Chinamans Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let's take a look at what's on the table for Chinamans.

We're looking at a real mixed bag, folks. The start of the period is a write-off thanks to howling wind, but there's a couple of windows that'll get the heart rate up. Let's break it down.

First up, Friday the 4th. There's a solid 10ft SW groundswell in the water with a long 16-second period, so there's plenty of energy (4272). Problem is, we've got a moderate breeze from the N and NNE, which is cross-offshore. The reports call it "marginal" – I'd say it's a tough paddle and the wind will mess with the face. It's a reef break for advanced surfers only at this size, so I'd be sitting this one out unless you're feeling bulletproof.

Saturday the 5th is a total no-go. A near-gale from the WSW kicks up 31 mph winds and the swell jumps to 12ft with 15 seconds of period. The combined energy is massive (5293), but with those winds it's just a washing machine. Later in the day it goes cross-shore and messy. Not worth it.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. Sunday the 6th is your standout. The wind drops right off, going glassy in the morning with the lightest of breezes from the WNW at just 3 mph. We've still got a solid 8ft SW groundswell with a 14-second period, giving it 2256 energy. It's still a big wave for a reef – experts only – but the conditions are described as "excellent." Glassy face, clean lines. This is the session to circle on the calendar.

Monday the 7th sees the swell drop to 4ft and the wind swings onshore from the ESE, killing the quality. Choppy and poor. The energy drops to 546, so it's a weak day.

Tuesday the 8th brings a new pulse of 7ft SW swell with a very long 17-second period (2810 energy). That long period means the reef will handle it well, and the swell direction (SW) is right in the optimum for Chinamans. But the wind is a light cross-onshore from the E, so you'll get small ripples on the face. It's a marginal day, but a long-period SW groundswell on a reef is always worth a look if the tide is right.

Wednesday the 9th and Thursday the 10th are hammered by strong onshore winds (25 mph) and big swell (10-12ft). Combined energy spikes to 7678 on Wednesday, but it's just blown-out, dangerous surf. Avoid.

The second week is a lot less promising. From Friday the 11th through to Saturday the 19th, we see a mix of smaller swell (3-6ft) and constant onshore or cross-shore winds. A couple of brief windows pop up: Sunday the 13th afternoon has a clean 6ft WSW swell with a 16-second period and moderate offshore wind from the NNW (2547 energy). That'll be clean and fun for the better surfers. Monday the 14th morning also has clean 7ft SW swell, but the wind is a fresh 22 mph cross-off, which will make it lumpy.

After that, it's mostly poor to marginal conditions with onshore winds and messy chop right through to the 19th. Not much to get excited about.

Bottom line: Sunday the 6th is the clear winner – glassy, solid SW groundswell, clean. Sunday the 13th afternoon is your back-up if you can wait, with offshore wind and a clean 6ft swell. The rest of the run is pretty average.

Stay safe, and check the tides.

Rusty

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