Chinamans Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the table for the next couple of weeks.

First up, we’ve got a bit of a dry spell to kick things off. The real action doesn’t start until Monday the 27th of July, and even then, it’s a bit of a tease. Monday morning at Chinamans (reef) is seeing a clean 4 ft SW swell with a 14-second period, and a fresh offshore breeze from the NNW. The water is sitting at 59°, which is about average for this time of year – nothing weird there. The combined energy is moderate (937), but it’s a low-scoring session, so it’s not the one to get excited about. Monday afternoon gets a bit bigger at 5 ft, still offshore, but the wind is up to 25 mph, making it hard work to paddle into.

Tuesday the 28th is a write-off. The swell jumps to 8 ft in the morning and 10 ft in the afternoon, but it’s hammered by strong cross-shore winds and rain. The energy is pumping (3506 and 3970), but the conditions are just messy. That’s for the experts only, and even then, it’s not great.

Wednesday the 29th is still tricky. 10 ft in the morning with a 16-second period and moderate cross-shore wind, but it’s lumpy. The energy is strong (4586), but the quality is marginal. The afternoon drops to 8 ft but the wind turns cross-onshore, so it’s choppy.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Thursday the 30th of July is the standout. The swell drops to 6 ft in the morning, but the wind goes glassy – ESE at 3 mph. That’s dead calm, clean as a whistle. The period is 13 seconds, so it’s a decent groundswell, and the energy is moderate (991). The afternoon is just as good, with 5 ft and glassy conditions. This is your best bet for the near-term. The reef will handle that long period well, so it’s clean, shapely, and not too big.

Friday the 31st keeps it clean with 4 ft and a gentle cross-off breeze. Fun, small waves for a longboard or a fish. The energy is light (520), but it’s a nice little session.

Saturday the 1st of August sees a jump in size. Morning is 6 ft with a 17-second period and a fresh offshore from the N. The energy is moderate (1747). The afternoon gets better: 7 ft, 18-second period, moderate offshore from the NNW. That’s a solid, powerful swell, but it’s clean. The energy is strong (3056). This is a promising day, but it’s a week away, so keep an eye on it.

The following week is a mixed bag. Sunday the 2nd is cross-shore and messy. Monday the 3rd has 8 ft but onshore wind. Not great. Tuesday the 4th is small and clean-ish but nothing special.

The next real highlight comes on Thursday the 6th of August afternoon. 6 ft, 16-second period, light cross-off breeze from the NNE. The energy is moderate (1651), and the conditions are excellent for experienced surfers. Clean, solid, and the reef will love that long period. That’s a good one.

Friday the 7th also looks good, with a gentle offshore in the afternoon, 6 ft, 15-second period. Clean and fun.

After that, the wind picks up again. Saturday the 8th is bigger, 7 ft, but the wind is strong, so it’s only for the brave. Sunday the 9th and Monday the 10th are blown out by strong winds and rain, with the swell staying over 7 ft. Not worth it.

The last few days, Tuesday the 11th and Wednesday the 12th, drop off to small, weak swell (5 ft and 4 ft) with strong winds. The window closes.

So, the best on offer is Thursday the 30th of July – glassy, clean, and a solid 5 ft to 6 ft. That’s the one to circle. The second best is the afternoon of the 6th of August, with clean conditions and a bit more size. Get out there when you can.

Rusty.

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