Chinamans Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. The ocean’s been doing its thing, and for Chinamans we’ve got a mixed bag of conditions coming our way over the next couple of weeks. But don’t worry, there are a few windows where it’s going to light up.

We're starting off on Wednesday the 16th with some solid 8ft SW swell, but the wind is a cross-on from the SE at 12 mph, which is going to put a bit of chop on the face. The combined energy is strong, sitting at 2559. It’s a bit messy, so not the best time to be out there if you want clean lines. Thursday the 17th drops a touch to 5ft, but the standout is Thursday afternoon when the wind goes completely glassy (0 mph) and the swell settles to 5ft. That’s a real treat, clean as a whistle, and the best conditions of this opening stretch. The energy is moderate at 776, but the glass makes up for it.

Friday the 18th sees the swell back down to 4ft with a long 17-second period, but the offshore NW wind at 16 mph in the morning will keep things clean, even if the size is on the smaller side. The afternoon is a bit nicer with 9 mph offshore winds, still clean. This is a point-break setup, so that long period is going to work well, holding its shape. Saturday the 19th is small, 3ft, and probably not worth paddling out for unless you're on a longboard and just want some cruisey waves.

Sunday the 20th brings a bit more energy back with 5ft and a 16-second period, but the wind swings to a cross-off in the morning, which should keep things rideable. The afternoon gets a bit cross and messy, so make the most of the morning.

Monday the 21st is looking onshore and messy, and then Tuesday the 22nd has a pulse of 7ft SW, but it’s choppy and poor. Not one to get excited about.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Wednesday the 23rd is a real standout. We’ve got an excellent forecast for experienced surfers. The swell is a clean 5ft from the SW with a 15-second period, and the wind is a light cross-off from the N at 9 mph in the morning. The water’s clean, the waves will be holding their shape perfectly. This is the best day of the first week by a long shot. Don’t sleep on it.

After that, the middle of the week gets a bit junky again with small, choppy surf. But hold on, because the long-range forecast is showing something potentially special.

Saturday the 26th is when things start to ramp up. A bigger, longer-period swell is moving in. Saturday morning is still manageable at 5ft with a 21-second period, but Saturday afternoon the swell jumps to 8ft, and the energy is very strong at 4870. The problem is the cross-onshore wind that’s going to chop it up. It’s powerful, but messy.

Then Sunday the 27th, that’s the one to circle on the calendar, but it’s for experts only. We’re looking at a solid 7ft SW groundswell with a 17-second period, but there’s a fresh offshore NNW breeze at 22 mph. That’s going to groom it into some serious, clean, hollow walls. This is a powerful, expert-level session. There’s also a bit of rain around, but that’s a small price to pay for that kind of raw power. The energy is strong at 2662.

But Monday the 28th is a different beast entirely. The swell tops out at 13ft in the afternoon with energy reading a massive 9123. However, the wind is a cross-onshore SW at 12 mph, making it a total washing machine. It’s too big and too messy for anyone. Unless you’re a chartered kite surfer, I’d stay well away.

The last few days of the window, the 29th and 30th, see the swell ease back down. The 30th has a good pulse of 8ft with an 18-second period, but the cross-onshore winds continue to mess with the surface. It’s a shame, because the raw energy is there, it just won’t be clean.

So, bottom line: keep your eyes on Thursday the 17th afternoon for the perfect glass, and Wednesday the 23rd for the best all-round session. And if you’re a seasoned pro looking for a challenge, Sunday the 27th is going to be a serious test. For the rest, it’s a waiting game for the winds to align.

Signing off, Rusty.

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