Fence (Port Elizabeth) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, gather round. Rusty here, takin' a proper look at what the next stretch has in store for us at Fence (Port Elizabeth).

This is a cracking run of swell for the experienced crew, especially early on. The water is sitting at 64°, a solid couple of degrees colder than what you'd normally expect for this time of year, so you'll want a good 4/3, maybe even a hood if you feel the cold.

The action kicks off proper on Friday the 3rd of July. We're looking at a solid 7ft SSE groundswell, with a period of 11 seconds, and the energy in the water is strong. It's a bit on the bigger side, so this is advanced territory only. But the wind is a light cross-off from the NW, keeping things clean. Then, Friday afternoon turns to gold: the wind drops to zero, absolute glass, and the swell bumps up a touch to 8ft from the SE. The wave energy is even higher. This is the real window for the experienced lads — clean, powerful, and all to yourselves if you're lucky with the crowds.

Saturday the 4th still has some punch for the morning session. A 7ft SE swell, 12-second period, and cross-off wind from the WNW at 6 mph. It's still a proper wave, but the quality starts to ease a bit into the afternoon.

After that, the size backs right off into Sunday. You'll get fun, cleaner lines on Sunday afternoon with a 4ft SE swell and glassy conditions, but the energy drops away. It's an easy paddle out though, and the shape on a long-period groundswell (12 seconds) should be nice and lined up.

Come Monday the 6th, the swell switches to the SW at 3-4ft. Small but clean, with light offshore or glassy winds. A good day for logging or just getting wet on a longboard. That pattern of small but clean 4ft SSW swell runs right through to Wednesday the 8th. The wind gets a bit stronger on Wednesday — a fresh offshore from the WSW at 19 mph — which sounds gnarly but will hold the face open. The period hits 14 seconds, meaning a bit more push than the height suggests. It's solid intermediate territory.

Then things get messy. From Thursday the 9th right through to Sunday the 12th, an onshore wind from the E and ENE blows hard, up to 25 mph. The swell actually jumps back up to 8ft on Thursday and 6ft on Sunday with a very long 16-second period. But with that onshore wind, it's going to be a blown-out, lumpy mess. This is more of a kite-surfing show than anything for a paddle surfer.

After that nasty stretch, Monday the 13th is a beautiful reset. The wind goes glassy at 3 mph from the W, the swell settles to a clean 5ft S swell (12 seconds). This is a highlight for the week ahead — clean, forgiving, and a great day for a wider range of surfers.

The second week sees a lot of smaller, weaker swell. Tuesday the 14th offers a 3ft SSE swell with a gentle offshore, but the wind ramps up to a brutal 28 mph offshore by the afternoon, making paddling out a proper battle. That pattern of tiny swell and strong wind holds through to the 15th.

Thursday the 16th has a weird one — a 5ft SSW swell with a massive 17-second period. That much period will make it wall up and barrel on the reefs, but the wind is cross-shore from the N, so it'll be a bit crumbly. Potential for a few deep ones if you're in the right spot.

Looking further out, Friday the 17th looks like a bit of a treat. A 4ft SSW swell with a 14-second period and light cross-off wind from the NW. Clean, good energy. The afternoon brings a shift: a 6ft E swell with a shorter 9-second period, but the wind is light. Could be a fun, punchy windswell if it cleans up.

The very last day on the chart, Saturday the 18th, shows a powerful 8ft E swell hitting with a strong 28 mph offshore from the WSW. The energy is huge, but that wind will make it nearly impossible to paddle into. One for the truly elite, or the tow crew.

So, the standout is undeniably Friday the 3rd of July, especially the glassy afternoon session at 8ft with that SE groundswell. It's heavy, it's clean, and it's the best on offer. The secondary highlight is Monday the 13th — a total reset of clean, glassy conditions after a few rough days. It's not the biggest, but it'll be beautiful.

Stay safe out there, and don't be a kook.

Rusty.

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