Chinamans Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Looks like we’ve got a bit of a wait for the good stuff, but when it arrives, it’s gonna be a ripper for the crew that knows what they’re doing.

The first week or so is pretty average at Chinamans – a solid exposed reef setup that demands respect. The swell is there, but the wind is a mess for a while. Wednesday the 29th is a write-off: 10ft of SW groundswell (16-second period) but with a strong cross-on shore breeze, it’s just messy. The combined energy is huge (4529), but you won’t enjoy it. Afternoon drops to 8ft, same story.

Thursday the 30th is where things start to turn. Morning is still average with 6ft, but by the afternoon, it goes glassy. 5ft of SW groundswell (13 seconds) and clean conditions. Not a standout, but a nice little window. Combined energy is moderate (832).

Friday the 31st is clean and small – 4ft of SW groundswell, light cross-off breezes, and very tidy. Combined energy is weak (536 to 710). Good for a longboard or a fish, but not for the big-wave hunter.

Saturday the 1st of August sees some proper offshore wind from the north, 25 mph, with 5ft to 7ft of SW groundswell (17 seconds – very long period). This is a point-and-reef wave, so that long period will be a treat. Combined energy jumps to 1597 and 2352. Clean, but the swell is pushing into expert territory on the afternoon push. This is a solid option.

Monday the 3rd and Tuesday the 4th are a mixed bag. Monday is blown out again. But Tuesday the 4th afternoon is a gem: 4ft of SW groundswell (15 seconds), gentle offshore from the NNW, and clean. Excellent for experienced surfers. Combined energy is moderate (1023).

Now, the standout window. From Wednesday the 5th of August through to Saturday the 9th of August, Chinamans is cooking. Wednesday the 5th has 5ft to 6ft of SW groundswell (17-18 seconds), strong offshore winds, and excellent conditions. Combined energy is moderate-strong (1646 to 1826). Thursday the 6th is similar, with 5ft to 6ft.

But the big one is Saturday the 8th of August. That morning, we’ve got 12ft of SW groundswell (14 seconds) with a gentle offshore from the north. Combined energy is a thumping 5154. This is expert-level, big, powerful reef surf. Afternoon stays 12ft but with a cross-off wind, still clean. This is the best on offer – a true standout for the crew that can handle it.

Sunday the 9th is still solid at 10ft to 8ft, but the wind starts to get a bit fresh. Still clean, but the quality drops.

The second week gets messy. Monday the 10th and Tuesday the 11th have big swell (10ft to 12ft) but strong cross or cross-off winds, and by Tuesday, it’s crossed out and lumpy. Wednesday the 12th has a beautiful 12ft of SW groundswell (16 seconds) with clean conditions in the morning – combined energy of 9174 – but the wind picks up. Thursday the 13th is blown out completely with near-gale winds.

There’s a long gap of several days before the first real quality, but once it gets going, the period from August 1st to August 9th is the go. Chinamans is an advanced reef, and it’s fairly consistent, so crowds are possible – especially on the standout days. The water temperature is about 60°F, which is pretty normal for this time of year.

If you’re an expert, that Saturday the 8th of August morning is the one. Otherwise, the Tuesday the 4th of August afternoon or the Wednesday the 5th are your best bets for a more manageable swell.

Rusty.

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