Publics Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cookin’ at Publics over the next couple of weeks.

Straight up, this ain’t a classic run. The first few days are a bit of a tease. We’ve got some swell, but it’s mostly cross-off winds and the surf quality is just not there. It’s going to be a waiting game, and honestly, the real standout looks like it’s a long way off.

Monday afternoon, August 3rd kicks things off with a 5ft swell from the ENE, but the wind is a cross-off from the NE at 16 mph, and the wave comment says it all: poor surf. The water temp is sittin’ at 81°, which is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Tuesday, August 4th is where you wanna be if you’re keen. The morning has a 5ft ENE swell, 11-second period, and the wind is a lighter cross-off, but the afternoon is the real gem. The wind swings offshore from the NE at 9 mph, and the wave comment says expect very good surf. The combined energy is moderate at 534. That’s the pick of the whole run, hands down. Clean, offshore, and a solid 5ft – that’s a session.

Wednesday, August 5th and Thursday, August 6th drop off quick. Wednesday is marginal with 4ft and cross-off winds, and Thursday is a total dud with tiny swell and poor conditions. Friday, August 7th through Sunday, August 9th is a write-off. The swell gets a bit bigger, but the wind is howling at 22 mph cross-off, and the period is short and choppy. Poor surf all the way.

Monday, August 10th and Tuesday, August 11th are still marginal. The swell is there, around 5ft, but the wind is still cross-off and the surf quality is poor or marginal. Not worth the paddle.

Now, we hit a bit of a lull, but then Wednesday, August 12th shows a sneaky S swell building. The period is a long 18 seconds, and the combined energy is strong at 747, but the wind is still cross-off from the ENE so it’s just not clean. Thursday, August 13th is similar – big S groundswell, long period, but the wind kills it.

The real heavyweight shows up on Friday, August 14th. Swell jumps to 8ft from the ENE, period 8 seconds, and the combined energy is pumping at 1101. That’s serious power. But at that size, with a short period and cross-off wind, this is only for experts. The afternoon is rated marginal, but with waves that big, it’s a beast. Beginner surfers, stay well clear – this is over 8ft.

Saturday, August 15th and Sunday, August 16th stay big, around 8ft to 7ft, but the wind is still cross-off, and the surf comment is poor. The energy is moderate to strong, but it’s messy.

Monday, August 17th and Tuesday, August 18th wind down. The swell drops to 6ft, then 3ft by Tuesday, with the wind easing. The last entry on Tuesday afternoon is surfable but very ordinary. Combined energy is only 101 – weak.

So, the standout is undoubtedly Tuesday afternoon, August 4th. That offshore wind, 5ft ENE swell, and very good surf conditions is the best you’re gonna get. For the brave, Friday August 14th offers big waves, but only for the experienced crew. The rest of the run is a lot of waiting and watching. Don’t hold your breath for the second week – it’s mostly big, windy, and messy.

Rusty.

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