Chinamans Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let's talk in old-school units. We've got Chinamans reef, and it's about to get real with a solid SW groundswell. The water's sitting right around 59°F, which is dead average for this time of year. The key is the length of this run – there's surf coming, but you'll need to be patient.

First up is Thursday the 13th of August. We're looking at a 10-foot SW groundswell with a 15-second period. That's proper long-period energy, with the combined swell energy at 3557 (moderate-strong). A cross-off wind from the W at 12 mph will keep things clean. This one's for the advanced crew only – 10-foot is getting into expert territory, and a reef break with that much juice needs respect.

Friday the 14th morning is the first big standout. The swell is still 10-foot from the SW, and the period stretches out to a very long 16 seconds, with energy up at 3937. The wind drops to a light W breeze at 6 mph, cross-off. That's about as clean as it gets. Excellent for experienced surfers – the long period gives you long, powerful lines, but be ready for the sets on that reef.

We get a clean breather on Thursday the 20th of August morning. The swell drops to a more manageable 7 feet, still SW at 16 seconds. The wind is a light NW offshore at 6 mph. That's going to be glassy, clean, and a much nicer size for strong intermediates. Energy is 1978 (moderate).

Then the big stuff returns. Saturday the 22nd of August morning shows a 13-foot SW swell, but with a cross-on SSW wind at 16 mph. That's a choppy, blown-out mess. The combined energy is 5995 (strong-very strong), but with that wind, it's a no-go. The afternoon cleans up a touch but still isn't great.

Here's the real second-week standout. Sunday the 23rd of August morning brings a 10-foot SW groundswell with a 15-second period (energy 3539) and a light NW offshore wind at 6 mph. Excellent conditions for experienced surfers with a glassy surface and big, clean swell. That's the pick of the trip if you're after size.

And then, there's the wild card. Friday the 28th of August morning is looking truly exceptional. The swell is 8 feet from the SW, but the period is a monstrous 19 seconds – very, very long-period groundswell. The combined swell energy is a massive 6065 (strong-very strong). And the wind? Glassy. SW at 3 mph. That's a rare combo of massive, powerful energy and a flat surface. Only for experts at that size on a reef, but if you're one, that is the session to circle.

Crowds at Chinamans can pop up *sometimes*, but with that quality and the advanced nature of the spot, it shouldn't be a zoo. The long-period stuff is best here at the reef, where the lines will stand up and wall up nicely.

Rusty

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