north at only 6 mph. Light offshore winds and clean lines – that’s the recipe. By the afternoon it’s even smaller at 7 ft (13 seconds) with glassy offshore conditions. The energy is still strong (2193 and 1684), but it’s finally at a size that’s excellent for experienced surfers. If you’ve got the skills, this is your call.

Sunday the 19th pulls back even more. The swell drops to 4 ft from the WSW and the offshore wind stays light from the north at 6 mph. The period is 12 seconds, which is still quality. The energy comes way down to 923 (moderate), making for much easier paddling and some very good, clean surf.

Into the start of the following week, Monday the 20th through Tuesday the 21st, the offshore wind sticks around, blowing 12 mph from the NNW. The swell stays between 4 ft and 7 ft from the SW and WSW (with periods from 12 to 16 seconds). The energy climbs back into strong territory (1197 to 1725). This is another excellent stretch for experienced surfers, with consistent, clean waves.

Late July / Long Range
Looking ahead, things get a bit messy again around the 23rd and 24th of July. That big SW groundswell returns, pushing 15 ft with 16-second periods and sending energy readings through the roof (11581 at one point). While the 24th afternoon looks glassy, that size is again too big for The Cutting.

By Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th, the swell drops back to the 7 ft to 12 ft range, but the wind stays cross or cross-off, making it a bit less inviting for most. The tail end of the forecast, around the 30th of July, shows a drop to 6 ft from the SW with a 14-second period and solid offshore wind from the NNE. It shapes up as another good day for those who know what they’re doing, with moderate swell energy (1234).

One final note: This is The Cutting, so it’s a consistent spot, but especially when the swell is overhead and lined up with that long period, the crowds can be an issue. Get out there early on the standouts, like Saturday the 18th or Monday the 20th, to beat the pack.

Rusty.

Read more