Publics Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s be straight with you: the next fortnight ain’t a classic for Publics. We’ve got a solid wall of ENE wind blowing cross-off shore, which is actually offshore for this exposed beach-and-reef setup. So the lines will look tidy, but the energy coming in is short-period windswell, and the ratings tell me that conditions are either poor or marginal for most of the run. The water’s sitting at 81°F, which is about normal for this time of year, so no dramas there.

We start Sunday arvo, August 23rd, with 7ft of short-period ENE swell. The energy’s moderate at 597, but the period’s only 7 seconds – that’s weak, lumpy windswell. Not much push. ENE wind’s howling at 25 mph, so it’s a battle out there. This setup might look cleaner for a kite surfer than a paddle surfer. Monday morning stays similar: 5ft, same period, still cranking at 25 mph. Tuesday morning bumps up to 7ft, but the wind’s still 25 mph. Not recommended.

On Wednesday August 26th, things shift. Morning’s still rubbish with 5ft of ENE windswell, but by the afternoon a new S swell shows at 2ft with a long period of 18 seconds. That’s proper groundswell, very long period, which usually means smaller wave heights but lots of energy underneath. Energy’s at 622—still moderate. This kind of long-period S swell will wrap around better at a reef or point, not ideal for a beach break, but the change is interesting. Thursday August 27th sees the S swell build a bit: 4ft in the morning, 17-second period, energy up to 876. Still marginal due to tide or wind, but it’s the best we’ve seen.

From Friday August 28th through to Saturday August 30th, we’re back into ENE windswell. The swell sits between 3ft and 5ft, short period, and the wind stays fresh from the ENE at 19-22 mph. It’s clean-looking, but the waves are weak and bumpy.

Now, the standout window is around the start of September. Monday August 31st has a brief 4ft ENE swell with a period of 11 seconds—so a bit more push. Then Tuesday September 1st kicks off a run of bigger swell: 7ft to 7ft ENE, periods of 8-9 seconds, and energy jumping into the 1000-1200 range (strong). Wind’s still cross-off at 22 mph, so the faces will be groomed. But 7ft at a beach break with short period means it’s gonna be a bit lumpy and fat. For beginners, 7ft is getting big. For experienced surfers, it’s doable but not a classic.

The real one to mark on the calendar is Saturday September 5th and Sunday September 6th. Saturday morning has 7ft ENE swell with a period of 12 seconds—that’s proper groundswell, much longer period, meaning better-shaped waves and more power. Energy’s at 1449 (strong). The wind holds at 19 mph NE, still offshore. Then Sunday September 6th morning pumps up to 8ft ENE, 12-second period, with massive energy at 2400 (very strong). This is expert territory—over 8ft, only for those who know what they’re doing. The long period at a beach break could see it closing out or pitching fast, but if you’re on the right sandbank, it’ll be a handful. Afternoon drops to 10ft but period backs off to 11 seconds.

After that, Monday September 7th drops back to 7ft ENE, 9-second period, still clean but less exciting. So overall, the best bet is that second weekend—September 5th and 6th—if you’re a strong surfer and the banks hold. The rest is windswell or marginal. If you’re just starting out, wait for that small S swell day on Wednesday August 26th or Thursday August 27th for a gentle taste.

Signing off, Rusty.

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