Surf Forecasts:
Chinamans surf forecast from 27 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Friday 28 Aug, 12AM (local time) - 7.5ft (2.3m), 18s period, SW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Friday 28 Aug, 3AM (local time) - 7.5ft (2.3m), 17s period, SW swell with 3,235 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Thursday 27 Aug, 12PM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.3m), 14s 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 Thursday (Aug 27) at 12PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.3m and 14s period with a secondary swell of 0.8m and 20s. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Chinamans in the next 16 days are 2.3m 17s and forecast to arrive on Friday (Aug 28) at 3AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore 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 Type | Time (ACST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 12PM (Thu 27th Aug) | 4.5ft (1.3m) 14s |
| Best Surf | 12AM (Fri 28th Aug) | 7.5ft (2.3m) 18s |
| Most Powerful | 3AM (Fri 28th Aug) | 7.5ft (2.3m) 17s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Chinamans over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright surfers, Rusty here.
We’re looking at one main spot for the next 16 days – Chinamans. Water temp is about 59°F, which is pretty average for this time of year, so no need for a thick suit.
It all starts Thursday morning, August 27th. Clean 4ft SW groundswell, 14-second period, with a light north offshore breeze. The combined energy is moderate at 910. Crowds are only *sometimes* an issue here. Thursday afternoon bumps up to 5ft SW, still offshore, with energy at 1771. Solid.
Friday morning, August 28th, is a standout. Swell hits 7ft from the SW, period stretching to 16 seconds, with a light cross-offshore breeze. Energy is chunky at 2537. This is excellent for experienced surfers – the reef will handle that long-period groundswell. Friday afternoon gets a cross-on wind, so morning is the call.
Saturday the 29th and Sunday the 30th are a letdown. Smaller swell, onshore winds, choppy conditions. A couple of days to skip.
Monday morning, August 31st, is a cracker. 6ft SW swell, 16-second period, clean cross-offshore breeze. Energy is pumping at 2551. Another top-tier window for the experienced crew.
Tuesday, September 1st, brings a strong offshore north-northwest wind at 28 mph. The swell is 5ft, energy 1194, but that wind will make paddling out a fight. Clean, but only for strong paddlers.
The rest of the first week into the second week sees fresh breezes. Swell from 5ft to 8ft from the SW, with cross-offshore winds from the west or northwest. It’s surfable, but nothing special. The larger swells on September 3rd and 4th (8ft to 12ft) are for experts only.
September 5th is a write-off. Huge 12ft SW swell, but a strong cross-shore wind at 25 mph. Energy is extreme at 9313, but conditions are poor. Kite-surfing territory.
From September 6th to 8th, we’ve got big groundswell – 10ft to 13ft – with clean cross-offshore winds. Massive energy between 3848 and 6984. This is big, powerful, expert-only swell. The 16-second period on September 7th will be very long, better at a reef like Chinamans.
The final highlight is Wednesday afternoon, September 9th. Swell drops to 8ft from the SW, but the wind goes glassy. Energy is 2056, and the conditions are perfect. That’s a magic window.
After that, the swell fades through September 10th and 11th, with small 4ft to 4ft swells and fresh breezes. Energy drops below 900.
Best bets? Thursday morning, August 27th, for the clean start, and Monday morning, August 31st, for the bigger, clean groundswell. Wednesday afternoon, September 9th, is the long-range promise with glassy conditions.
Stay safe out there.
Rusty
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 18°C on Fri afternoon, min 13°C on Thu morning). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 18°C on Mon night, min 13°C on Sun morning). Winds increasing (light winds from the E on Sun afternoon, strong winds from the NNW by Tue morning). | ||||||||||||||||||||
Thursday 27 | Friday 28 | Saturday 29 | Sunday 30 | Monday 31 | Tuesday 1 | Wednesday 2 | |||||||||||||||
AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | ||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 14 | SW 20 | SW 18 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 20 | SW 18 | SW 17 | SW 16 | SW 18 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 15 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 623 | 928 | 3122 | 2537 | 2087 | 1108 | 802 | 553 | 418 | 455 | 1602 | 1818 | 1366 | 3087 | 1685 | 1194 | 1028 | 1581 | 1039 | 837 | 1438 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | off | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-on | cross | cross | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | off | off | cross-off | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off |
High Tide | 2:05PM0.93m | 2:32AM0.53m | 2:25PM0.93m | 2:45AM0.61m | 2:45PM0.90m | 3:02AM0.70m | 3:05PM0.85m | 3:22AM0.78m | 3:23PM0.77m | 3:46AM0.86m | 3:39PM0.69m | 4:12AM0.91m | 3:51PM0.59m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 9:00PM0.11m | 7:48AM0.16m | 9:04PM0.10m | 8:19AM0.12m | 9:11PM0.08m | 8:51AM0.09m | 9:19PM0.07m | 9:24AM0.09m | 9:27PM0.05m | 9:57AM0.12m | 9:37PM0.04m | 10:33AM0.18m | 9:47PM0.02m | ||||||||
 | |  |  | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  |  | | | |
 | 6:48 | — | — | 6:48 | — | — | 6:47 | — | — | 6:45 | — | — | 6:43 | — | — | 6:43 | — | — | 6:41 | — | — |
 | — | 5:59 | — | — | 5:59 | — | — | 6:00 | — | — | 6:00 | — | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:02 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 14 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 |
Feels °C | 10 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 6 | 5 | 8 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 18 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 18 | SW 17 | SW 16 | SW 18 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 15 | NNW 4 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 |
| kJ | 623 | 928 | 3122 | 2537 | 2087 | 1108 | 802 | 553 | 418 | 386 | 1602 | 1818 | 1366 | 3087 | 1685 | 1194 | 1028 | 4 | 1039 | 837 | 1438 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 21 | SW 20 | — | — | — | — | SW 23 | SW 23 | SW 21 | SW 20 | SSW 19 | SW 21 | SW 19 | — | — | — | SSW 17 | N 5 | — | — | — |
| kJ | 287 | 843 | — | — | — | — | 21 | 82 | 220 | 455 | 312 | 449 | 1185 | — | — | — | 252 | 4 | — | — | — |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | N 5 | — | — | — | — |
| kJ | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 25 | — | — | — | — |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | N 4 | NNW 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | N 4 | NNW 5 | WNW 7 | SW 15 | W 5 | WSW 6 | WSW 14 |
| kJ | 15 | 9 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 15 | 108 | 183 | 1581 | 71 | 104 | 892 |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 81 | 1189 | 1095 | 7 | 540 | 717 | 160 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Yorke Peninsula | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Australia | |||||||||||||||||||||
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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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