Nanwan Beach (South Bay) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here again with the same outlook, but in feet and miles per hour for those who think in those numbers.

Let’s talk about what’s coming up at Nanwan Beach (South Bay). It’s a test of patience this 16-day run. Near term is a bust, second week has a massive spike of energy for experts only, then a quick fade.

Water temp is about 84°F, which is normal for the season.

The first few days—August 23rd and 24th—are a write-off. Moderate to heavy rain, cross-onshore winds from SSW and SW at around 19 mph, and a messy, lumpy surf. Swell is 10ft to 7ft, short period, combined energy in the moderate range (1193 to 918). Not worth getting wet.

Through the 25th and 26th, the wind swings cross-offshore from the west, and the surf cleans up, but the swell is weak, only about 7ft to 8ft with a short 9-second period. Combined energy drops to 488. The afternoon of the 25th might give you a few clean lines if you’re keen, but it’s marginal.

From August 27th to the 31st, and into early September, it’s a strong wind period. Northwest and southwest winds howl at 28 to 37 mph, sometimes stronger. Swell hangs around 5ft to 8ft, short period (8-10 sec), with moderate to strong energy (388 to 1093). All poor conditions.

Then on September 1st and 2nd, the swell rises to about 8ft, period stretches to 11-12 seconds, and combined energy jumps into strong territory (2017 and 2774). Winds ease to 12-19 mph from ENE, keeping things clean. Still tagged as marginal for quality.

Now the big one. September 3rd and 4th—this is for experts only. Swell builds from 12ft to a massive 20ft, coming from the SW and SSW, with period running 13 to 15 seconds—that’s deep ocean groundswell. Combined energy is extreme: 3676, 5992, 11868, 17304. Winds are light (6-12 mph), mostly cross-off or cross, keeping the surface clean. This is way oversized for Nanwan, so only the most skilled surfers should paddle out. Long period will make the waves wall up.

The 5th of September still has 18ft to 16ft swell, but the period drops to 10 seconds, with clean winds from NW. Still huge for this break.

By September 6th, everything backs off to a friendly 8ft to 7ft, with a short 8-second period. Combined energy drops to 859 and 641. Winds are light from the WNW, cross-off, clean—a nice mellow window for intermediates. The 7th fades further to 6ft and onshore winds return.

Best bet: The giant swell of September 3rd-5th for the hardcore crew. For everyone else, the clean but small window on the afternoon of September 6th is the only decent option.

Crowds? This spot is “often” busy, so expect company. Nanwan is fairly consistent and exposed to the SSE, so those big swells will pour in—but the massive size will scare off the crowds, leaving only the brave.

Patience, mate. The first week is a dud, the second week is a bomb.

Rusty.

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