The Cutting Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, Rusty here. Look, the next 16 days are all about The Cutting. It’s the only spot on the cards, and it’s a proper mixed bag – get ready for a wild ride.

We’ve got a huge slug of swell coming in, but a lot of it is going to be too big and blown out for a comfortable paddle. Water temp is sitting right on average for this time of year at 58°F.

It kicks off on Wednesday the 22nd. The morning is about the best we’ll see for the first week. We’ve got a clean 5ft SW swell with a 12-second period and a cross-offshore wind. The combined energy is sitting at 1301 (moderate) so there’s some push, but it’s not a freight train. It’s a salvageable session if you’re keen. That afternoon it jumps to 8ft but turns into a messy cross-shore chop with rain showers – not worth it.

Thursday the 23rd is a write-off. The swell jumps to 13ft and 15ft with a 14-second period, but a strong cross-onshore wind and rain will turn it into a washing machine. Combined energy of 6997 and 7714 (strong to very strong) means it’s powerful, but you won’t want to be out there. The same story rolls into Friday the 24th – a massive 16ft SSW groundswell with a 15-second period (very long) and combined energy of 11915 (very strong). That’s a boatload of water but cross winds and lumpy conditions make it a kitesurfer’s dream, not a paddler’s. Saturday the 25th is similar: 13ft and 12ft days with moderate cross-shore chops and light rain.

Sunday the 26th offers a tiny window. A 8ft SW swell with an 11-second period and a cross-offshore NW breeze. It’s clean, but the energy is moderate at 1489. It’s a "marginal" call, but if you’re desperate, that morning is the best of a rough week. Monday the 27th looks similar in size (10ft) but that’s too big for this break and the clean conditions won’t save it from being a handful.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Tuesday the 28th is a real standout. Morning is a 12ft SW groundswell (15-second period) with a perfect light offshore from the NNW – almost glassy. The combined energy is 5568 (strong). That afternoon, the wind dies to glassy conditions with a light SSW breeze. The swell holds at 12ft with the same long period. This is heavy, powerful surf, only for experienced surfers, but it will be clean, lined-up groundswell. The Cutting is an exposed, consistent break, and with that direction and wind, it’ll be a proper session for the crew who can handle it. Crowds are sometimes, so expect company.

After that, Wednesday the 29th and Thursday the 30th get blown out again by ESE and E cross-shore winds, making the 10ft to 12ft swell messy and choppy. Then we get another gem on Friday the 31st. Morning has a clean 5ft SW swell with an 11-second period and a cross-offshore NE breeze. Combined energy is 741 (weak), so it’s small but clean. That afternoon is the highlight of the whole outlook: a 6ft SW swell with a 15-second period, clean cross-offshore wind, and combined energy of 1321 (moderate). It’s excellent for experienced surfers. The long period will wrap nicely into The Cutting, giving you some proper, shapey waves with long lulls. This is the one to circle.

Saturday the 1st of August tops it off nicely. Morning has a clean 7ft SW groundswell with a massive 19-second period (very long) and a moderate offshore breeze. Energy is 2673 (moderate). That afternoon holds at 8ft with a 17-second period and still offshore. It’s clean, powerful, and will be a ripper for the confident crew. Sunday the 2nd continues the fun – 8ft morning (16-second period) with a gentle offshore, then 8ft afternoon (15-second period) with a cross-off. Both sessions are excellent for experienced surfers.

Then we hit another wall of massive swell and onshore winds from the 3rd to the 6th of August. Swells over 10ft and up to 18ft with strong cross-onshore winds will shut it down. The run ends with poor conditions and a 5ft to 6ft chop on the 6th.

Overall, the best standouts are Tuesday the 28th for the big, clean groundswell, and Friday the 31st to Sunday the 2nd for the long-period, clean, and manageable waves. Don’t sleep on those.

Rusty.

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