Surfing Tips

Sometimes it is damn hard to find the surf breaks in Japan…down back streets and side alleys. I’ve gotten lost more than once trying to get to a well know surf spot – and it’s not good spending precious surfing time on the road lost. If it is your first time to explore a new break, plan ahead and check the routes on Google Maps, or ask a local to show you the way. One book I often refer to is Surfing A Go Go! (サーフィン・ア・ゴー・ゴー)

There are not many surfspots that have easily accessible showers for rinsing off. Some spots do, but many have very little in the way of any decent facilities. Bring a big keg of water to wash yourself down with after a long days surfing. There’s nothing worse than feeling itchy from the salt water on a 3 hour trip home in the car!

This really depends on where you are going and if there are any surfshops nearby. If you are a beginner looking to rent all the equipment, or get some surfing lessons, your best bet would be to stay close to the Shonan area. Lots of surf shops near to the beach and easy access. If you are venturing out further, it would be best to check ahead as to whether the area you’re going to has any surf shops that rent boards. Not everywhere does, so it is best to get the info ahead of time. Bringing you’re own – if it is an option – is always your best best. Better still, hook up with a mate in Japan that already has one! Got no mates in Japan?? Then join the Japan surfing community on our message boards! GPS Navigation is always a good option too.

Many places now rent cars to foreigners without any issues. The minimum age for driving in Japan is 18 years, and you will need a Japanese driver's license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to rent and drive a car. Also Japanese drive on the LEFT side of the road, so if you're from the USA it may take a bit of getting used to. You'll find many rental car companies at or close to the airports. Many have shuttle buses that take you directly to the rental shop. Some of the major rental car companies include Toyota Rent a car, Nippon Rent a car, Orix Rent a car. TIMES also have a car rental/share service which is convenient for small trips.

Although Japan has some of the most crowded spots in the world – you can always get a wave somewhere. Nothing like the tension and crowds you’d see in a place like Hawaii or anything… Just a mellow crowd.. With a bunch of “soup riders” thrown in. There are a few ‘hot spots’ around the place where only experienced surfers should paddle out, but like anywhere in the world you surf, treat the locals with respect and you’ll fit in no problems.

The typhoons that hit Japan's coast bring some world class waves to the island. However timing is crucial. Being in the right place at the right time can mean the difference between 8 foot perfection and 2 foot slop. Take some time off or travel to Japan in the typhoon season (Aug/Sep) and you'll most likely end up catching a typhoon swell.

The late Summer months of August – October are your best chance to pick up some typhoon swells and some mighty powerful waves. On the other side of the coin, the Japan Sea side picks up most of the swell during the Winter months between December – March. Japan is a very fickle place, so you have to be on your game. Check the weather charts, swell maps, surf reports… The swell can drop from 4 foot to 4cm in the matter of a couple of hours. But that’s all part of the fun though, isn’t it??

Japanese surfers are generally less talkative in the water than their western counterparts, but if you start the conversation you'll quickly make new friends and who know, maybe score some local inside knowledge at the same time.