Albany artificial reef delivers new surfing site for locals and tourists

Albany’s Southern Ocean Surf Reef has officially opened delivering a new surfing site for locals and tourists. The artificial reef offers an accessible surfing site offshore from Middleton Beach.

The reef will create a more consistent quality, surfable wave for surfers with beginner to intermediate abilities, along with advanced surfers on larger swells.

The Australian Government contributed $5 million and the Western Australian Government $4.75 million towards the build, delivered by the City of Albany and managed by project contractor Heron Construction Limited.

The project also secured financial support from local funding sources.

Specialist marine equipment was required for the complex build with local quarried rocks used on the seabed floor of the artificial reef location.

The design provides surfing rides of up to 100 metres during average conditions, with surfable waves expected for more than 40% of the year over the reef, with further surfing opportunities inshore of the reef.

Federal Acting Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Julie Collins noted "Middleton Beach is a much-loved destination for both locals and tourists and this new artificial surf reef is an exciting addition.

"This project will cater to surfers of all levels by creating safer and more consistent surf conditions, unlike some of the more challenging breaks in the area. It's a terrific project and our government is very proud to have supported it."

 WA Acting Great Southern and Tourism Minister Don Punch added "The Southern Ocean Surf Reef project will add yet another outdoor attraction for visitors to the diverse Great Southern.

"The reef has quickly become popular with a wide range of users, from school groups and beginner surfers to experienced riders enjoying larger swells.

"Community feedback has been very positive, with local surfers praising the increase in waves and quality both on the reef and close to shore."

Image. Credit: Surf Forecast/ jakob