Chinamans Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, grab a coffee and let’s talk about what’s headed our way. We’ve got a solid 16-day window with waves coming through at Chinamans, a classic reef break that loves a good SW groundswell. Right now, water temps are sitting at 60°, which is pretty much spot on for this time of year—nothing unusual to worry about there.

The first couple of days are a bit of a tease. Tuesday morning kicks off with a 5ft SW swell but the wind is howling out of the NNW at 25 mph, making it a real battle to get out there. The wave energy is already moderate at 1135, but it’s not worth the paddle. By Tuesday afternoon, the wind backs off to a cross-off 16 mph and the swell drops to 4ft, still clean but small. Wednesday gives us a bit more push—7ft to 8ft SW swells with moderate energy (2206 to 2169) and cross-off winds, but the surf is still just marginal. Nothing to get excited about yet.

Then Thursday rolls in, and the swell jumps to 10ft SW with a 14-second period, but the wind turns cross-shore and the wave energy climbs to over 3100. The sets are lumpy, and it’s more of a challenge than a treat. This is getting into expert territory.

Now, Friday the 4th of September is where things start to look interesting. Morning brings a 8ft SW swell with a 15-second period, clean offshore winds from the N at 16 mph, and wave energy of 3237. The afternoon cleans up even more with N winds at 12 mph. This is the kind of day where Chinamans starts to show its teeth—plenty of power, but still manageable for experienced surfers. Keep an eye on the crowds; it can get busy here.

Saturday the 5th turns nasty. The swell hits 12ft, but the wind is cross-shore and gusty, making for a lumpy mess. Wave energy spikes to over 5300, but it’s not worth it. Sunday the 6th is a better bet: 8ft SW swell, cross-off winds, and clean conditions. The wave energy is 2449, and the swell period holds at 15 seconds. This is a solid day for a paddle.

Monday the 7th and Tuesday the 8th are a write-off. Swell gets huge—13ft with 18-second periods and wave energy over 16,000—but the winds are onshore or cross-shore, and the break is overwhelmed. That’s big-wave territory, and only for the brave.

The real standout comes on Thursday the 10th of September. The swell is 8ft SW with a 15-second period, and the wind goes glassy—just 3 mph from the W. Wave energy is 2298, and conditions are pristine. That’s the kind of day you dream about: clean, powerful, and lined up perfectly on the reef. Friday the 11th is another cracker: 10ft SW swell, 17-second period, offshore N winds, and wave energy of 4541. This is groundswell gold, but the long period might make it break a bit fast at the beach—Chinamans being a reef, it’ll handle it beautifully.

The second week has its moments too. Tuesday the 15th of September offers a 8ft SW swell with an 18-second period, gentle offshore winds, and wave energy of 3523. That’s long-period groundswell with clean conditions—definitely worth a look, though it’s a bit further out, so keep that forecast in mind.

Overall, the best days to circle are Friday the 4th, Sunday the 6th, Thursday the 10th, and Friday the 11th. Thursday the 10th is the real gem—glassy, lined up, and just the right size. Don’t sleep on it.

Rusty.

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