Albatross Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright mate, let's see what the water's got for us.

We’re looking at Albatross, a sheltered beach and reef break that's fine for beginners. Don't be fooled though – the water’s running at 60°, which is a massive 6° colder than normal for this time of year. That's very unusual, so you'll need a thick steamer.

The week starts slow, but things get rolling Friday the 28th. The morning serves up a 4ft S swell with a moderate offshore breeze. The combined energy is middling (426). It’s clean and lined up. That afternoon, the wind goes light cross-offshore, cleaning up a 4ft S swell, and the energy bumps up a tick (557). Saturday the 29th morning has a 4ft WSW swell with a fresh offshore wind, and the energy is stronger (912). It looks clean, but with that wind it's a bit of a handful.

Sunday the 30th is the first real highlight. Morning sees a 6ft SW swell with a moderate offshore wind. The combined energy is strong (1018) and conditions look very good. It has some grunt and is clean. That afternoon holds with a similar 6ft swell and a gentle offshore wind – good surf continues.

Monday the 31st has the swell holding at 6ft from the SW with a longer 12-second period, but a fresh cross-offshore wind keeps it from being perfect. The energy is still strong (1034). Tuesday the 1st of September morning has an 8ft SW swell with light cross-shore airs, but that afternoon it cleans up perfectly with a gentle offshore wind on the same 8ft swell. The energy is very strong (1674) and the conditions are very good. This is a standout for any intermediate.

Now Wednesday the 2nd gets serious. The swell jumps to 13ft Wednesday morning with a 13-second period and massive energy (6064). Conditions are only marginal due to the fresh cross-offshore wind. But Wednesday afternoon? It’s a monster. A 20ft SW swell with a 15-second period and insane energy (15267). That’s expert-only territory. The wind is still cross-offshore, so it won't be perfect, but it’ll be legendary.

Thursday the 3rd still has heaps of size, with 13ft and 12ft swells, but the wind stays cross-offshore and conditions are only marginal.

Friday the 4th and Saturday the 5th are a write-off. Strong cross-shore and onshore winds with huge, messy swell... that’s more for the kite crew than paddle surfing. The setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

Sunday the 6th afternoon finally cleans up. A 13ft SE swell with a light offshore wind, and the energy is still very strong (4814). The description calls it excellent for experienced surfers. That’s the other big standout – huge, but clean.

Monday the 7th morning is glassy with a 6ft S swell and moderate energy (1697). That glass is a major win; it’ll be perfect for anyone who wants a break from the giants.

From Tuesday the 8th onward, the swell drops to around 4ft, but the wind turns onshore and choppy, making it poor for a couple of days. Wednesday the 9th and Thursday the 10th offer tiny 3ft to 4ft SW swells with light winds – surfable but boring. The run from Friday the 11th looks poor again with building onshore wind.

Best bet: Tuesday the 1st afternoon for a fun, clean 8ft swell. And for the big-wave nuts, Sunday the 6th afternoon is the clean giant. Go get it.

Rusty.

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