Chinamans Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s coming up for Chinamans. We’ve got a mixed bag of surf ahead, but there are a few windows of clean swell that should get the heart rate up if you pick your moments.

Overall, the first few days are a bit of a slow starter, with Thursday looking pretty average as a light cross-on breeze messes with the 5.6ft SW swell. The wave energy is moderate at 991, and honestly, it’s not going to be a day to write home about. But Thursday afternoon does turn interesting: the wind goes glassy, completely flat, with the swell still a solid 5.2ft from the SW at a nice 13 second period. The energy drops a little to 832, but glassy conditions at a reef like Chinamans can turn that into a real gem. Water temp is 59.5°F, about average for this time of year, so the wetsuit’s on but it’s not freezing.

Friday shapes up better both morning and afternoon: cross-off winds (NE and N) keep things clean, with 3.6ft SW swell at 13 seconds. Combined wave energy is moderate in the 536 to 704 range, and it’s consistent enough to keep you busy without crowds being an issue. This is a nice, manageable size for most intermediate surfers, too.

Now, Saturday the 1st of August – this is where the swell really starts to pump. The morning brings a solid 5.6ft SW groundswell with a 17 second period, pure offshore N wind at 15 mph, and energy at 1722 (moderate to strong). That’s a proper setup. By the afternoon, the swell pushes to 6.9ft from the SW, period still a lovely 17 seconds, offshore wind holding, and the combined energy jumps to 2324. This is excellent for experienced surfers, but at over 8ft, it’s expert territory. The long period (over 15 seconds) works beautifully on a reef like Chinamans – expect groomed, powerful lines, but be ready for bigger sets rolling through with longer lulls. Crowds are possible at this spot, but with that size and quality, it might weed out the faint-hearted.

Sunday the 2nd gets a bit tricky. Wind swings NW then W, picking up to 22–28 mph. Even though it’s cross-off, that much wind makes the 5.6ft to 7.2ft SW swell feel raw and challenging. The energy is still high (1382 to 2654), but for paddle surfing, it’s marginal – those strong breezes will make it work. Honestly, with that wind and a beach-and-reef setup, I’d say it’s looking more interesting for kite surfing than a clean paddle session.

Monday the 3rd is a write-off: cross-on wind at 15 mph, 6.6ft–7.2ft wind-affected SW swell, poor surf quality – skip it.

Tuesday the 4th is a hidden gem. The morning is just okay with 4.6ft SW swell and onshore wind (combined energy 1044), but the afternoon? Glassy conditions, 4.3ft SW swell at a clean 15 seconds. Combined energy is 1020, and the report says excellent for experienced surfers. That late glass-off on a reef in the middle of the week? That’s the kind of session you remember.

Wednesday the 5th keeps the good energy going with a 3.6ft SW swell in the morning, clean cross-off, and a 13-second period. But the real standout is Wednesday afternoon: 5.6ft SW at 18 seconds (very long period) with a gentle offshore NNW wind at 9 mph. Combined energy hits 2205, and the quality is rated excellent for experienced surfers. Again, that long period on a reef will be a thing of beauty

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