The Cutting Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, surfers, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s heading our way. It’s a long-range look, and we’ve got a solid run of swell on the horizon, but we’re gonna have to be smart about when and where we paddle out. The bulk of the action is at The Cutting, a consistent intermediate-level break that’s exposed to the south. Water temps are sitting at 57°, which is pretty much spot on for this time of year, no real shock to the system there.

We start off slow, real slow. The first few days are basically a write-off. Tuesday the 18th has some waist-to-chest high 6ft SW groundswell with a long 16-second period, but a fresh NNE breeze kicking up 19 mph cross-off makes it a messy, marginal call. The wave energy is chunky though, with a combined energy of 2321, but the conditions just aren't doing it any favors. Wednesday the 19th is even worse; a strong 25 mph offshore wind makes things clean but a nightmare to paddle into on the smaller 4ft swell.

Thursday the 20th and Friday the 21st are better, but still just average. Swell bumps up to 4ft and then 8ft with moderate cross-off breezes. Friday afternoon is the first glimmer, with a 6 out of 10 rating on the quiet. The 8ft WSW swell (14-second period) combines for a hefty energy of 6505, and the WNW wind is light. It’s clean, but still not the standout.

Now, here’s where it gets heavy. Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd, the swell explodes. We’re looking at 10ft to 12ft SW groundswells with energy readings in the thousands (6758 and up). This is expert territory. For the average surfer, it’s just going to be too much water moving. The winds are moderate cross or cross-off, keeping it fairly clean, but the sheer size and power narrows the crew considerably.

The rest of the following week stays in that 7ft to 8ft range, but the winds get squirrely, with rain showers and strong onshores making a mess of things by the 27th and 28th. That’s windy, blown-out territory that’s not worth the effort.

If I had to pick my one true standout, it’s the very end of the forecast. Monday the 31st of August and Tuesday the 1st of September are the ones to circle on the calendar. Monday afternoon delivers a beautiful 8ft SW groundswell with a long 17-second period, a gentle 9 mph offshore N wind making it glassy, and a combined energy of 3094. The waves will have real punch and shape. Tuesday the 1st looks even cleaner in the afternoon, with a 8ft SW swell (14s period) and dead calm, glassy conditions. That’s the kind of session you remember. It’ll be a bit of a paddle with that long period, but the payoff will be worth it for the experienced crew.

So, bottom line: the first few days are a bust. A solid, powerful run from the 22nd to the 25th is for experts only. The real sweet spot to aim for is the very end of the run, from the 31st of August into the 1st of September. Be patient and you’ll be rewarded.

Rusty.

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