Chinamans Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, mates, Rusty here. We’ve got the next 16 days for Chinamans, and it’s a bit of a mixed bag. This is a reef setup, so we’re looking at a wave that can handle a bit of size, but the wind is going to be the real story. The water’s sitting at 59°, which is pretty average for the time of year, nothing unusual there.

The first sign of something worth paddling out for hits on Friday, September 4th, afternoon. We’ve got a solid 8ft of SW swell, with a very long 16-second period and a combined energy of 3455 (moderate). The wind is cross-off from the NNE at 16 mph, so it’ll be clean. It’s a promising start, but the forecast says it’s marginal, so keep an eye on the tide.

Saturday, September 5th is a write-off. That SW swell bumps up to 12ft, but the wind is howling from the W at 31 mph in the morning and 28 mph in the afternoon. It’s going to be a mess. Don’t bother.

Sunday, September 6th is a bit of a letdown. The swell is still 8ft in the morning and 7ft in the afternoon, with a long 14-second period, but the wind is cross at 9 mph. The energy is moderate (2357 and 1762), but it’s only a marginal call. It’s not firing.

Monday, September 7th and Tuesday, September 8th are small and weak. The swell drops to 4ft on Monday, and the wind is cross-on and choppy. Tuesday has a bit more size at 7ft, with a very long period of 17 seconds, but the wind is still cross. This is a spot where that long period might make it a bit straight, but it’s worth a look if you’re desperate.

Now, Wednesday, September 9th and Thursday, September 10th are for experts only. The swell is 7ft to 10ft, but the wind is onshore and strong, with cross-on sides. The energy is strong (4868 on Wednesday morning, 6392 on Wednesday afternoon). It’s going to be a war zone. This is more kite-surfing territory than paddle surfing.

The next real standout, and the best of the first week, is Saturday, September 12th. Come afternoon, the swell is 4ft from the SW with a very long 18-second period, and the wind is glassy from the ENE at 3 mph. The energy is moderate (1471), and it’s described as “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” That’s a window of pure, clean, glassy waves. If you can get out there, do it.

The second week starts with a bit of a drop-off. Sunday, September 14th and Monday, September 15th are small, with the swell dropping to 3ft and the wind cross-on and fresh. Not much going on.

Tuesday, September 15th afternoon gets a bit of a bump, with 6ft from the WSW, but the wind is cross-on and choppy. Not great.

The real standout for the whole 16-day window, and the one that’s worth a serious mark on the calendar, is Friday, September 18th. The afternoon session is looking special. We’ve got a solid 12ft SW swell, a 13-second period, and a combined energy of 4681 (moderate). The wind is glassy from the ENE at 3 mph. That’s a big, clean swell with no wind. It’s for experienced surfers only, but it’s a dream.

Then Saturday, September 19th finishes strong. The morning has 7ft from the WSW, with a cross-off wind. The afternoon is pumping with 12ft from the SW, a 17-second period, and a combined energy of 6281 (strong). The wind is clean cross-off at 9 mph. It’s a solid finish to the period.

Overall, the standout is that glassy Friday, September 18th afternoon. Saturday, September 12th afternoon is a close second. Everything else is a battle with the wind or a wait for the next pulse.

Rusty.

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