Fence (Port Elizabeth) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for the next couple of weeks.

We’ve got a bit of a wait for the first proper session, but once it kicks off, there’s some serious grunt in the water. The standout window is a clear head-turner, but you’ll need your wits about you.

The first real action hits Tuesday afternoon, August 25th, at Fence (Port Elizabeth). We’re looking at a solid 6ft swell from the SSW, with a long 16-second period. That’s proper groundswell, and it’s pumping out a massive 1782 combined energy. The wind is light cross-off from the SW, so those waves are going to be clean. The water is sitting at 60°, which is a whopping 6° colder than usual – that’s very unusual, so get the thick rubber on. This is excellent surf, but it’s advanced territory and the break is very consistent, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. Crowds can show up here sometimes.

Wednesday morning, August 26th, gets messy. The swell jumps to 10ft from the S with a 17-second period, but the wind is onshore from the E at 16 mph and the energy is a massive 4794. It’s a no-go.

Thursday morning, August 27th, the swell drops to 6ft from the S, but the wind is cross-on from the NE and the period is a decent 12 seconds. The energy is 1499, but the conditions are only marginal.

Friday morning, August 28th, we see a drop to 4ft from the S, 11-second period, and light cross-shore wind from the N. The energy is 816. It’s small and marginal.

The rest of the week into the weekend stays small and messy, with onshore winds and choppy conditions. Monday morning, August 31st, there’s a moment of glassy calm with 2ft from the SW, but the energy is only 235 and it’s just surfable, nothing special.

Now, for the real standout. Wednesday morning, September 2nd, is the one to circle. The forecast is for a massive 13ft swell from the SW, with a 14-second period. The combined energy is a staggering 11258 – that’s a lot of power. The wind is strong offshore from the WSW at 25 mph, which will groom the waves beautifully, but it’s going to be a real battle to get out. At over 8ft, this is strictly for experts only. The long period also means it’s best suited to the point and reef setups around here, as it might close out on the beach. The conditions are described as marginal due to the difficulty, but the quality is there for those who can handle it. This is the big one, but it’s far out and things can change.

Thursday, September 3rd, the swell drops back to 5ft from the SW with a 13-second period, and light cross-on wind from the ENE. Energy is 1030, but it’s marginal.

Friday, September 4th, we get another 10ft pulse from the ESE, but the period is short at 9 seconds and the wind is strong cross-off from the SSW. The energy is 2334. It’s clean but messy, and the short period means it won’t have much shape.

The second week sees a lot of wind and onshore conditions, with the swell fluctuating. Monday, September 7th, has a clean 5ft from the S with a 12-second period and cross-off wind from the SW. Energy is 1065, but it’s only marginal.

Overall, the best bet is that Wednesday, September 2nd window, but it’s a long way off and it’s a beast. Keep an eye on the charts.

Rusty.

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