Albatross Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming our way at Albatross. There’s a solid run of swell on the cards, but with a few bumps along the road.

The forecast kicks off with a serious pulse of energy. Thursday afternoon (July 9th) we’re looking at a solid 12ft swell from the SW, packing a punch with a combined energy of 4041. That’s a lot of water moving around. The water is sitting at 63°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year, so you’ll want a decent steamer. The wind is offshore, keeping things clean, but this is expert territory only. The period is 13 seconds, a nice long groundswell, but that size is for the experienced crew.

Friday (July 10th) holds steady with that same 12ft SSW swell. The morning has a cross-off wind, but the afternoon glass-off with a light offshore breeze looks prime. The energy is still massive, well over 3500, so again, this is for the big-wave riders.

Saturday (July 11th) sees the swell drop a touch to 10ft, but the wind goes onshore, making conditions messy. The combination of a strong swell and choppy onshore wind will make it a tough session, not worth the paddle out for most.

Sunday (July 12th) the swell continues to fade, down to 6ft, but the wind stays onshore and choppy. It’s a write-off.

Monday (July 13th) is a mixed bag. The morning is small and weak, but the afternoon shows a surprise. A new, smaller 6ft ESE swell with a very short 7-second period and a clean cross-off wind. The energy is low (613), so it’s not going to be a standout, but it’s a chance to get wet on a clean face if you’re desperate.

Tuesday (July 14th) is similar, small 5ft ESE swell, short period, but clean. This is more of a longboard or grovel session.

Wednesday (July 15th) is a total dud in the morning, with a tiny 1ft swell. The afternoon picks up a little to 3ft, but it’s not worth getting excited about.

Now, the real action returns. Thursday (July 16th) is the first big standout. The morning is a solid 8ft SW swell, but the wind is cross-shore. The afternoon, however, is a gem. The same 8ft SW swell with a 13-second period, but the wind swings to a light cross-off, giving us clean, powerful sets. The energy is over 2000, and it’s rated excellent for experienced surfers.

Then we get a run of beautiful conditions. Friday (July 17th) is another highlight. The swell is 7ft SW, with a glassy morning. Offshore winds in the afternoon. This is a full day of quality waves with a combined energy of 1229, perfect for a strong intermediate or expert.

Saturday (July 18th) is a washout with strong, fresh winds.

But hold on to your board shorts. Sunday (July 19th) is the absolute monster of the forecast. We’re looking at a massive 16ft SW swell, with a very long 14-second period. The combined energy is a staggering 9046. This is a serious, serious event. The wind is onshore, which will make it a raw, powerful, and dangerous beast. This is only for absolute experts, and break conditions will be extreme. The crowds are possible here, and on a day like this, it pays to be smart.

Monday (July 20th) the swell backs off to 10ft, but the wind is up, making it a messy, powerful combo.

The end of the run looks promising. Wednesday (July 22nd) afternoon is a standout. The swell is 8ft SW, with a very long 14-second period, and the wind goes glassy. The energy is 2883, and the conditions are excellent for experienced surfers. This is a clean, powerful, and rare window.

Thursday (July 23rd) follows up with a 10ft to 12ft SW swell, long period, and clean cross-off winds. More excellent, powerful surf for the crew who can handle it.

The long-range outlook is promising but less certain. Friday (July 24th) looks like a solid, clean 7ft to 8ft SW swell day to close it out.

So, the best of the best? For the sheer power and quality, Thursday (July 16th) afternoon is a must-surf for the experienced. For the cleanest, most manageable big-wave day, Friday (July 17th) is the pick of the bunch. And for the true adrenaline junkie, Sunday (July 19th) is the big one, but only if you know what you’re doing.

Rusty.

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