Chinamans Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, surfers, Rusty here. Let’s look at what’s coming our way.

We’ve got a solid window of surf on the cards, but it’s a mixed bag of conditions. The standout sessions are definitely tucked away in the second week, so we’ll need a bit of patience.

The first real action kicks off on Friday the 7th of August. Chinamans (a reef setup) will be seeing a solid 8 ft to 7 ft SW groundswell with a very long 16 to 17-second period. The combined wave energy is pumping at a strong 2475. The catch is a moderate cross-offshore breeze from the north, which keeps things clean, but the data flags it as marginal. It’s a tricky one, but for the advanced crew, there’s size and power.

Saturday the 8th looks better. The swell drops slightly to 6 ft from the SW, but the wind turns offshore from the NNW. The morning has a fresh breeze (19 mph), but the afternoon eases to a moderate breeze. The energy is still strong at 1613 in the morning. Saturday afternoon is the first real highlight with a score that suggests excellent conditions for experienced surfers. The offshore wind will groom that long-period (15-16 seconds) SW swell, making for some clean, powerful lines. Just be aware, with a period over 15 seconds, it can be a bit too straight for beach breaks, but for a reef like Chinamans, it should offer some proper shape.

Sunday the 9th is a write-off. A near gale from the WSW and SW will destroy the surface with 8 ft to 10 ft of messy, blown-out swell. The energy is very strong (3417), but it’s a battle out there with crossing waves and poor conditions. Not worth paddling out.

Monday the 10th is for the big-wave hunters only. The swell jumps to 12 ft from the SW, with a very long 17-second period, and the energy is a massive 7095. The wind is a fresh cross-shore from the WSW, creating lumpy, cross-chop. This is serious, powerful, and dangerous. Only for experts.

The 11th of August offers a cleanout. The offshore wind is strong (28 mph) from the NNW, which makes for a glassy surface on the 6 ft SW swell. The problem is it’s so strong it’s hard to paddle into. The energy is still moderate (1630), but it’s a frustrating session.

Wednesday the 12th is another total loss. The swell peaks at 13 ft from the SW with a 19-second period, producing a massive 10004 energy. But a near gale cross-shore wind makes it a complete mess. Avoid.

Thursday the 13th is where things get interesting. The swell is a solid 12 ft from the SW, with a 16-second period and a massive 9330 energy. The wind is a moderate cross-offshore from the west, keeping it clean. This is a standout session for the experienced crew. That’s the best call of the week.

Friday the 14th declines. The wind shifts to a moderate cross-onshore from the SW, making the 10 ft SW swell (4402-5326 energy) choppy and messy. Not great.

Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th see the swell drop to 8 ft to 5 ft. The wind is light and from the east or southeast, making for clean but sloppy conditions. The energy is moderate (949-2668). It’s a marginal time.

The True Standout: Monday the 17th of August. The swell is 5 ft from the SW with a 15-second period (1138 energy). The wind is glassy—absolutely zero wind. This is a rare, clean, and perfect setup for the reef. The conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers. This is your best bet for a clean, fun session.

The Second Standout: Tuesday the 18th of August. The swell is 6 ft from the SW (1744 energy) and the afternoon goes glassy from the NNW. Again, excellent conditions for experienced surfers, with clean, glassy waves.

Wednesday the 19th continues the good run with a moderate offshore wind from the north and a 7 ft to 7 ft SW swell (2169-2241 energy). Excellent conditions.

The final days, the 20th to the 22nd of August, are poor. The wind turns onshore again, and the swell gets messy. No-go.

To wrap it up: the best surf is on Thursday the 13th for the big, clean power, and Monday the 17th for the glassy perfection. Both are only for advanced surfers due to the size and power. If you’re a beginner, stay well clear of any of these days.

Rusty.

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