Publics Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, grab a coffee, let’s see what’s cooking for Publics over the next couple of weeks.

Honestly, it’s a rough stretch ahead. The whole first week is pretty much a write-off for good, clean waves. We’ve got swell, sure, but the wind is just relentless, hammering in from the ENE, and the surf quality is suffering badly. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so it’s fine for a paddle, but you won’t want to be out there for the waves.

Let’s start with Friday, July 3rd. We’re looking at a 5 ft ENE swell, but the period is a short, weak 8 seconds. The energy is moderate (519). That ENE wind is a stiff 19 mph, blowing cross-off, which is okay for shape but it’s creating a bit of chop and making it feel messy. Saturday the 4th is similar but stronger – swell hits 6 ft in the morning (energy 890), but the 22 mph wind is just... there. You get a little reprieve in the afternoon with a 2 ft S swell at a very long 20 seconds, but it’s a weird combo and the conditions are still poor.

Sunday the 5th through to the middle of the following week is the real tough part. From Sunday morning, July 5th, through to Wednesday, July 9th, we are looking at a run of poor conditions. The swell gets bigger – 7 ft to 7 ft on Monday and Tuesday, July 6th & 7th – but with that short, punchy 7-8 second period, it’s going to be a close-out mess. The wind stays strong (22-25 mph) and cross-off. This is genuinely only for the hardcore or the kite crew that might get something out of it. The wave energy is moderate to high (values like 767 and 885) but it’s all wasted energy. The setup at Publics is a beach and reef, so with this level of swell and wind, you’re better off looking at it for a kite session than a paddle.

By Thursday, July 10th, the swell drops off. Morning brings a 5 ft ENE swell (energy 320), still with poor conditions. By Friday, July 11th, we’re looking at a 5 ft ENE swell in the morning (energy 455), but it’s still not clean. Things then settle into a pattern of small, weak, and bumpy.

From Saturday, July 12th, through the end of the forecast window, the swell is small – generally 2 ft to 3 ft from the SSW or SW. The wind stays stubbornly in the ENE at 19-25 mph, keeping the surface messy. The energy is very weak (often under 500). On Friday, July 17th, there’s a slight glimmer with a bit of rain and lighter 16 mph wind, but the swell is only 2 ft with a 13-second period (energy 224). It’s marginal, not a standout by any stretch.

To be blunt, there are no true standouts here. The best you’re going to get is a window where the swell isn't completely tiny and the wind drops, but that doesn't happen. The forecast is poor for weeks 1 and 2. If you must go out, maybe try the Saturday morning, July 4th, if the 2 ft S swell (20 seconds) mixes with something else, but don’t hold your breath. It’s a blank run.

Rusty.

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