Fence (Port Elizabeth) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty. Let’s look at what we’ve got for Fence (Port Elizabeth) over the next couple of weeks. Right off the bat, it’s a mixed bag with some real gems buried in the back half, but you’re gonna need patience.

The first week is mostly a write-off. There’s a ton of onshore wind and lumpy cross-shore chop that’s just not going to deliver anything clean. The energy in the water is actually there on the 16th with a big 7ft SSW groundswell hitting a reading of 2095 (moderate to strong energy), but it’s getting hammered by a stiff 22 mph SSW wind. That’s a hard pass. That pattern of messy, onshore wind and poor quality holds through the 19th, with swell hanging around the 8ft mark but blown out. For a spot like this, that combo of strong wind and a beach setup just makes it look more interesting for kite surfing right now than a proper paddle session. The water temp is sitting at 65°F, which is about average for this time of year, so no thermal surprises.

Things finally shift on the morning of Sunday the 20th. This is where it gets good. A clean 5ft SSW groundswell with a very long 15-second period rolls in, paired with light 9 mph cross-offshore SW winds. The energy is strong at 1247, and the wave comment says “expect very good surf conditions.” This is a genuine standout. That long period means the waves will have proper shape and punch, especially on an advanced set-up like The Fence. It’s a consistent spot, so you won’t be waiting forever between sets, but be aware that on good days like this, crowds are possible. The afternoon holds similar quality with the same size and light wind.

We hit another dry spell from the 21st through the 22nd as the onshore wind pattern returns.

Then, the next real highlight comes on Wednesday the 23rd. The afternoon session is the call: a solid 8ft SW swell at a 10-second period, with light 9 mph cross-offshore SW winds. Again, clean surf, strong energy at 1094, and the comment is “expect very good surf conditions.” Get out there.

The 24th is big—10ft of SSW groundswell on Thursday afternoon with a 15-second period and 22 mph cross-offshore wind—but it’s powerful and marginal. That’s a real solid wave for the right crew, but a heads up: the ocean has some serious energy that morning (3604 on the energy scale), and a 31 mph near-gale offshore wind is going to make paddling a battle. Still, for experts only.

If you can hold out, Friday the 25th morning is the absolute best on offer. Glassy conditions, a 7ft SSW groundswell with that lovely 14-second period, and no wind at all. The energy is still strong at 1689, and it’s tagged as excellent conditions. This is the window you wait for. The wind stays clean through the 26th and 27th mornings, with 8ft to 8ft SSW swells and light cross-offshore wind, keeping quality high for experienced surfers.

The last couple days of the month fade again as the onshore winds return. There’s an afternoon on the 30th with a 7ft E swell, but onshore wind and shorter period kills it. Let’s be honest—days 15 and 16 look like they belong in the bin, but the sweet spot is definitely from the 20th through the 27th. Keep your eyes on that Friday the 25th morning.

Stay patient.

Rusty.

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