Chinamans Surf Break

Lat Long: 35.29° S 136.87° E

Chinamans Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Issued: 8 pm 30 Aug 2026 (local time)

Forecast update in  hr  min

Today's Chinamans sea temperature is
15.2°C
0.7° 

Chinamans surf forecast is for near shore open water. Breaking waves will often be smaller at less exposed spots.


Chinamans surf forecast from 30 Aug 2026:

  • Best quality surf: Monday 31 Aug, 9AM (local time) - 7ft (2.1m), 19s period, SW swell with cross-offshore winds.
  • Most powerful swell: Saturday 5 Sep, 9AM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 14s period, SW swell with 4,996 kJ wave energy.
  • Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 31 Aug, 9AM (local time) - 7ft (2.1m), 19s period with SW swell.

Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Chinamans this week:

The surf forecast for Chinamans over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 31) at 9AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 2.1m and 19s period with a secondary swell of 0.8m and 19s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.

The most powerful waves expected at Chinamans in the next 16 days are 3.5m 14s and forecast to arrive on Saturday (Sep 05) at 9AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.5m 5s period and expected on Tuesday (Sep 01) at 9AM.

Wave TypeTime (ACST) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+) 9AM (Mon 31st Aug)7ft (2.1m) 19s
Best Surf 9AM (Mon 31st Aug)7ft (2.1m) 19s
Most Powerful 9AM (Sat 5th Sep)11ft (3.5m) 14s

Table - best surf conditions forecast for Chinamans over the next 16 days.


The Lowdown

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming up for Chinamans.

This is a reef set-up that needs a solid SW swell to get going, and it’s about to get plenty of that. The first few days are a bit of a write-off with messy conditions, but once the wind plays ball, this spot will fire. The water temp is sitting at 59.4°, which is 1.3° warmer than average for this time of year – nothing crazy, just a mild bump.

Sunday the 30th of August is a no-go. We’ve got a 5.2ft SW swell rolling in, but with a light cross-on ESE breeze, it’s just not clean. The combined energy is strong at 2059, but the wind’s messing it up. Best to wait.

Monday the 31st is where it starts to get interesting. Morning session sees a 7.2ft SW swell with a 19-second period – that’s proper groundswell, long and powerful. The wind is a NE cross-off, light, and the waves are clean. The combined energy is pumping at 3877. This is an excellent option for experienced surfers, but keep in mind that long-period swell like this can race past the reef and make it tricky to get in position. Afternoon holds similar size and quality, just a touch less energy.

Tuesday the 1st of September has a 4.9ft SW swell, but the wind is a fresh offshore at 22 mph from the NNW. That’ll clean the faces right up, but it’s gonna be a fight to get out. The period has dropped to 15 seconds, so it’s still a decent groundswell, but the energy is moderate at 1028. It’s a marginal call.

Wednesday the 2nd sees the swell building back up to 7.5ft by the afternoon, but the wind is a fresh cross-off from the WNW at 19 mph. The waves are clean, but the wind is a handful. Energy is moderate at 2119.

Thursday the 3rd is a standout. The afternoon brings a 9.8ft SW swell with a 14-second period and a gentle cross-off wind from the W. The combined energy is 3137, and it’s clean. This is proper, heavy reef surf for experts only. That size is well over 8ft, so it’s a big day.

Friday the 4th is a no-go. The wind is howling. Morning is a 22 mph NNE cross-off and afternoon is a near-gale 34 mph from the NNW. You’d be mad to paddle out.

Saturday the 5th is even worse. A 9.8ft SW swell is being hammered by a near-gale cross-shore wind from the WSW at 31 mph. Combined energy is 7287, but it’s an absolute mess. Let the kites have it.

Sunday the 6th settles down a bit. A 6.9ft SW swell with a 15-second period and a moderate cross-off wind from the N. Combined energy is 1881. It’s clean, but not a standout.

The middle of the second week is a mixed bag. Monday the 7th and Tuesday the 8th are mostly blown out by strong cross-onshore winds. The swell is huge – 9.8ft on Tuesday – but the wind is from the S and SSW, making it choppy and lumpy. The energy is high, but it’s not surfable.

Wednesday the 9th is better. A 9.8ft SW swell with a gentle to moderate cross-shore wind from the SW. It’s a big, powerful swell, but the wind is putting a bit of a chop on it. Still, the energy is massive at 7164.

Now, here’s the real standout. Thursday the 10th of September. Morning is glassy, with a 11.5ft SW swell and a 16-second period. The wind is from the NE at just 3 mph – glassy. Combined energy is 5512. The afternoon is even better. A 9.8ft SW swell, a 16-second period, and a light offshore wind from the W. The energy is a huge 8038, and the waves are described as clean. This is an exceptional day for expert surfers. The best of the whole run.

Friday the 11th holds solid with a 9.8ft SW swell and a moderate offshore wind from the N. Energy is 4480. Good, but not as good as Thursday.

Saturday the 12th starts with another glassy morning, 6.9ft SW swell, 16-second period, and energy of 2584. Afternoon gets a bit of a cross-shore breeze, but it’s still surfable.

Sunday the 13th has a 9.8ft SW swell with a solid 18-second period in the morning, and a light cross-off wind in the afternoon. The afternoon is exceptional, with 9.8ft

Short Range Forecast

Mostly dry. Very mild (max 18°C on Mon night, min 13°C on Sun night). Winds increasing (light winds from the NNE on Mon afternoon, strong winds from the N by Tue morning).

Days 5-7 Weather Summary

Light rain (total 8mm), mostly falling on Fri morning. Very mild (max 17°C on Fri afternoon, min 12°C on Fri night). Winds increasing (light winds from the NNW on Thu night, near gales from the W by Fri night).

Monday
31
Tuesday
1
Wednesday
2
Thursday
3
Friday
4
Saturday
5
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
Rating
(10 max)
1
5
4
3
2
2
1
3
2
3
5
4
5
3
2
0
0
3
4
Swell
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Wave
Height (m)
Direction
Period (s)
1.8
SW
17
2.1
SW
19
2.2
SW
18
1.9
SW
16
1.6
SW
15
1.1
SW
17
1.8
SW
16
1.6
SW
15
2.2
SW
14
2.5
SW
14
3
SW
14
3
SW
14
3
SW
15
2.5
SW
15
2.5
SW
15
3
SW
15
3.5
SW
14
3
SW
15
2.5
SW
14
Wave Graph
Metric surfscale
Energy kJ
1818
3166
2912
1809
1135
655
1643
1200
1945
2843
3365
3094
3728
3152
2982
4032
4996
4044
2498
Wind (km/h)
15
E
15
NE
15
N
25
NNE
40
N
35
WNW
25
SW
20
W
30
WNW
35
WNW
25
WSW
20
W
20
NNW
35
N
45
N
60
W
40
WSW
25
WSW
10
NW
Wind State
cross-on
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
off
cross-off
cross
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross
cross-off
off
off
off
cross-off
cross
cross
cross-off
High Tide
3:22AM0.78m
3:23PM0.77m
3:46AM0.86m
3:39PM0.69m
4:12AM0.91m
3:51PM0.59m
4:43AM0.92m
3:53PM0.51m
5:20AM0.90m
3:32PM0.45m
6:08AM0.84m
Low Tide
9:24AM0.09m
9:27PM0.05m
9:57AM0.12m
9:37PM0.04m
10:33AM0.18m
9:47PM0.02m
11:12AM0.26m
9:58PM0.00m
12:03PM0.37m
10:08PM0.00m
10:11PM0.02m
clear
clear
clear
clear
cloud
part cloud
cloud
cloud
cloud
cloud
rain showers
part cloud
part cloud
light rain
rain showers
clear
cloud
part cloud
part cloud
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunrise">Sunrise</span>
6:43
6:43
6:41
6:39
6:39
6:37
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunset">Sunset</span>
6:00
6:01
6:01
6:02
6:04
6:04
6:05
 mm
1
3
4
Temp °C
13
16
17
18
17
18
13
13
14
15
15
14
14
15
17
15
12
13
13
Feels °C
10
13
13
13
10
11
8
8
7
9
11
10
13
8
9
5
3
7
11
  • Map Icons:
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  • Live Wave Height (m)
  • Live Wind Speed (km/h)
  • Surf Rating (10 Max)
  • Ocean Swells (m)
  • Wind Speed (km/h)
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Information about the Chinamans Surf forecast

The above surf forecast table for Chinamans provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Chinamans can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Chinamans surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Chinamans) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).

Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Chinamans may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.

Are you planning a holiday in Yorke Peninsula? If you are looking for accommodation near Chinamans, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Yorke Peninsula, consider staying in Kingscote which is 80 km (50 miles) away.

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