Chinamans Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s coming up for Chinamans.

We’ve got a solid run of surf ahead, but it’s a tale of two halves. The first week or so is looking real promising, with a nice mix of clean conditions and a building swell. Then it gets wild and messy before a possible return to form right at the end.

Starting off this Friday, the 31st of July, we’ve got a clean, 4ft SW swell rolling in with a solid 13-second period. The water’s sitting at 59°, which is about average for this time of year. The wind is a gentle cross-off, so conditions are looking very good. The combined energy is moderate (536), so it’s a nice, surfable day to ease into the weekend.

Saturday the 1st of August is where it starts to get interesting. The swell picks up to 6ft in the morning, but the wind is a bit stronger. The real standout is Saturday afternoon. We’re looking at a 7ft SW swell with a very long 17-second period and clean offshore winds. The energy is strong (2296). This is a proper groundswell. For a reef break like Chinamans, that long period is going to groom it into some serious, well-shaped waves. This one’s for the experienced crew.

Sunday the 2nd of August holds some size, but the wind is stronger and the quality takes a slight hit. The morning has a 6ft SW swell with a fresh offshore, but it’s a bit blown out. The afternoon sees the swell bump to 8ft from the WSW, but the wind goes cross-off and the energy is very strong (3293). It’s still surfable, but not as clean as Saturday.

Monday the 3rd of August is a write-off. The swell is big, around 8ft, but the wind is howling from the SW, making it a messy, lumpy cross-chop. The energy is extremely strong (5265), but the quality is poor. This is more of a kite-surfing session than a paddle session.

We get a respite on Tuesday the 4th of August. The swell drops to 5ft in the morning, but it’s still onshore. The afternoon is the pick: a 4ft SW swell with a 15-second period and light cross-off winds. It’s clean again, and the energy is moderate (929). A good, mellow session.

Wednesday the 5th of August is a sneaky good one. The morning is clean with a 4ft swell, but the afternoon is the real deal. A 5ft SW swell, a very long 18-second period, and clean offshore winds. The energy is moderate (1415). That’s a recipe for some long, racy waves at the reef.

Thursday the 6th of August is another standout. The swell sits at 5ft from the SW, with a 16-second period, and the wind is light and offshore, going almost glassy in the afternoon. The energy is solid (2019). This is as clean as it gets. Excellent conditions for experienced surfers.

Then things get ugly. From Friday the 7th of August through to Thursday the 14th of August, we’re staring down the barrel of strong to gale-force winds and massive, messy swell. The wave heights hit 10ft to 13ft, but the wind is either a fresh cross-off or a brutal cross-onshore. The energy is through the roof, with readings over 6000, but it’s all for nothing. These are poor, dangerous conditions. The surf is too big and too blown out for anyone but the most insane experts, and even then, it’s not worth it.

Finally, we see some light at the end of the tunnel. Friday the 15th of August (that’s over two weeks away, so keep an eye on the charts) brings a return to order. Saturday morning, the 15th, we have a 8ft SW swell with a 15-second period and clean offshore winds. The energy is strong (2238). Then Saturday afternoon is a real highlight: a 7ft SW swell, clean offshore winds, and the energy is solid (1941). This looks like a proper, powerful session for the experienced crew.

So, the best bet on offer? Saturday the 1st of August afternoon is a true standout with that long-period groundswell and offshore wind. And Thursday the 6th of August is a close second for its glassy, clean conditions. Keep an eye on that Saturday the 15th of August too, but it’s a long way out.

Rusty.

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