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.

May at The Alley offers decent conditions for intermediate to advanced surfers, with an average swell height of 1.3m and a solid period of 9.2s, ensuring well-formed waves. The swell is primarily from the east-southeast (ESE) and east (E) directions, with 15.2% of waves in the 1-1.5m range from the east, providing consistent, ridable waves. Larger swells (1.5-2.5m) occur about 11.4% of the time from the E-ESE quadrant, delivering punchier sections for more experienced riders. Winds are favorable 37% of the time, typically light to moderate (0-20kph) from the north and northeast early in the day, with occasional seabreezes from the SE-SSE picking up in the afternoons. However, stronger southerly winds (SSE-S) can create chop, especially when speeds exceed 20kph (occurring ~27% of the time). The spot handles southerly swells poorly, so expect the best sessions when the swell is E-ENE and winds are light northerly or offshore. Overall, May delivers a mix of playful waist-high waves and occasional overhead sets, but wind consistency is the limiting factor.