Chinamans Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, Rusty here, and what a run we've got shaping up for the Chinamans reef. This is a solid, drawn-out swell window, so let's get stuck into it.

The water is sitting at 60°, which is bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there. We're looking at a long stretch of quality groundswell from the SW, with the really good energy kicking in from Thursday the 9th onwards. The combined energy is already strong (1083) on Thursday morning, and it just builds from there.

Thursday 9th July is a beauty to start the week. Light cross-off winds from the NNE in the morning, then a clean offshore wind from the NNW in the afternoon. The swell is 5 ft to 6 ft from the SW, and with a very long period of 15 to 17 seconds, this is proper groundswell. The energy jumps to 2134 in the afternoon. For a reef break like this, that long period will produce some serious, well-shaped waves. It's advanced-only territory, especially when it gets over 5 ft, so keep that in mind.

Friday 10th July keeps the fun going. Offshore winds from the NNW all day, moderate breeze, but the swell drops a touch to 5 ft-5 ft, still at that 15-second period. The energy is still strong (1232). This is clean, consistent, and the crowd factor is listed as "sometimes", so you might be sharing it, but it'll be worth it.

Saturday 11th July is a write-off. Swell jumps to 10 ft, but the wind swings to a strong W 45 mph, making it a cross-off mess. The period drops to 9 seconds, turning it into a lumpy, low-quality windswell. Not one for the paddle.

Sunday 12th July through Monday 13th July is a tricky one. You've got a solid 10 ft SW swell, but the wind is a strong, gusty cross-off from the W. The energy is huge (3991 to 5058), but the quality is going to be poor. It's one for the experts and maybe even the kite crew, as the conditions are going to be powerful and bumpy.

Tuesday 14th July is the standout of the whole run. The swell hits 12 ft, the biggest of the period, and the energy is enormous (9228). The wind is a moderate 16 mph from the WSW, which is a cross-shore. This is a big, powerful groundswell (17-second period) and it's going to be a beast. For a reef break, this is a day for serious, experienced surfers only. The crowd is listed as "sometimes", but with this size, it'll be a select crew.

After that, the wind goes a bit messy for a few days, but we get a beautiful clean-up from Thursday 16th July. The winds go light, swinging from NNE to NE, giving us a clean cross-off. The swell drops back to 4 ft-5 ft, with a long 14-second period. The energy is strong (798-874). This is a return to form for the more moderate crew.

Friday 17th July and Saturday 18th July are absolute crackers. Offshore winds from the NNW to NW, moderate breeze, and a consistent 5 ft-6 ft groundswell from the SW at 14-15 seconds. The energy is solid (1181-1393). This is the best window for the advanced surfer who wants quality, not just size. The crowd could be around, but the waves will be worth it.

Sunday 19th July sees the swell drop to 4 ft, but the wind is a fresh offshore from the NNW. The energy is still strong (1206) for the size, and with a 15-second period, it'll be clean and rideable, but smaller.

The run then gets into a messy, windy period from Monday 20th July through to Wednesday 22nd July. The wind is strong and cross-shore or cross-onshore, with the swell dropping to under 3 ft. Not a good look.

Thursday 23rd July brings a small reprieve with a clean offshore wind from the NW and a 4 ft, 15-second groundswell. The energy is weak (558-764), but it'll be clean for a fun, small session.

The final few days, Friday 24th July, are a write-off again with strong cross-shore winds and tiny, weak swell.

So, to cut to the chase: Thursday 9th July is the best opener, Friday 10th July is a close second, but the absolute highlight is Tuesday 14th July for the big-wave experts. For the best quality for advanced surfers, hit Friday 17th July and Saturday 18th July.

Rusty.

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