The Alley - surf spot statistics

The Alley in Australia is a surf spot with predominantly wind-driven swells, as the data shows that wind swell percentages dominate throughout the year, peaking at 90% in November. Ground swells are relatively low, never exceeding 29% (July), making this spot more favorable for surfers who prefer shorter-period waves. The best months for surfing are generally between May and July, when the swell consistency improves with 25-29% ground swells and better wind conditions, reaching up to 40% favorable winds in June. During these months, mean swell sizes range from 1.1m to 1.3m, which is manageable for intermediate to advanced surfers. However, the spot suffers from poor wind conditions for most of the year, with onshore winds (bad conditions) frequently above 60%, particularly from December to April when they often exceed 80%. The most challenging period is summer (December-February), where wind swell dominance and unfavorable winds make conditions less ideal. If you're looking for the most reliable surf, aim for late autumn and early winter (May-July), when ground swells increase slightly, and wind conditions are marginally better.

August at The Alley offers generally manageable conditions, with an average swell height of 1.0m and a decent period of 9.2s, indicating consistent, well-formed waves. The dominant swell directions are E, ESE, and SE, accounting for over 50% of the wave activity, with the majority falling in the 0.5–2.5m range—ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. The best-quality waves typically come from ENE to SE, where swells between 1–1.5m and 1.5–2m are frequent, providing punchy, well-organized rides. Wind conditions are variable, with only 32% of the time offering ideal offshore or light cross-shore winds (mostly ENE to SE). However, winds from the S, SSE, and SW can be problematic, often blowing onshore at 10–30kph, creating choppy conditions. Overall, August delivers solid surf, particularly early mornings when winds are lighter, though patience is needed for the cleanest sessions.