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Surfing in Japan
A Guide by the Yamasa Institute
Innovative, International & Non Profit
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Add windsurfing
"Surfing in Japan? Are you serious?" is something I frequently hear when I mention summer activities. Why people ask this question I'm not really sure. We are never far from the sea regardless of where you live in Japan, and just like the foreign residents, Japanese people love sandcastle building, rock walking, exploring tidal pools, body surfing, surf-ski paddling, boogie boarding, short and longboard riding and just about every other wave riding endeavour you can think of. Its true that in many locations the quality of surf (even in prime conditions) will not usually be able to match waves in Bali, Australia, Hawaii or other well known spots. However if you do want to surf, and don't exactly have enough spare change to fly overseas for the weekend, then fortunately there are some good surf beaches around. And you will be doing well to encounter a friendlier surfing community than Japan's.
Important points:
Respect the locals. As with any other surf beach in the world, the locals will object to your presence if you make a nuisance of yourself.
Its worth observing a local as you will have the chance to understand the idiosyncrasies of a break, and any danger spots.
If you are going to be here for more than one summer, then be polite and friendly - if you can make a friend you will not only
have more fun and get more Japanese practise, but you may also be invited to surf some well kept secrets.
Safety - there are some dangers involved:
i) Keep out of other surfers way. If someone is riding a wave paddle toward where they have come from, not across their line.
Sooner or later you may find yourself in someone's way - apologise politely.
ii) Keep an eye out for swimmers - especially in August when there are frequently people who rarely go to the beach out in the water.
iii) Do not bail from your board before checking to see if anyone is behind you.
Secure your valuables. It unlikely that anything will be stolen, and compared to Bali and other surfing destinations it
is extremely safe here. HOWEVER - lock valuables in the car or ensure that someone stays with your stuff when you are in the
water, or (if all else fails etc) use the Australian method of hiding your keys and wallets inside your sandshoes.
Learn the language - or at least make an effort to learn the surfing terminology in Japanese.
Bring your own gear if possible. If not, bring enough money!
C O M M U N I T Y M E M B E R S
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Hattori Foundation (est.1919) - The Yamasa Institute
1-2-1 Hanehigashi-machi, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, JAPAN 444-0832
Tel: +81 (0)564 55 8111 Fax: +81 (0)564 55 8113 Email: Inquiries
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Declan Murphy and the students and
staff of the
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Ní thuigim thú
