Cyclone Alfred & The East Coast Swell: What you need to know & the best gear for big waves
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.
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.
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 8FT & FCS Protect Max 12FT
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 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
GET GEARED UP
At Board Collective, we stock premium surfboards, leg ropes, fins, and accessories for tackling cyclone swells.
JOEY SILK SCORES WAVE OF HIS LIFE
Saltwater Wine Junior Team Rider Joey Silk, just 14 years old, scores the wave of his life at Kirra. This clip racking up almost 450,000 views!
Video Credit: @cregscurated
Surfer: @joey.silk
