Designed for beginner and intermediate surfers, from young ones on their first foamies to junior competitors, the City of Albany’s Artificial Surf Reef will soon see locals and visitors going left, in the heart of the coastal city.
Set to join the artificial reef off Cables built in 1999, the Southern Ocean Surf Reef is set to attract keen surfers and tourists to the State’s south coast and will give Albany an accessible surfing site close to town.
To be constructed from local quarried rock, the reef will improve the seabed conditions and resulting wave breaking character to create a more consistent quality, surfable wave for a range of target surfer groups from beginner to intermediate abilities.
There are surf breaks in the region, but the closest is about a half-hour drive from Albany and not accessible by public transport.
Further, City of Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said the surf breaks around Albany are not suitable for novice surfers.
“The Southern Ocean Surf Reef is an innovative and exciting project which will put Albany on the map as a premier surfing destination for tourists,” he said.
“We expect it to be a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike, as it will provide the opportunity for a diverse array of groups to embrace the outdoors and improve their surfing skills in a safe and consistent wave break.”
Now 68, local surfing legend Peter Bolt has been an absolute warrior on this Surf Reef, campaigning and scrapping for over two decades.
“I am absolutely stoked about this funding, it has been a long road. I reckon I will fully believe it’s happening when I see the first rocks go in the water,’ he laughs.
When asked if he thinks the reef will produce a wave, Mr Bolt is unequivocal.
“Yep. When the swell comes into King George sound, it will produce a good left-hander. No more close outs, like what happens now.”
“And I reckon the ones who will get the most benefit out of the reef haven’t been born yet.”
Read more in the September/October 2023 Edition of Western Councillor.
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WALGA acknowledges the continuing connection of Aboriginal people to Country, culture and community. We embrace the vast Aboriginal cultural diversity throughout Western Australia, including Boorloo (Perth), on the land of the Whadjuk Nyoongar People, where WALGA is located and we acknowledge and pay respect to Elders past and present.