Publics Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming down the line for Publics. I’ll be straight with you – the next week and a half is a bit of a mixed bag, with a lot of marginal conditions and some strong winds making things tricky. But there is a little window of hope if you're patient.

Right now, the water is sitting at a very warm 80° – that's pretty much bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The first real chance to get wet is Sunday afternoon the 19th of July. We've got a 5 ft swell from the ENE, but it's short-period stuff at 8 seconds and the wind is a cross-off at 19 mph. The combined energy is moderate (456), but the surf is described as poor. It's a beach and reef setup, so it's exposed, but with that wind and short period, it's not going to be great. Not a standout.

Monday the 20th looks similar. The morning has 4 ft from the ENE at 8 seconds, with a 12 mph cross-off. The afternoon drops to 3 ft from the S but with a much longer period of 16 seconds – that's a proper groundswell. Energy is moderate (636). However, the wind is still a bother at 19 mph. It's a marginal call either way. This pattern of cross-off winds and small, short-period swell or tricky long-period groundswell holds through most of the week.

By Friday the 24th of July, we see a jump in size in the morning with 8 ft from the ENE, but it's got a horrible 7-second period and a strong breeze at 25 mph. The energy is now strong (1052). This is getting big and messy. For the experienced crew, it might be a challenge, but for beginners, that's too much.

The real standout in this outlook is shaping up for Wednesday the 29th of July. The morning shows 6 ft from the ENE with an 11-second period (groundswell) and a gentle offshore wind from the NE at 9 mph. The combined energy is strong (941). The forecast is for very good surf conditions. This is the one to circle. The wind is light and offshore, which means clean faces. The swell direction matches the optimum, and the period is decent. It is a beach and reef break, so that groundswell might be a little straight, but with offshore wind, it should be fun. The afternoon holds up with 5 ft from the same direction and a light offshore from the N at 9 mph (energy 779). This is the best on offer across the whole period.

After that, the 30th of July drops off. The morning is a tiny 1 ft from the SW with onshore wind – a write-off. The afternoon offers a 5 ft from the ENE but it's marginal.

Then, Friday the 31st of July brings another solid option. The afternoon session has 6 ft from the ENE at a short 7-second period, but with a light 6 mph cross-off from the E. The combined energy is strong (1146), and the forecast is for excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers. This is a big call. The size is up there, and the light wind will keep it clean. The short period keeps it from being a world-class groundswell, but for a punchy beach break, it could be a blast. Keep in mind, with the crowds always present, it might get busy.

The first week of August sees a return to the pattern of ENE swell with 19-22 mph cross-off winds, making things marginal again. The 7 ft on the 2nd of August morning has strong energy (974), but that wind is a killer.

So, to sum it up: the first week is a write-off unless you're desperate. Your best bet is Wednesday the 29th of July, with clean offshore winds and a solid groundswell. The second standout is the afternoon of Friday the 31st of July, offering clean, punchy waves for the more experienced. Get out there.

Rusty.

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