Surf Forecasts:
Chinamans surf forecast from 26 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: Monday 31 Aug, 9AM (local time) - 7ft (2.2m), 19s period, SW swell with 3,433 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Thursday 27 Aug, 9AM (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 9AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.3m and 14s period with a secondary swell of 0.6m and 21s. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Chinamans in the next 16 days are 2.2m 19s and forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 31) at 9AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.3m 5s period and expected on Tuesday (Sep 01) at 9AM.
| Wave Type | Time (ACST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 9AM (Thu 27th Aug) | 4.5ft (1.3m) 14s |
| Best Surf | 12AM (Fri 28th Aug) | 7.5ft (2.3m) 18s |
| Most Powerful | 9AM (Mon 31st Aug) | 7ft (2.2m) 19s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Chinamans over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it.
We’ve got a solid run of swell on the way for Chinamans, a reef setup that knows how to handle a south-west groundswell. The water temp is sitting about average for this time of year, nothing weird going on there. The first action kicks off on Thursday, August 27th with a clean 4ft SW swell, 14-second period, and a moderate offshore breeze from the NNW. That’s a good start, but the energy is already moderate (910). Not a standout, but a nice way in.
Thursday afternoon picks up nicely – 5ft SW, 14 seconds, still offshore, and the energy jumps to 1771. That’s where the fun begins for experienced surfers. Friday, August 28th morning is where I’d start getting excited: 7ft SW groundswell, 16-second period, light cross-off wind from the NE. The energy is strong (2537), and the waves will have shape and power. This is a standout session for those who know the reef. Friday afternoon gets a bit lumpy with cross-shore wind, so morning is the call.
Monday, August 31st afternoon is another highlight: 8ft SW, 18-second period, gentle offshore from the N, and energy at 3087. That’s a proper groundswell, long lines, and clean. The period is long, so it’ll be jacking up nicely at Chinamans – best for the experienced crew.
Then we hit Friday, September 4th – solid 10ft SW swell, 15 seconds, with a moderate offshore wind from the NW. Energy is strong (3661). This is big, powerful, and only for experts. The morning is the cleaner window. Saturday, September 5th holds 8ft SW, 15 seconds, with a gentle offshore – still excellent for the advanced surfer.
But the real gem in this forecast is Monday, September 7th. Glassy conditions in the morning with a 10ft SW swell, 16-second period, and energy pumping at 5115. It’s big, but it’s perfect. The afternoon is even better – 12ft SW, 17 seconds, light cross-off wind, and energy at 8768. That’s exceptional surf, the kind that makes you call in sick. Tuesday the 8th holds glassy 12ft to 13ft waves with near-zero wind – another world-class day for the experts.
After that, the swell stays solid through the 9th and into the 10th, but wind starts to mess things up with cross-onshore from the ESE. The 11th of September cleans up again with a 8ft SW groundswell and light offshore wind – a great finish to the run.
Overall, the standout is Monday, September 7th through Tuesday, September 8th – pure glass, big SW groundswell, and Chinamans will be firing. This is big, so it’s expert territory. Crowds are possible, because a wave like this won’t stay empty.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 18°C on Fri morning, min 12°C on Wed night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Warm (max 21°C on Tue afternoon, min 13°C on Sat night). Winds increasing (light winds from the ESE on Sun afternoon, fresh winds from the NNW by Tue morning). | ||||||||||||||||||
Thursday 27 | Friday 28 | Saturday 29 | Sunday 30 | Monday 31 | Tuesday 1 | ||||||||||||||
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 12 | 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 19 | SW 18 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 17 | SW 16 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 232 | 623 | 928 | 3122 | 2537 | 2087 | 1108 | 802 | 495 | 363 | 388 | 1567 | 1796 | 3433 | 3087 | 1685 | 1179 | 831 | 1265 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | off | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-off | off | off | off | off | cross-off |
High Tide | 2:26AM0.46m | 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 | |||||||
Low Tide | 7:15AM0.22m | 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 | |||||||
 |  | | |  | | | | | | | | | | | | |  |  | |
 | — | 6:48 | — | — | 6:48 | — | — | 6:47 | — | — | 6:45 | — | — | 6:43 | — | — | 6:43 | — | — |
 | — | — | 5:59 | — | — | 5:59 | — | — | 6:00 | — | — | 6:00 | — | — | 6:01 | — | — | 6:01 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 12 | 14 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 15 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 21 | 19 |
Feels °C | 10 | 10 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 15 | 16 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 12 | 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 19 | SW 18 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 17 | SW 16 |
| kJ | 232 | 623 | 928 | 3122 | 2537 | 2087 | 1108 | 802 | 495 | 363 | 379 | 1567 | 1796 | 3433 | 3087 | 1685 | 1179 | 831 | 1265 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 15 | SW 21 | SW 20 | — | — | — | — | SW 23 | SW 23 | SW 21 | SW 20 | SSW 19 | SW 21 | SW 19 | — | — | NE 4 | SW 14 | W 5 |
| kJ | 209 | 287 | 843 | — | — | — | — | 21 | 82 | 220 | 388 | 309 | 365 | 602 | — | — | 1 | 387 | 18 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 24 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | W 7 | WSW 7 |
| kJ | 22 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 60 | 10 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | NNW 4 | NNW 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | ESE 2 | ESE 3 | — | E 3 | — | — | N 4 | NNW 5 | N 4 | W 8 |
| kJ | — | 16 | 10 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | — | 1 | — | — | 22 | 75 | 19 | 72 |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1186 | 74 | 7 |
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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