The Cutting Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, Rusty here, and I’ve had a good look at what’s coming down the pipe for The Cutting. We’ve got a solid run of surf on the horizon, but you’re gonna need to pick your moments. The water temp is sitting at 57°, which is pretty much what you’d expect for this time of year, nothing unusual there.

The first real action kicks off on Monday morning, the 24th of August. We’re looking at a solid 8ft SW groundswell with a period of 14 seconds rolling in. The wave energy is pumping at a strong 2187 (moderate energy), and we’ve got a clean, moderate offshore breeze from the north. The sets will be well-formed and lined up, but this is one for the experienced crew only – it’s a proper slab. The afternoon holds similar size at 7ft, still clean, but the tide could be a factor later on.

Tuesday the 25th is a write-off. The wind swings onshore and choppy, and despite the 8ft swell, the quality drops right off. Wednesday the 26th is the same story – cross-on winds and messy conditions. Not worth suiting up for.

Now, Thursday the 27th is where we get a nice reset. The swell drops to a cleaner 4ft from the SSW, but the period is a touch shorter at 11 seconds. The real story is the offshore breeze from the NNW. It’s clean and glassy, making for a much more user-friendly session. The afternoon picks up to 5ft with a longer 13-second period and clean conditions. This is a solid option for intermediates.

Friday the 28th is a beast, but it’s a beast that bites. We’re looking at a massive 10ft SW groundswell with a very long 17-second period. The wave energy is through the roof at 5517 (very strong energy). The morning has a light offshore, and the afternoon goes absolutely glassy. But, and this is a big but – 10ft of long-period SW groundswell at The Cutting is going to be a washing machine for anyone but the most seasoned charger. This is expert-only territory.

Saturday the 29th morning is much more manageable. A clean 7ft SW swell with a 14-second period, light offshore, and the energy is a solid 1862 (moderate). This is a standout session for experienced surfers. The afternoon turns onshore, so get out early.

Sunday the 30th morning is a sneaky good one. The swell is a smaller 4ft, but it’s a long-period SSW groundswell at 19 seconds – that’s very long period energy. It’s glassy, the wave energy is still a healthy 1916 (moderate), and the conditions will be pristine. This is your best bet for a relaxed, clean session if you’re not after a heavy beatdown.

Monday the 31st of August sees another big pulse. We’ve got 12ft SW swell with a 17-second period. The wave energy is 7024 (very strong). The morning is clean with a cross-off breeze, but again, this is too big for the break. The same goes for the afternoon – huge but messy.

We then settle into a really solid run from Tuesday the 1st of September right through to Saturday the 5th. The swell sits consistently around 7ft to 8ft from the SW, with periods between 13 and 15 seconds. The winds are mostly offshore or cross-off, keeping things clean. The wave energy is moderate to strong. This is a quality block of surf for anyone who’s comfortable in the 6ft+ range. Tuesday the 1st and Saturday the 5th are both top picks from this run – the wind is perfect offshore.

Sunday the 6th of September is a write-off. A 34 mph offshore gale and a 10ft to 13ft swell make for a dangerous, un-rideable mess.

Looking into the second week, Monday the 7th and Tuesday the 8th of September stay big. Swells of 10ft to 13ft are on the cards, but the winds are fresh to strong offshores. The energy is huge, but the size will keep this one locked down for experts only, and even then, it’s a handful.

Best on Offer: The standout is Friday the 28th of August morning – a huge, powerful 10ft SW groundswell (17-second period) with a light offshore. It’s a beast, but a beautiful one for the right person. For a more accessible and clean session, Sunday the 30th of August morning with that glassy 4ft, 19-second period groundswell is a hidden gem.

Rusty.

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