Chinamans Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let's get straight into it. This forecast for Chinamans is a ripper if you time it right, but it's got its share of dud days too. We're looking at a solid run of SW groundswell, but the wind is the boss here. It's a reef, so it can get heavy, and with the size on offer, this is not for the faint of heart.

The Overall Picture: The next few days are looking sloppy with a cross-shore breeze. But don't stress, because the wind swings offshore for a couple of cracking windows. The first is Sunday the 23rd, and the second is next Thursday the 27th afternoon. After that, it gets messy again before a final clean-up in the first week of September.

The First Window – Sunday the 23rd:
Saturday the 22nd is a write-off. We've got 8ft of swell but it's chopped up by a cross-shore wind. Skip it. Sunday is when it's on. The morning is clean with a 7ft SW swell and a 17-second period. The wind is light and cross-offshore, leaving it glassy. That's your go-time. The wave energy is strong, coming in at 2758. It's an advanced wave on a day like this, so bring your best. The afternoon stays clean with a light offshore breeze and 6ft on the face.

Midweek Clean-Up:
Monday the 24th starts glassy with a smaller 4ft SW swell, but the energy is weak (619), so it won't have much drive. The afternoon is ruined by a fresh onshore breeze. Tuesday the 25th is a complete washout with strong cross-onshore winds and lumpy 6ft surf. Don't even think about it.

The Big One – Thursday the 27th Afternoon:
Now we're talking. After a clean but smaller Wednesday, Thursday afternoon is the standout of the whole period. The swell jumps to 8ft from the SW, with a very long 19-second period. The wave energy is cranking at 4877. And the wind? A moderate offshore from the NNW. This is proper groundswell, and with that period, it's going to hit the reef with serious power. This is big, strong stuff – experts only. This is the one to point your board at.

The Second Week: The Onshore Mess and a Final Clean-Up:
Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th are toast. We've got 8ft of swell, but it's getting thrashed by strong cross-onshore winds. It's just lumpy and horrible. This setup looks way more interesting for a kite surfer. Sunday the 30th is still onshore and messy. The first few days of September are also marred by wind and weaker swell. It's a poor run.

The Silver Lining – September 3rd and 4th:
After about five days of dirt, things settle down. On Thursday the 3rd of September, the wind turns offshore and we get a clean 6ft SW swell. The energy is moderate (1338), but it'll be clean. Then Friday the 4th of September afternoon is another proper highlight. The wind drops to a light cross-offshore breeze, and we've got a clean 7ft SW swell. It's glassy, the energy is moderate (1812), and it's going to be a fun, powerful session. Saturday the 5th cleans up too, and then Sunday has another go with offshore winds.

So, to boil it down. Your absolute standouts are Sunday the 23rd and Thursday the 27th afternoon. The second week shows some promise towards the end, but it's less certain that far out. It's a reef, so pick your moments, mind the tide, and show it some respect.

Rusty.

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