Alkantstrand Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, Rusty here, and I’ve been staring at the charts for Alkantstrand. It’s a bit of a mixed bag over the next fortnight, but there are some definite windows to get wet. The water is sitting at 71°F which is pretty much spot on for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The action kicks off on Thursday the 13th of August. Thursday morning is looking alright with a 6ft swell out of the SE, period of 9 seconds, and a clean offshore breeze from the SW. The energy is moderate (713), and the conditions are described as clean. It’s a beginner-friendly spot, so this is a solid option for a morning session. Thursday afternoon drops a bit to 4ft from the SSE with a cross-offshore wind, still clean and ridable.

Friday, the 14th of August, is actually the standout of the whole outlook. Friday morning is glassy – zero wind – with a 5ft swell from the ESE. The wait will be worth it for that kind of clean, glassy surface. The energy is moderate (477) and the report says "good surf conditions." This is the one to circle. Friday afternoon turns a bit onshore and gets messy, so make the most of the morning.

The weekend from Saturday the 15th through to Tuesday the 18th of August is a write-off. The wind is onshore, mostly from the NE, and the swell is confused. Conditions are poor to marginal. There’s a long stretch of nothing here, so save your energy.

There’s a flicker of hope on Wednesday the 19th of August. The morning has a fresh SW wind at 19 mph, cross-offshore, and a 5ft swell from the S. The period is short at 7 seconds, so it won’t be the best shape, but it’s clean. The afternoon is similar with a lighter wind. It’s marginal, but it’s clean.

Thursday the 20th of August is a miss again with strong onshore winds.

Now, Friday the 21st of August has a late afternoon option. A 3ft swell from the S with a 9 second period, and a clean offshore wind from the SW. The energy is weak (389), but it’s rideable and clean. Worth a look if you’re desperate.

Saturday the 22nd of August is the other real standout. The morning has a 5ft swell from the NE, with a 12 mph offshore wind from the SW. It’s clean and the report says "good surf conditions." A solid session.

Then we get to Sunday the 23rd of August. This is a big one, but it’s a warning, not a celebration. The swell is pumping at 12ft from the S, with a period of 11 seconds, and an offshore wind. The energy is enormous (2889). However, the report explicitly says it’s too big for this break. This is expert-only territory, and even then, it’s going to be a washing machine. Kite surfers might have a field day, but for paddle surfing, it’s a day to watch from the beach.

Monday the 24th of August is a nice recovery. A 6ft swell from the SSE with a clean cross-offshore wind in the morning, and a lighter 5ft swell in the afternoon with a cross-offshore breeze. Both are clean and have moderate energy. A good, solid day.

The final week from Tuesday the 25th of August onwards is mostly a dud. Onshore winds and poor conditions dominate. The 27th and 28th have some onshore swell but nothing clean.

So, to wrap it up: the best on offer is Friday the 14th of August for the glassy morning session, and Saturday the 22nd of August for the clean offshore conditions. The 23rd is a beast, but it’s for the experts or the kiters. Make the most of those windows.

Rusty.

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