Cyclone Alfred & The East Coast Swell

The East Coast of Australia has been experiencing some serious surf thanks to Cyclone Alfred, generating pumping swell and offshore winds that have lit up some of the country’s best breaks.

While surfers are frothing over the heavy conditions, knowing how to prepare and what gear to ride is essential for maximizing performance and safety.

Whether you're a seasoned big wave charger or just stepping up your game, this guide breaks down the best boards, leg ropes, and fins for handling the size and power of cyclone swells.

The East Coast of Australia has been experiencing some serious surf thanks to Cyclone Alfred, generating pumping swell and offshore winds that have lit up some of the country’s best breaks.

While surfers are frothing over the heavy conditions, knowing how to prepare and what gear to ride is essential for maximizing performance and safety.

Whether you're a seasoned big wave charger or just stepping up your game, this guide breaks down the best boards, leg ropes, and fins for handling the size and power of cyclone swells.

SWELL CONDITIONS

Cyclone Alfred formed off the northern coast of Australia, bringing strong onshore winds, torrential rain, and powerful ocean energy that has transformed into some of the best surf we've seen in months.

This system has sent long-period ground swells down the coast, producing waves well over head-high, with some spots maxing out beyond double-overhead.

Here’s what surfers are experiencing right now:

Queensland: Points like Snapper Rocks and Kirra have been lighting up with long, running barrels.

New South Wales: Beach breaks are throwing up powerful, hollow sections, while reef slabs are delivering heavy water.

Victoria & Tasmania: The southern exposure has received less consistent swell, but select reefs are firing.

Cyclone Alfred formed off the northern coast of Australia, bringing strong onshore winds, torrential rain, and powerful ocean energy that has transformed into some of the best surf we've seen in months.

This system has sent long-period ground swells down the coast, producing waves well over head-high, with some spots maxing out beyond double-overhead.

Here’s what surfers are experiencing right now:

Queensland: Points like Snapper Rocks and Kirra have been lighting up with long, running barrels.

New South Wales: Beach breaks are throwing up powerful, hollow sections, while reef slabs are delivering heavy water.

Victoria & Tasmania: The southern exposure has received less consistent swell, but select reefs are firing.

BEST SURFBOARDS
FOR BIGGER SWELL

BEST SURFBOARDS FOR BIGGER SWELL

When the waves are heavier and more powerful, you need the right equipment to stay in control and push your limits. Here's what to consider:

1. Step-Up Surfboards

If the waves are head-high to double-overhead, your regular shortboard won’t cut it.

A step-up board is slightly longer and thinner, allowing for extra paddle power, better hold, and more control in heavy surf.

Recommended Step-Up Sizes:

If you ride a 5’10" shortboard, step up to 6’2" – 6’4".
If you ride a 6’0", step up to 6’6" – 6’8".

Best step-up models:

JS Schooner Round Tail

Pyzel Ghost

Firewire Dominator 2

2. Gun Surfboards

For serious big wave sessions, you’ll need a gun. These boards are longer (6’10" to 9’0"), narrower, and have pulled-in tails, designed for maximum hold and control in large surf.

👉 Check out the Mavs Gun Pintail

3. Twin-Fin & Hybrid Options

For those who still want speed and flow, a twin-fin step-up or a hybrid performance board can work well in medium to solid surf, offering extra drive without sacrificing maneuverability.

👉 Check out the Channel Islands Mid Twin.

SHOP SURFBOARDS

When the waves are heavier and more powerful, you need the right equipment to stay in control and push your limits. Here's what to consider:

1. Step-Up Surfboards

If the waves are head-high to double-overhead, your regular shortboard won’t cut it.

A step-up board is slightly longer and thinner, allowing for extra paddle power, better hold, and more control in heavy surf.

Recommended Step-Up Sizes:

If you ride a 5’10" shortboard, step up to 6’2" – 6’4".
If you ride a 6’0", step up to 6’6" – 6’8".

👉 Best step-up models: JS Schooner Round Tail, Pyzel Ghost

2. Gun Surfboards

For serious big wave sessions, you’ll need a gun. These boards are longer (6’10" to 9’0"), narrower, and have pulled-in tails, designed for maximum hold and control in large surf.

👉 Check out the Mavs Gun Pintail

3. Twin-Fin & Hybrid Options

For those who still want speed and flow, a twin-fin step-up or a hybrid performance board can work well in medium to solid surf, offering extra drive without sacrificing maneuverability.

👉 Check out the JS Black Baron Twin Fin EPS.

SHOP ALL SURFBOARDS

CHOOSING THE RIGHT
LEG ROPE

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LEG ROPE

Your leg rope (leash) is your lifeline in heavy conditions. A broken or too-short leash could leave you swimming to shore in serious swell.

✅ What to look for in a big-wave leash:

Length: A 7-10ft leash gives you enough distance to avoid getting hit by your board in wipeouts
Thickness: Choose a thicker, 7-8mm leash for added strength.
Double swivel: Prevents tangling and unnecessary drag.

👉 Check out the FCS Protect Leash 8FT & Protect Max 12FT

Your leg rope (leash) is your lifeline in heavy conditions. A broken or too-short leash could leave you swimming to shore in serious swell.

✅ What to look for in a big-wave leash:

Length: A 7-10ft leash gives you enough distance to avoid getting hit by your board in wipeouts
Thickness: Choose a thicker, 7-8mm leash for added strength.
Double swivel: Prevents tangling and unnecessary drag.

👉 Check out the FCS Protect 8FT & FCS Protect Max 12FT

SHOP ALL LEG ROPES

SHOP LEG ROPES

FIN SETUPS FOR
BIGGER SURF

FIN SETUPS FOR BIGGER SURF

Your fin setup can make or break your performance in powerful waves. Here’s what works best:

1. Thruster (3-Fin) Setup

✔ Best for: Stability, control, and powerful turns.
✔ Recommended for: Heavy barrels, strong offshore conditions.
✔ Best model: FCS II GL PC Tri Fin Set

2. Quad (4-Fin) Setup

✔ Best for: Speed, hold, and control in hollow waves.
✔ Recommended for: Steep, fast reef breaks and point breaks.
✔ Best model: FCS II GL PC Tri-Quad Fin Set

Your fin setup can make or break your performance in powerful waves. Here’s what works best:

1. Thruster (3-Fin) Setup

✔ Best for: Stability, control, and powerful turns.
✔ Recommended for: Heavy barrels, strong offshore conditions.
✔ Best model: FCS II GS PC Tri Fin Set

2. Quad (4-Fin) Setup

✔ Best for: Speed, hold, and control in hollow waves.
✔ Recommended for: Steep, fast reef breaks and point breaks.
✔ Best model: FCS II GL PC Tri-Quad Fin Set