The Cutting Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, let’s get into it. The swell window is wide open for The Cutting this fortnight, but we’ve got a proper mixed bag coming – some absolute firepower, some days where you wanna stay home, and a few real standout windows for the experienced crew.

The forecast kicks off right away. Friday morning July 10th is shaping up nicely. We’ve got a solid 7.5ft SW groundswell pumping in with a very long 15-second period. The wave energy is strong, reading at (2404), and with a clean northerly offshore breeze, it’s gonna be glassy. The water temp is sitting at 58.6°, which is pretty much average for this time of year – nothing wild. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers, but with a 7.5ft swell and that long period, the sets will have some punch. The Cutting is an exposed spot, so expect bigger sets. Crowds are possible here, so get in early.

Friday afternoon holds clean with the same northerly flow, swell dropping just a hair to 7.2ft and still a very long 15-second period. The energy is still strong (2083). Conditions are still prime for a solid session.

By Saturday July 11th, the swell drops to 5.2ft with a 14-second period, and while the morning still has that offshore N wind, it’s fresher at 22 mph. The energy drops to moderate (1033). It’s clean, but the wind is stiff – still surfable for the intermediate crew. The afternoon turns sour fast; wind swings onshore from the W at 25 mph, ripping things up. That session is a write-off.

Sunday July 12th is a hard pass. Swell jumps to a massive 18.0ft from the WSW, but it’s accompanied by strong cross-shore winds around 28 mph. The energy is enormous (8420 morning, 10155 afternoon), but the conditions are pure chaos. This is kite-surfing territory, not paddle-surfing.

Monday July 13th is a classic example of too much of a good thing. You’ve got a massive 19.7ft SW groundswell with a 15-second period – that’s some serious ocean energy (over 27,000). The wind is cross-offshore and clean, but the sheer size and power make it expert-only and likely too big for even this exposed break. The data says it’s favorable but too big – I’d save your energy.

We get a slow taper through the week. Tuesday July 14th is still big and messy, with onshore flow. Wednesday July 15th sees the swell drop to 13.1ft but it’s still too big for a paddle, despite cleaner cross-offshore winds in the morning.

Now, here’s a real standout. Thursday July 16th is where you circle the calendar. The morning offers a clean 7.9ft SW swell with a 14-second period, light NNW offshore wind, and strong energy (2710). But the afternoon? That’s the pick of the week. An 8.2ft SW swell, 14-second period, and glassy conditions – wind is almost nothing from the WNW. That’s a dream session, and the energy is strong (2934). Excellent for those who can handle the size.

Friday July 17th morning is back to a solid 9.8ft with a very long 16-second period. Strong offshore flow keeps it clean, but it’s pushing the upper limit for most. The afternoon session drops to 8.2ft and is still clean with a cross-offshore breeze – a good, slightly more manageable option.

Saturday July 18th is a solid intermediate day. A clean 6.9ft SW swell with offshore NNE wind. Moderate energy (1661). The afternoon stays clean and is a bit smaller at 6.2ft – good for a long session without the max intensity.

The following week gets a bit back and forth. Sunday July 19th is small and clean but with strong offshore winds, only 4.6ft and dropping. The energy is weak (591). Not a standout.

Monday July 20th brings the swell back up to 6.9ft from the SW with a very long 16-second period, but strong cross-offshore winds and heavy rain/storm risk are factors. It’s clean but marginal.

From Tuesday July 21st through Thursday July 23rd, it’s mostly poor – onshore wind, lumpy, and inconsistent. Swell hangs around 3.6ft to 6.6ft but with wrong wind directions and messy conditions. Not worth the paddle.

Finally, we get a nice bookend. Friday July 24th is another proper session. The morning serves up a clean 7.9ft SW swell, 14-second period, with a light cross-offshore breeze. The energy is back up to strong (2252). The afternoon is even better with a 7.5ft SW swell, 13-second period, and true offshore wind. Crowds are possible, but conditions will be excellent for experienced surfers.

Saturday July 25th offers a last chance with a 5.9ft to 7.5ft WSW swell, but the wind is fresh offshore

Read more